As a special education major and an avid member of the organization "Best Buddies," it's no secret that I am against the use of the notorious "R word." If you do not know what I mean, I am talking about the word "retarded." For over a year now, I have been working with kids with special needs, all of which I hold very dear to my heart. The "R-word" is very offensive to many people for many different reasons. Though there are countless reasons, here are three reasons why you should cut the "R word" out of your vocabulary, and some helpful tips you can use to end the use of this word.
First of all, the "R-word" is just plain offensive.
Though many may no know it, the "R-word" is an extremely offensive word to not only those with a disability, but to people who may know and love someone with a disability. Many may not see the word as offensive because of the claim that at one time it was a medical term, which yes, it was. However, we now live in the 21st century where it is no longer considered a medical term, but instead, an offensive slur. It has turned into a replacement for words such as "idiotic," "stupid" or "dumb". Quite frankly, the use of the word in today's society is just plain ignorant and offensive.
Secondly, it is no different than any other homophobic or racial slur.
If you would not use racial, homophobic or any other offensive slurs, please do not use the word "retarded." It is no different. It is a discriminatory insult against a distinct person or group of people, which fits the definition for a slur.
Lastly, by using this word, you are continuing the cycle of unfairness and discrimination against people with disabilities that has been going on since the beginning of time.
Throughout history, people with disabilities have been treated as a minority instead of an equal. In biblical times, people believed that a disability was a curse from the gods. In the Middle Ages, people with disabilities were abandoned, put in prison or killed. They also may have served as vicious forms of entertainment. In the 17th and 18th centuries, people were put in insane asylums. In the 20th century, they were seen as a burden to society. Now in the 21st century, situations for people with disabilities have certainly improved; however, there is still a lot of work to be done, and the use of the "R-word" hinders this growth.
With all of that being said, here are some helpful tips you can use to end the word.
If you hear someone say it, politely ask them to consider using a different word in the future. Suggest a different word. Do not be rude, simply say something along the lines of, "Hey! That word offends me and many others, please don't use it!"
Use person-first language. Person-first language puts the person in mention before the disability. Instead of saying "autistic boy" or "wheelchair girl," say "the boy who has autism" or "the girl who uses a wheelchair." This shows that you are seeing the person for who they are, not just their disability. If you know their name, address them by name as well!
Educate yourself on disabilities. The more you know, the more you can help make a change. If you are educated on disabilities, you are less likely to use the word and more likely to cut it out of your vocabulary, and you can inform others on why they also should not use it!
If you use this word, I sincerely urge you to stop this habit. People with disabilities know what you are saying when you use this word, even if you do not think so. They know you are insulting their disability, even if you do not mean to. If you would like to get more involved in ending the word, please consider joining the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign at r-word.org. I encourage everyone to help end the use of this cruel word, and to take a stand for those with special needs.
"I have a disability, yes that's true, but all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you." -- Robert M. Hensel. Guinness World Record holder who was born with Spina bifida.
Thank you for helping spreading kindness and understanding instead of ignorance and hate.
