Words have power. Unfortunately, some of this power is negative. The r word pledge is a campaign against the use of retard or retarded to refer to people who are thought to be intellectually disabled. This name is considered derogatory and offensive. By avoiding such a reference, communities can accept the individuals easily. It creates the right attitude of a more accommodating society. It is also respectful and will spur the right actions towards these people.
The campaign highlights the fact that each person is gifted differently. Inability to walk, talk, run or perform certain tasks does not make the person any less a human being. By raising awareness, this hurtful reference will be eliminated from ordinary speech. It enabled the affected persons to grow in self esteem and socialize freely because they are regarded with dignity.
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.
The hurtful aspect of referring to a developmental condition as retardation is the lack of appreciation of the special gifts such a person possesses. The focus becomes on what the person cannot do instead of what he or she is capable of doing. This action is hurtful and should be condemned. With more people pledging to eliminate such reference from ordinary speech, the trend will be reversed.
This campaign started in 2009 during a Special Olympics preparation event. The organizers indicated that there was need to place humanity or dignity of a person before his ability. By referring to people as retards, their developmental or cognitive inability takes prominence. Their experiences are as satisfying as those of normal people. Words should never be used to make them feel less human.
The pledge is posted on the website of the organization running the campaign. One is required to give the name, city and country or state of origin. You may add the name of your school or organization and your age. Your commitment will be posted on the website to boost the global campaign. You may also sign in to receive monthly updates on the latest about the campaign, events and news.
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.
There is an invitation to share personal experiences even as you pledge. These experiences are the motivation needed to make a difference. They highlight the need to make a positive change and enable the mentally impaired persons to feel dignified.
The campaign highlights the fact that each person is gifted differently. Inability to walk, talk, run or perform certain tasks does not make the person any less a human being. By raising awareness, this hurtful reference will be eliminated from ordinary speech. It enabled the affected persons to grow in self esteem and socialize freely because they are regarded with dignity.
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.
The hurtful aspect of referring to a developmental condition as retardation is the lack of appreciation of the special gifts such a person possesses. The focus becomes on what the person cannot do instead of what he or she is capable of doing. This action is hurtful and should be condemned. With more people pledging to eliminate such reference from ordinary speech, the trend will be reversed.
This campaign started in 2009 during a Special Olympics preparation event. The organizers indicated that there was need to place humanity or dignity of a person before his ability. By referring to people as retards, their developmental or cognitive inability takes prominence. Their experiences are as satisfying as those of normal people. Words should never be used to make them feel less human.
The pledge is posted on the website of the organization running the campaign. One is required to give the name, city and country or state of origin. You may add the name of your school or organization and your age. Your commitment will be posted on the website to boost the global campaign. You may also sign in to receive monthly updates on the latest about the campaign, events and news.
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.
There is an invitation to share personal experiences even as you pledge. These experiences are the motivation needed to make a difference. They highlight the need to make a positive change and enable the mentally impaired persons to feel dignified.
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