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Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Spread The Word To End The Word

In 2009 I wrote a post about the results of Kayla's IQ test and how I felt about the r-word. I was joining the Special Olympics campaign to 'Spread the Word to End the Word.' 

I've also posted some videos: NJ Self-Advocates On The R-Word; a 60-second clip on the r-word in the media and Rob Johnson from CBS talking about it. My favorite quote from Rob Johnson, "You think you're being clever and hip when you use the R-word, but you're not, you're just being ignorant."

Then there were the Washington Post articles.

Finally there was a certain big-name celebrity's use of the word on a popular morning talk show.

My post today is short and simple and to the point.

If you use the word r*tard(ed) in an every day slang kind of way and say it isn't meant to hurt or offend, that you didn't mean it that way, that it wasn't being directed at those with intellectual disabilities, then let me ask you this: Was it meant to be a compliment?

That's what I thought.

Words matter. Think before you speak. Take the pledge: I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities

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3 comments:

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Thanks for pointing this word out! I agree with your post. We need these lessons
kim

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I pledge it, girl. It's a word that was SUPPOSED to be used scientifically. It has become mean and cruel. And I instantly correct anyone who uses it.

Leah said...

http://www.wthr.com/story/14214460/schools-join-campaign-against-r-word
This is a link to our news station in Indy covering a story in a local high school in our neighborhood. Thought you'd like to see a teen's view!