By Maddie Nelson On March 5th, 2014, students and staff of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the greater Knoxville area gathered on UTK’s Pedestrian Walkway to promote the use of respectful language and treatment of individuals, regardless of the presence (or lack) of any type of disability.Best Buddies at UTK, the FUTURE Program, UTK Student Council for Exceptional Children and Halls High School of Knoxville joined together in an effort to inform passersby about the hurtful effects of using the word “retard(ed)” to both exclusively define people with disabilities and to deliver an insult. Interested persons were encouraged to sign a pledge as a declaration of their personal, conscious effort to contribute to the elimination of the use of disrespectful language.
Spread the Word to End the Word, often referred to as the R-Word campaign, began at the 2009 Special Olympics World Games, especially due to the passion and determination of members of the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit. Many who fueled the initial organization of Spread the Word to End the Word had intellectual or developmental disabilities, while others did not. Regardless, the participants were united in their recognition of the ramifications of the careless and sometimes intentional use of hurtful language and especially by their determination to end the unnecessary and dehumanizing use of the word “retard(ed).”
How could it be dehumanizing? Isn’t “mentally retarded” the correct medical term for people with disabilities?
The words “mentally retarded” and “mental retardation” were used originally to clinically describe individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, various forms of the word “retard” have been perverted to negatively stereotype individuals. The “R-word” has repeatedly been used to determine the value of an individual according to the presence of disabilities, therefore undermining or fully ignoring the irreplaceable gifts that individuals with mental handicaps or disabilities have to offer the world.
The R-word, in addition, has become a synonym for “stupid,” “dumb” and words of similar meaning. Crystal, an avid advocate for Spread the Word to End the Word, explained, on the R-Word campaign website, the heartbreaking impact of the association between the R-word and certain disparaging words and phrases when she pointed out, “What we mean [when saying the R-word] is that he is as stupid as someone who is mentally handicapped…The implication is that the only characteristic of the mentally handicapped individuals is their stupidity.”
For these reasons, President Obama passed Rosa’s Law in 2010, removing all forms of the term “mentally retarded” from federal legislation regarding labor, education, and health policies. Instead of being labeled as “mentally retarded,” in federal legislation, individuals with disabilities are now referred to as “individuals with intellectual disabilities.” This simple change of words altered the status of people with disabilities from being defined by their disability, to possessing an individuality that surpasses any characterization that comes from having a disability.
This major victory ignited the energy of the movement. Its official day of awareness is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of March throughout the United States and in countries around the world.
This year, the students and staff members of the University of Tennessee, with the help of many participants from Knoxville, covered upwards of ten 16 x 20’’ posters with the signatures of those who pledged to make a conscious effort to practice respect through word choice. After signing, supporters were given a blue ribbon, both as a symbol and reminder of the importance of the R-word campaign pledge.
Alex Parater, a Best Buddies officer, summarized the cheerful event when she said, “It was great being able to spread the word to end the word…and encouraging others to stop using the R-word, while hanging out with all of our awesome buddies!”
Megan Thomas, co-president of Best Buddies, added, “It was amazing getting so many people to sign our banner…It’s time that we respect all people.”
Alex and Megan’s hope for widespread respect was strengthened by a general enthusiasm exhibited by UTK students to learn more about the impact of using the R-word. After realizing the significant role that their seemingly inconsequential actions play, students seemed inspired to change their attitudes in an effort to emanate love, acceptance and respect.
This attitude change was reflected when Peyton Brooks, a freshman at the University of Tennessee, described how her perspectives were changed after being approached by Spread the Word to End the Word advocates last week. Peyton admitted, “I never realized how important it is to choose words carefully. We all have a duty to respect others, and carelessly tossing around certain words can really affect someone. I’m definitely going to make an effort to not use derogatory words, especially the R-word.”
Spread the Word to End the Word has great potential to deeply alter the tendency of members of the UTK student body to consciously respect those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fulfillment of this potential depends on the courage of individual students to act on behalf of those who are isolated, excluded, and mocked by the use of the R-word. As awareness continues to be raised, we will witness a worldwide change and widespread acknowledgment of language as a powerful tool for the vital exhibition of respect.
Angie Reyes, a strong advocate for Spread the Word to End the Word at the University of Virginia, adequately summarized the aim of the movement by declaring, “Words are probably the most powerful way of expressing ourselves and expressing others. It is essential that we always have respect for those around us, whomever they may be.” Respect must be practiced in every day life, actions, and simple conversations. People who have disabilities deserve far more than to be belittled and stripped of individuality. Language is the foundation for and tool by which people with and without disabilities will no longer be senselessly divided according to labels.
Words matter. Language is crucial. Will you use it to demean and isolate, or as an instrument to encourage and empower?
Want to get involved? Visit www.r-word.org for more information or to sign the online pledge, and join the Best Buddies at UTK Facebook group. Pledge #RESPECT and join the #InclusionRevolution!
By: Maddie Nelson
