You're right. Think it's ok to use the word "retard(ed)" outside of a medical description? You're wrong.
When you saw the title to my post I bet you wondered how to feel. You wondered if I was joking or if I was serious. I'm serious. Caden is considered mentally retarded. Problem is, in this society, which claims to embrace and encompass those with any kind of disabilities, the word "retard" has been changed to mean stupid, and is typically flung around as an insult at those with normal cognitive levels. No one wants to be CALLED a "retard" but yet it's fine to say "that's retarded" about something. No one wants to be CALLED a "retard" yet it's acceptable to say "you're retarded" if you're just joking around with someone.
Today, I am asking you to change the way you feel about this word. It's used as an insult, and it degrades those who are mentally handicapped. It's not "fine" to use it as long as you're not talking about a person, because it perpetuates the stereotype that people who are mentally retarded are somehow stupid and incapable. Let's end the use of this word altogether. If you use it, will you please stop? If you don't but you hear it used, are you brave enough to say something? Today, March 31 2009 is the day to end using the word "retard(ed)". It's not about being oversensitive. It's about respect for all. http://www.r-word.org/
6 comments:
I got your back, Caden.
Me too Caden...Lots of love!
Jessica
I got your back little buddy!!!
Us to Caden!
You and I have had this conversation awhile back and it made me realize that even if I am not using the word, if I am OK with someone else using the word it is the same as me using it. So, again, the reminder is nice.
I am so ashamed to admit that I'm one of those people who has used this term flippantly before (although not v. recently as having children has made me think a LOT about the words that come out of my mouth). Thank you for posting on this, and for the reminder.
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