The "R-word" (retard/retarded), is a frequently used word. What people don't know or understand is how disrespectful, demeaning, and distasteful it can be. To say that word disrespects everyone with an intellectual disability. It makes them feel not good enough, unloved and dehumanized. Using the word out of context also hurts everyone who loves someone suffering from a disability. It does not matter if it was directed towards them or not. This past Wednesday, March 2, was Spread the Word to End the Word day. Being a huge advocate of ending the "R-word," I received a lot of questions and comments. This is normal when I post things on social media that raise awareness against the "R-word". However, out of everything I get asked and told, the question I get the most is, "What's the big deal?" I've answered it many times before, and will continue to answer it until the word is removed from our social vernacular. Here are some reasons why using the "R-word" is such a big deal.
1. You are more educated than a six letter word.
Most people who I have heard use the words "retard" or "retarded" are either college students or adults. With that being said, you should be educated, and old enough, to understand that the R-word is not a nice word. Dictionary.com doesn't even refer to the word "retard" as a person until the fourth definition, which categorizes it as offensive slang. When you look up "retarded," it identifies the term as "offensive." If a notable dictionary site claims both versions as offensive, I think that says a lot. Also, it isn't that intelligent of a word to use. There are many other words that are more colorful and tasteful. If you need help with finding words to replace the offensive and false definition of "retarded," here are a few: childish, illogical, immature, ludicrous, nonsensical, pointless, ridiculous, senseless, simpleminded, unintelligent, and unwise. If you are unable to comprehend bigger words, here are a few little words: crazy, dumb, and stupid.
2. It's not just a word, it's a movement.
In the video "Words Hurt," by Jeremy Schaap, he perfectly sums up the entire fight against the "R-word." We have marches, protests, and entire movements to promote equal rights for African Americans, women, and the LGBT community. However, we see none for those with intellectual disabilities. People push to have racial slurs, homophobic slurs, and sexist slurs removed from our everyday vernacular. Remove the "R-word" would better our society.
3. People with intellectual disabilities should only be given one "R-Word"— Respect.
Being a member of Pi Kappa Phi, and participating in our philanthropy, The Ability Experience, has given me opportunities to work with people possessing disabilities. This has included an opportunity to participate in a program called Build America. I got to spend three weeks traveling to three different summer camps, helping cater to those with disabilities. I got to spend a week at each camp. I helped build and/or restore parts of the camp, and spent time among the campers. I have also had multiple opportunities to visit and spend time with people who have disabilities. After being able to spend time with both the kids and adults, I witnessed how talented, big-hearted, intelligent, and happy they are. They live and view life in a different, more beautiful, way than we do. I noticed that we often take for granted the things that they cherish. Saying retard or retarded takes all of that way. It removes all of the signs of creativity, positivity, and joy in their smiles. Saying the word, throwing it around, and ignoring its offensive connotation is truly inappropriate.
The "R-word" will never be okay. It is not right to refer to your friends as "retarded" when they do something ignorant or refer to something as "retarded" when you don't like it. It is, especially, not okay, to refer to someone with an intellectual disability as a "retard." As Jim Mallon said, "Excuse me there, buddy, I couldn't help overhear just now... you misused a word I don't think you understand the meaning to, and, unfortunately, it is such an offensive and derogatory word that most people shy away and people lose the courage to correct your use. You see, out of fear, years ago, some people used that word to classify those 'other' people who made them feel uncomfortable. To mark them as being less than. These 'other' people are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, our loved ones, and our friends."
Since I know you wouldn't appreciate me belittling those in your life, how about we leave the word in history books where it belongs? Remember that every time you use it, you are disrespecting someone out there who deserves respect. What do you say, no more "R-Word?"
