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.
Yes, in this world, there are some people that have been born with intellectual disabilities. The term mental retardation is often used to describe these individuals, and that is fine. The problem evolves when many use this word as an adjective to describe an individual they don't like, or something that is bad. It then turns into a weapon of hurt. People that have intellectual disabilities should not be considered bad, or their condition looked at as being bad. This pledge are for those who consciously want to stop the use of the word "retard."
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.
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.
The Obama administration saw fit in 2010 to pass a law known as Rosa's Law. The words intellectual disability were used to replace the terms mental retardation under federal legislation. So if the government saw the importance of changing these words, no one else has any excuse to use them.
Yes, in this world, there are some people that have been born with intellectual disabilities. The term mental retardation is often used to describe these individuals, and that is fine. The problem evolves when many use this word as an adjective to describe an individual they don't like, or something that is bad. It then turns into a weapon of hurt. People that have intellectual disabilities should not be considered bad, or their condition looked at as being bad. This pledge are for those who consciously want to stop the use of the word "retard."
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.
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.
The Obama administration saw fit in 2010 to pass a law known as Rosa's Law. The words intellectual disability were used to replace the terms mental retardation under federal legislation. So if the government saw the importance of changing these words, no one else has any excuse to use them.
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