On Tuesday, March 31, thousands across our nation will pledge to do something that will change them and the people they are around forever…they will pledge to stop using the word “retard.” Spread the Word to End the Word is a National Awareness Day to raise awareness of the hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using it. This pledge campaign was initiated by the Special Olympics, an organization dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities through sports activities.
Special Olympics launched its Spread the Word to End the Word campaign in August 2008 when the film “Tropic Thunder” hit theatres. Special Olympics, along with a coalition of 17 disability organizations throughout the country including National Down Syndrome Society, American Association of People with Disabilities, The Arc of the United States and Best Buddies spoke out against the film, which featured the prominent use of the R-word.
Respectful and inclusive language is essential to show people with intellectual disabilities respect and to give them dignity. Much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word “retard(ed).” Maybe it takes knowing and loving someone who is intellectually impaired to be offended by the use of that word.
“Most people don’t think of this word as the language of hate, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends,” said actor and activist John C. McGinley, of the hit show “Scrubs.” McGinley added, “I choose to believe that most of us are fundamentally good and that we’re just not aware that the word is offensive and that it hurts.”
That is the goal of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign-to promote awareness and initiate change. As a parent of a fantastic son who is intellectually impaired, I urge all of us to be aware of the words that we use and to be part of the change that will break down barriers and stereotypes.
I challenge you to make that pledge on March 31st to stop using the R-word and any other words that bring someone else down. Get to know someone with intellectual disabilities. Spend time with them. I promise you that you will be changed forever.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I agree with this article very much. I remember an incident many years ago when I was in elementary school, a group of children at a bus stop used the “r” word. At the time I didn’t stand up and say something, but my mother who happened to be close by, did say something. She lectured the children, many of whom were friends of mine. I have never forgotten that incident and I hope that all of those children have never forgotten either. Everyone deserves respect.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I strongly agree with everything Jeff said!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:08 am
As a parent of a child with disabilities, I am an advocate for ending the “R” word. I made my pledge, along with many others from LHS’s special education department, and was proud to be a part of the campaign!
April 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I totally agree with this article. I think a lot of times, people say things out of ignorance, and in doing so, cause a lot of pain to people that have disabilities. We need to become a more educated society on the subject of disabilities. People seem to make fun of or say ignorant things about subjects that they are not educated on.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:02 am
The “R” word has always been an unwelcome word in our home. My kids have grown up knowing it was a garbage word and they were never to use it. My daughter took a little girl with Down Syndrome under her wing as her partner in their dance group. It really made my daughter as happy as or happier than the other little girl. This example helped the other children in the group to open up to this child. I feel that people are just afraid of what they don’t know. Once they understand something they can feel more comfortable with it.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Language, just like public policy, follows social change. I’m glad to see how much society has changed by how it’s reflected in the words we choose, or don’t choose to use. DOWN with the “R” word!
April 7th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I had an interesting experience of having to explain to someone why this was needed – and was surprised at the naivete involved, considering that the person asking the question is a champion for the minority and anxious to see everyone get a fair shake at life. Interesting that it didn’t translate to the population of people with disabilities as well! Looks like we’ve got more work to do.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I really appreciate this campaign. It has made me more aware of the things I say. It has also opened up some good topics for family discussion in our home.
April 7th, 2009 at 9:23 am
SO true! What a great idea! It all starts with changing ourselves!
April 7th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I couldn’t agree more. The language we use to connect with one another is powerful for good or bad. I think that those of us who have pledged to not use the “R” word should go one step further and help others understand why the should stop using this word as well.