Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

March Encourages You To 'Spread The Word To End The Word,' Listen Up

March may just be any other month to you, but it's much more to me.

475
March Encourages You To 'Spread The Word To End The Word,' Listen Up
Becca Singer

When you think of the month of March, you may think of St. Patrick's day or maybe even spring break. March may just be any other month to you, but to me, it's so much more. When it's this time around, I think of Spread the Word to End the Word, which is a United States National campaign founded by Timothy Shriver and Soeren Palumbo. The campaign aims to encourage people to stop using the word "retard." People like me believe that the "R" word is an offense to individuals with special needs and should NEVER be used.

This campaign is very important to me because, throughout junior high and high school, I was a part of an international nonprofit organization called Best Buddies where I got to work with many students who are special in their own way. We had fun events inside and outside of school, such as karaoke night, girls/guys night, movie night, and game night. During my time in this group, I didn't just hang out with these students; I formed strong friendships with them that will last a lifetime. This organization has taught me so much about what it truly means to be compassionate, and because of that, I will never support the use of the "R" word.

The use of the "R" word not only offends and upsets my special friends, but it also offends me because I know how much it affects them. According to CNN, by focusing on the word itself, you reinforce the negative connotation and actually strengthen the taboo. The focus should be on the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. This breaks down the cultural taboo that creates word taboo in the first place. In addition, in 2010 the "R" word was eliminated from federal health, education and labor laws so, in my opinion, it should be eliminated from all forms of communication.

The "R" word is nothing but negative and it needs to be eliminated in every possible way. Help me spread awareness about the effects of the "R" word. Have the courage to speak up for what you believe in. I encourage YOU to help me Spread the Word to End the Word not only in the month of March but all the time. Make this month something special to you too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53730
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34568
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957016
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181714
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments