Erase Retard from American Slang Language
Respect: The New R-word in Everyday Use. Stop saying "Retarded"
Mar 28, 2009
Americans don't even realize they're being hurtful when they say it.
Ask CEO's, retail clerks, engineers, accountants, college students, or just about anyone why they say the R-word, and answers include: "I messed up;" "I felt embarrassed;" "He was funny;" and more. People say it flippantly all the time, and that's the problem.
Yes, the R-word is the noun Retard, or the adjective Retarded. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says the noun 'mental retardation' was coined in 1914, and the definition is:
... intellectual ability ...(equal) to or less than an IQ of 70... (with) deficits in abilities...manifested especially by delayed or abnormal development, by learning difficulties, and by problems in social adjustment...
Why does it matter? Who cares?
The R-word slowly shifted into American slang, from its origins nearly 100 years ago in medical and educational terminology. Now it simply means: "I made a mistake," or "They acted silly." That is, society tends to assume that's all the R-word means to everyone. But this word hurts, and it hurts those who often cannot express their feelings or demand the right to be respected.
It matters because we, as a society have a responsibility to each other. Everyone deserves respect in thought, word, and deed. As American society has evolved into respectful understanding that put-downs matter, it's time to eliminate the R-word, like ethnic language and practices, racial ancestry, religious, sexual orientation, and other slurs have been thankfully removed from socially acceptable language.
The R-word Creates More Hurt than Laughs
As one who grew up lucky enough to be playing with, protecting, and loving intellectually disabled children, writer, Lynn Pritchett experienced the demeaning actions alongside dear ones. Those experiences when laughing bullies hurt kids she loved, as well as professional background as former special needs youth educator, Lynn speaks out on the R-word emotional toll from the heart.
Famous Recent Apology
Public apology is admirable, and saying "I'm sorry" can be the hardest admission to make. However, in words there isn't a do-over. What's said is already out there. It still hurts, no matter what the put-down is, including the R-word.
On March 19, 2009 on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, U.S. President Obama didn't use the R-word, but he found himself retracting this one-liner joke regarding his bowling score, "It was like Special Olympics or something." The White House issued a formal apology to the Special Olympics early the next morning.
Spread the Word to End the Word
President Obama's statement stands out in its timing because March 31, 2009 is America's 1st R-word Awareness Day to "Spread the Word to End the Word."
The Special Olympics joined with the Joseph F. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities to "Spread the Word to End the Word." The spokesperson of this movement is celebrity, John C. McGinley, actor in the comedy series Scrubs, whose son has Down Syndrome.
Free Downloads at the R-word website
To prepare for the March 31, 2009 event, supporters can join the awareness effort in simple ways. The free templates in the photo below, are from the "End the R-word" campaign website, for making support buttons to tape or pin on clothing and wear that day, like wearing an "I Voted" sticker on ballot day.
Other free downloads include: posters and banners for classrooms, employers' offices, and anywhere people might need reminding to consider their words. T-shirts can be purchased from the website in support of ending the R-word for good.
Awareness Spreading: Thousands Already Pledged
According to the Special Olympics' website, the 03-31 End the Word Day includes pledge rallies at American University in Beirut, Lebanon, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, USA, all the high schools across the state of Delaware, Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, USA and many more educational institutions and organizations.
As of March 28, 2009, the website counted over 18,770 people had already pledged their support to End the R-word in everyday use and promote the inclusion and acceptance of intellectually disabled people.
As the campaign awareness to end the R-word spreads, number skyrocket daily. John C. McGinley said it best at his Bonnie Hunt Show interview on March 2, 2009: "Why pick on that group? It doesn't make sense."
Campaign supporters suggest America adopt a new R-word: "Respect."
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