What is this word?
The R-word is retarded.
I used to be guilty of using this word. I'll be quite honest. My best friend pointed it out to me one day way before Ollie, and I made it a point to avoid that word. I understood what she was saying, and she was right.
Some how we have made this word an "acceptable" word in our language. We allow others to use it around us, and we use it all the time when we are joking around. It's "acceptable" to most to call someone else retarded. However, it's extremely derogatory.
It stereotypes, it's offensive, it's hurtful, it's demeaning. It IS a hate word.
When I hear this word now, I cringe because the R-word is NOT my daughter.
This doesn't mean if you use this word around me that I'll hold it against you, but yes it does bother me. There are so many other words to be used, so replace the R-word with respect. Respect for me, respect for my daughter, respect for an entire community of people with feelings just like my little Ollie.
Go to the link above to sign up for the campaign to abolish this word & replace it with understanding, inclusion, and approval.
“Everyone has a gift and the world would be better off if we recognized it.” – Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics.
very well said Annie!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. I stopped going to my dog groomer because they have an album on Facebook called "Golden R******ds" with pictures of golden retrievers.
ReplyDeleteNot cool.
Honestly I can't imagine ever using that word even joking...people say things and they just don't know how it hurts...even words like stupid, bad girl or boy etc and then they wonder why their kids grow up with lack of self-esteem...we all do need to watch our words more...good post! And when you hear someone say something we should quietly speak up and say something..just like your friend did.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, this word (in reference to people) has not been in general use in my circles at least for quite some time. I'm sad to hear it is still an issue.
ReplyDeleteI think the last time I used that word I got a hiding, but it doesn't change the way my heart as been. In my second pregnancy I was terrified that I would have a special needs baby to the point of avvoiding a special needs school on the property we live and the family with a special needs daughter who live downstairs from us (we are the house parents of a Bible school). My son (he is just 2) started barging into their rooms and talking to their bed-ridden daughter. He has such a love for this young woman. And then I discovered your blog and I felt so burdened to pray for your family. God has done such a work in my heart. And I pray He does the same work in the hearts of the people who still use the word or have the heart attitude.
ReplyDelete