There are 1,025,109 words in the English language, a handful of which shouldn't be spoken at family gatherings, a couple dozen that are prohibited in schools and workplaces, and a few that shouldn't be spoken anywhere. Some of these words are slang terms to describe groups of people that are born a certain way, and these words are hurtful stereotypes. You probably hear some of these words daily and don't even turn your head or ask politely for the person speaking to change their word choice, but imagine a world where more people were aware of hearing these belittling words. If you heard a friend use the word "retarded," would you be able to ask them to find another word to use in its place?
There was a time in my life where I would have called someone who uses the word ignorant, but I have realized over time that the people who use the term are just not as blessed as I am. I am blessed because I know and love so many individuals who have intellectual disabilities. I feel sorry for those who have not had the chance to grow to love the smile and laugh of a child who cannot speak. I feel sorry for those who have never felt the hug from someone who didn't know how to say "I love you" in any other way. I have never met anyone more loving than an individual with a developmental or intellectual disability. Why is it that we find it okay to continue to use a derogatory term that is exclusive of that group of people?
Would you be able to casually use the r-word in the hospital room with a family who was just informed that their child has Down Syndrome? Would you be able to joke around with your friends throwing around the r-word while knowing how many students with Autism Spectrum Disorder attend your school? The beginning of a change starts with realizing what you are saying and what it means. Don't allow yourself to continue to ignorantly say things that affect the people and families around you.
So, the next time you hear someone use the r-word, will you be able to stand up for an entire group of people and politely ask that person to use an alternate word? Using the word "retarded" is just like using any other minority slur, so let's treat it that way and end using it.
