How Is The R Word Pledge Taken

By Helen Reed


It is said that spoken words have unique powers. Depending on how the words are used, the power is either positive or negative. The r word pledge was started to discourage and end the use of the term retarded or retarded in reference to persons who are intellectually impaired. This reference is hurtful and demeaning. Its avoidance makes the society more accommodating of shortcomings in other people. It shows respect and recognition of varied talents enabling people to take the right actions towards persons gifted differently.

The gist of this campaign is to show the variation in gifts other than inability. The argument is that not everyone can swim, walk, sing, run, etc as fast as everyone else. This does not make the people any less valuable. There is need, therefore, to get rid of this word to avoid battering the self esteem of affected people. Everyone should be regarded with dignity despite certain shortcomings.

The genesis of the phrase mentally retarded or mental retardation was in medicine. It had a connotative meaning and was specifically intended for clinical use. Overtime, it was mainstreamed with the elimination of mental or mentally and is now used to insult people based on their intellectual capability. It makes the people being referenced to feel as though they have lower mental capacity and are thus less valued members of the society.

Mental retardation is the preferred reference in medical circles for a person who is mentally impaired. Though people who engage in stupid acts are regarded as retards, it is hurtful when used on persons with real mental condition. It shows failure to appreciate or ignorance of the gifts that such a person possesses.

The campaign began in 2009 at a Special Olympics activation event. There arose the need to put the person before what he or she can do. Focus was to shift from cognitive or developmental inability and shine on his intrinsic value. It was a call to appreciate that such persons have satisfying experiences like every normal human being. Words should not be used to make them appear any less human.

Pledges are registered on the official campaign website where you are required to give the name, residence city and country or state where you come from. You may add details about your organization or school, but these are optional. These details are filled on a prompt form with your commitment being displayed for the world to see. You are invited to sign in for a monthly newsletter containing calendar of events, news and more campaign information.

One of the phrases used in reference to people who are mentally impaired is, What is wrong with him? This campaign seeks to focus on ability. The fact that someone is using a wheelchair does not mean that he is incapable of so many things. Not everyone can run, draw, sing, swim, etc. That is not an indication of anything wrong. Mental impairment should be regarded in similar light.

People making pledges are invited to share personal experiences with mentally impaired persons. The experiences will help people view the victims as ordinary human beings only that they are alternatively gifted. By creating a positive aura around the issue the affected persons will feel more dignified.




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