The R-Word and Me
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Health and Wellness

The R-Word and Me

You can't make people stop saying it, but you can change their mind.

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The R-Word and Me
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"Retard!" "What a Retard!!" "Stop Being Retarded!!!"

You hear these sayings everywhere you go these days. In the halls, in the classroom, wherever you go you hear that word. One word. Retard. Now I know I can’t stop people from saying that word. That one word which hurts people. That one word that offends certain people. Now I was born with a big heart and a good soul. I know what is right and what is wrong, I know you can't make people stop saying it, but you can change their mind.

The word “Retard” is an actual definition used in the past for medical use; such as “Mental Retardation.” I know with that it is a medical term, but nowadays do we really mean it as a medical sense? Are we all doctors all of a sudden? Did we all go to med school just to use that one word!? No, we did not. Then why do we use that word a lot? Is it just slip of the tongue? It’s because this generation is very judgmental, and they don’t know what they say really hurts people everywhere.

In High School I would always say something when I hear someone say that word, and you know what happens? I get shut down and laughed at for standing up for what I believe is right. It’s an awful feeling; being shut down. You just got to get over that, though. People will say things that you will not like, and will also be hurtful. You just have to stick up for what is right and keep doing you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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