Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. Being able to express one's opinion whenever they want is something that should not be taken for granted. Sometimes the things that people say, however, are not said to make a point, but simply to cause shame and hurt. Seldom, do people take the time to actually think about the words that are coming out of their mouth. Therefore some have chosen to take the r word pledge. They are pledging to keep the hurtful word "retard" out of their vocabulary.
It is true, that there are those that have some form of a disability, and the term mental retardation may be used to describe them. It becomes a serious issue, when it is being used as an adjective in a derogatory way to describe a situation, person, or action. It hurts when it shouldn't. Just because an individual has a disability does not mean that they are a bad person. They should not be treated as taboo, nor their condition. The reason why this pledge is special is because it encourages people to stop using the word "retarded" because it hurts.
For a while, there had not been anyone who actually took an effort nationally to put an end to derogatory remarks and prejudice shown against those with these challenges. One site in particular, the r word campaign, was the site that first brought national attention to how people used certain terms inappropriately.
People can check themselves and think about the last time they heard the word retard being used in a defamatory way. Maybe it was at school, work, or at a public facility. People hardly ever directly use those terms with a person who has a disability. Maybe doing harm is not always intentional, but the wrong term being used the wrong way does hurt individuals and families.
Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither is a person's vocabulary. It takes years to build and develop. So, it will take years sometimes to omit certain terminology. Those with disabilities understand that. But, what they want others to understand is their desire for others to be aware of the things that they speak. Other terms and phrases can be used.
The reason for this campaign that has brought about this pledge is to bring awareness about the use of this hateful terminology and encourage people to take a stand and speak against it. When an individual takes a stand on their own and tells others about the misuse of this word, it no longer becomes opinion. It has now become a matter of showing respect.
Advocates who strongly believe in change can help to curve the way that people speak and the way that they think. Harm being shown to people that have disabilities is not something that has to remain. People need to watch their words and show compassion.
Rosa's Law, which was established by the Obama administration in 2010, took the terms "intellectual disability" as a replacement to "mental retardation." Legislation has decided that there is no room for the use of derogatory words in federal legislation. Therefore, the change to make it disappear altogether falls on the individual.
It is true, that there are those that have some form of a disability, and the term mental retardation may be used to describe them. It becomes a serious issue, when it is being used as an adjective in a derogatory way to describe a situation, person, or action. It hurts when it shouldn't. Just because an individual has a disability does not mean that they are a bad person. They should not be treated as taboo, nor their condition. The reason why this pledge is special is because it encourages people to stop using the word "retarded" because it hurts.
For a while, there had not been anyone who actually took an effort nationally to put an end to derogatory remarks and prejudice shown against those with these challenges. One site in particular, the r word campaign, was the site that first brought national attention to how people used certain terms inappropriately.
People can check themselves and think about the last time they heard the word retard being used in a defamatory way. Maybe it was at school, work, or at a public facility. People hardly ever directly use those terms with a person who has a disability. Maybe doing harm is not always intentional, but the wrong term being used the wrong way does hurt individuals and families.
Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither is a person's vocabulary. It takes years to build and develop. So, it will take years sometimes to omit certain terminology. Those with disabilities understand that. But, what they want others to understand is their desire for others to be aware of the things that they speak. Other terms and phrases can be used.
The reason for this campaign that has brought about this pledge is to bring awareness about the use of this hateful terminology and encourage people to take a stand and speak against it. When an individual takes a stand on their own and tells others about the misuse of this word, it no longer becomes opinion. It has now become a matter of showing respect.
Advocates who strongly believe in change can help to curve the way that people speak and the way that they think. Harm being shown to people that have disabilities is not something that has to remain. People need to watch their words and show compassion.
Rosa's Law, which was established by the Obama administration in 2010, took the terms "intellectual disability" as a replacement to "mental retardation." Legislation has decided that there is no room for the use of derogatory words in federal legislation. Therefore, the change to make it disappear altogether falls on the individual.
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