Nazis killed ppl with disabilities.
So I get annoyed at all the hypocrites who put “Woke AF” or “Antifascist” or “ally” in their bio, but then can’t be bothered to do the bare minimum on here by labeling images with AltText for those with vision impairments.
If you struggle to come up with AltText, you can use the Alt4Me hashtag; there are many ppl on here who will write it for you. Then you just edit your toot and copy-paste it into the text box after hitting “edit” on the image.
The edit button is a privilege—there’s no shame in using it when someone reminds you to use AltText. Heck, I edit just about every other post due to misspelling/wonky grammar/formatting.
Rather than get pissed that someone is trying to remind you to be inclusive, you can save face by saying “thank you for reminding me,” and then editing your post.
Calling those of us who provide/remind you to use AltText “part of the Fediverse HOA” is some next-level hypocrisy designed to stifle actual allies.
As part of the disabled community, even tho my disability is not vision-related, when I see a prominent Fediverse poster with “Woke AF/ally” in their bio CONSISTENTLY posting images w/o AltText, and then STEADFASTLY REFUSING to edit their posts to include AltText even when gently reminded/provided AltText, all I can think is, that person is ableist; they are not my ally. It stings.
Y’all know most people aren’t diving into your replies on the chance someone else provided AltText, right?
The AltText is for ppl w/vision impairments, and text readers don’t always pick up on text in images. Plus, it helps others who might not understand the significance of the image, or maybe their internet service isn’t loading images.
You don’t have to go into minute detail—just be descriptive and highlight what’s important in the image (i.e., why you shared it).
Don’t use it (just) to post a bunch of hashtags or make a joke.
Jokes and additional commentary can be fun, but is not the main point.
Big thanks to all of y’all who already use AltText, or edit to include AltText when reminded, or who ask for help w/AltText. Heroes 🙏
Another way you can help is to remind those you have a personal relationship w/on here to use AltText when they forget. People take correction easier when it’s from someone they know and respect. That’s true for everyone, not just ppl w/thin skin.
And don’t boost images that don’t have AltText. Heck, I don’t even favorite them, but that’s just me (see previous).
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