It is wonderful to live in a country that believes in the freedom of speech. People are allowed to say what they want because after all, it is their opinion. However, sometimes the things that come out of an individual's mouth are intended to not simply make a point, but sometimes to hurt. Many times, people don't stop and think about how what they say can affect other people. Many have decided to take the r word pledge. They pledge to keep the word retarded out of their vocabulary.
There are some individuals that may have intellectual disabilities. There is nothing wrong with using the term mental retardation. However, when it is used as an adjective describing what one feels as being stupid or bad, it then becomes a weapon that is used to hurt. Those that have developmental disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities are not bad. Nor should their condition be considered bad. This special pledge is basically for people to stop using the word "retard" because it hurts individuals and families.
For many years, no one really took a stand nationally to speak out against the attitudes of discrimination and prejudice shown towards those with disabilities. Now, many sites all over the internet are making their presence known and bringing attention to how these derogatory words are being communicated.
One might ask themselves, how long has it been since they heard the terminology retard or retarded being used in a discriminatory way. It could have been at work, school, or even in a public place. One could safely say, that people seldom call a person with a disability by those terms. Sometimes no harm is meant towards people with disabilities, but the "r" word does hurt.
Vocabulary grows and builds over a time period. So, it will definitely take some time to omit words that are frequently used. Those that have disabilities are aware of this, and are just concerned about people being aware of what they say. There are alternate terms that can be used such as silly, ridiculous, or crazy.
The real reason why this campaign started was in order to bring awareness to a problem that has been overlooked for decades. Hateful terminology is causing hurt, and it is time to take a stand and speak against it for some. When enough people take a stand, opinions no longer are opinions. It is now all about respect.
Many people believe that being an advocate for change can put an end to how people think, as well as how they speak. Harmful effects to people with disabilities does not have to continue. All one needs to do is watch what they say, and open their hearts.
It was only in 2010 that the Obama administration saw the importance of passing Rosa's Law. Under this law, the words "mental retardation" are replaced with "intellectual disability." Therefore, if the government has changed federal legislation regarding derogatory words, there is no excuse for anyone to continue to use the r-word.
There are some individuals that may have intellectual disabilities. There is nothing wrong with using the term mental retardation. However, when it is used as an adjective describing what one feels as being stupid or bad, it then becomes a weapon that is used to hurt. Those that have developmental disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities are not bad. Nor should their condition be considered bad. This special pledge is basically for people to stop using the word "retard" because it hurts individuals and families.
For many years, no one really took a stand nationally to speak out against the attitudes of discrimination and prejudice shown towards those with disabilities. Now, many sites all over the internet are making their presence known and bringing attention to how these derogatory words are being communicated.
One might ask themselves, how long has it been since they heard the terminology retard or retarded being used in a discriminatory way. It could have been at work, school, or even in a public place. One could safely say, that people seldom call a person with a disability by those terms. Sometimes no harm is meant towards people with disabilities, but the "r" word does hurt.
Vocabulary grows and builds over a time period. So, it will definitely take some time to omit words that are frequently used. Those that have disabilities are aware of this, and are just concerned about people being aware of what they say. There are alternate terms that can be used such as silly, ridiculous, or crazy.
The real reason why this campaign started was in order to bring awareness to a problem that has been overlooked for decades. Hateful terminology is causing hurt, and it is time to take a stand and speak against it for some. When enough people take a stand, opinions no longer are opinions. It is now all about respect.
Many people believe that being an advocate for change can put an end to how people think, as well as how they speak. Harmful effects to people with disabilities does not have to continue. All one needs to do is watch what they say, and open their hearts.
It was only in 2010 that the Obama administration saw the importance of passing Rosa's Law. Under this law, the words "mental retardation" are replaced with "intellectual disability." Therefore, if the government has changed federal legislation regarding derogatory words, there is no excuse for anyone to continue to use the r-word.
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If you are looking for the facts about the R word pledge, go to our web pages online here today. More details are available at http://familymemberinc.org now.
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