Having spent a very wet day in Brighton today with the Movers and Shakers encouraging the locals to sign a Parliamentary petition to debate the points laid out in the Parky Charter, a conversation caught me eye on social media.
An objection to the use of the word ‘parky’ as an abbreviation for Parkinson’s Disease or someone with the condition was being discussed. The point being that the term ‘parky’ trivialises the disease, and doesn’t do much to help awareness of the challenges sufferers face, or the gravity of the condition.
In true Parkinson’s community style, the conversation was very cordial even if participants had opposing views on the subject. Like a few of the participants, it wasn’t something I had really thought about, but I could definitely see why some folks feel the term ‘parky’ might give the impression that Parkinson’s Disease is a friendly chap and doesn’t need to be taken too seriously.
On the flip side I personally prefer to refer to myself as a ‘Parky’ as it helps me not to dwell on what might be.
Then again, I can be a bit of an “Indecisive Dave” when it comes to expressing an opinion.
Personally, the myriad of terms used to describe a Parkinson’s club membership, mirrors the wide variety of people affected by the disease and the potential symptoms. Whether you are a Parky, (or Parkie as I noticed I had referred to myself in an earlier post), Parkinsonian, Person with Parkinson’s etc. everyone is different and how you prefer to refer to your condition I think should be your choice.
Then again “what about Peter Stilton?“
Balls to Parkinson’s 