People who use drugs and the role of the Media

People who use drugs and the role of the Media 

Here we are it's 2015 and still the media think its ok to call people who use drugs 'Junkies'.
In this particular instance with The Northern Star newspaper in New South Wales in Australia its not just 'Junkie, no not just Junkie but 'Junkie Scum''- Nice!
In a attempt to sell newspapers my local rag has gone to denigrating and dehumanizing users once again.
Currently most countries have some rules that govern what the media or others can and cannot do, and who they can and cannot discriminate against.
Great - I hear you say but hold, on there's a catch - it seems its still ok to discriminate against people who use drugs in most countries. While the impact of stigmatization and discrimination is widely known and accepted, it seems that as users of different drugs we are somehow unaffected by stigma or perhaps they consider us as deserving of such humiliation and discrimination. Sure they might not get away with talking derogatorily about our diseases or disabilities such as HIV or Hep C but it seems as PWUD we are still fair game.
I for one think that is quite frankly - fucked.

The "J" Word and who can use it.

I have been called a lot of things in my lifetime. Some good, some bad, some accurate,  and some unprintable but for the purpose of this blog I will say;

I have been called a junkie and I have been called 'Mum'. 

As someone who has even changed their name I understand more than most the power of language, and of choice. To be called and known by whatever name you chose and not to be defined by an outside source.

Lately there seems to be a bit of confusion around what is and what is not acceptable language to use when talking about people who use drugs, this may be in part to the reclaiming of the word 'Junkie'.
Just as the word 'Queer' was reclaimed by the gay community and is now a celebrated term,  the word 'Junkie' is making a bit of a comeback and being reclaimed by some people who use drugs (not all though).

WARNING ** However just like the word 'N****R' if you DO NOT IDENTIFY as a JUNKIE it is highly offensive to use the word. **

By the same token,if you identify as a person who uses drugs then you can use whatever terminology that you see fit, you can alternate terms and even change your mind - daily- it is your right.
But for the rest of you, even if someone identifies as a "person who uses drugs" and uses the word 'junkie' it does NOT give you the right to use the 'J' word.
 Some people use words without thinking of what they are actually saying. So put some thought into what your saying. Think about the impact your words may have on a persons sense of self and self worth.
If in doubt here are some common words and terms used and the preferred language.

It is NOT OK to say : Drug addict, drug user, junkie, smackie, addict, or any similar term
The correct term is: People Who Use Drugs.

It is simple, its not hard to remember.

This use of language identifies the person first and the action secondly.
It is generic and non-judgemental and is endorsed by INPUD (the International Network of People Who Use Drugs).
Any thoughts?