Spread the Word to End the Word

Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use every day, or what tone you associate with certain words? Stop and think. Have you ever used the R-word (retarded or retard)? And in what fashion do you use it? In normal conversation with friends, or when you refer to a person with mental disabilities? The bigger question is how do you think you make people with mental disabilities and the people who support them feel when you use the R-word? The R- word hurts because it is offensive and derogatory.

                The words “mental retardation” or “mentally retarded” were meant to be used specifically in a medical environment. Today the word “retard” or “retarded” is used all over society to degrade and alienate people with mental disabilities. Also, it is now popular to use the word “retard” when referring to people who are acting “dumb” or “stupid” when they do not have intellectual disabilities. The use of these words in a derogatory manner adds to the use of stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities and makes them feel less respected. 

                Think of a time when you have heard someone say “You are so retarded” or “Stop being such a retard.” When used in this way, the R-word can be applied to anyone. Even though it is not directed to a person who is mentally impaired, it is still hurtful. Using this word means you are excluding people with mental disabilities from society. When saying the R-word, what you really mean is that he or she is as stupid as a person with intellectual disabilities. The impression is that the only characteristic of a mentally impaired individual is their stupidity.

                Now think about a time when you have been alienated yourself. Do you remember what it feels like to not be a part of a group? Try having the majority of society discriminate against you because you are different. Think about having the word “Retarded” stamped on your forehead every day for the rest of your life. You would feel lonely, depressed, and hated because “retard” is a word of hate. It is easy to spread hate, but much harder to stand up against it. When you use the R-word think about how you would feel to be labeled in such a manner. There is currently a campaign called Spread the Word to End the Word. The purpose of this campaign is to stop people from using the r-word in a derogatory manner. They now have a website, www.r-word.org, where you can pledge to stop using the r- word and influence others to do the same.

                This movement is very close to my heart, because on May 14th ^th, 2011 my cousin, Sydney, was born with Downs Syndrome. I also grew up with a girl who had Muscle Dystrophy and I have helped special kids ride horses. I never felt like their lives were much different than mine other than their lives were much harder. Sydney will face many challenges in her life, but I do not want a stereotype to be one. I want people to know her as Sydney not the retard in the class. She deserves to enjoy her life as much as anyone else, but I cannot be with her every day to protect her from the harmful slang that people use in her dispense, so that is why I am asking you to stand up for change. Think about what you say before you say it and influence others to stop using the r-word. Pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word, every pledge counts. Normal is boring; different is exciting so why degrade someone who is different? Inspire them. Encourage them. And call them heroes because they face challenges every day. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Seuss