Freedom of speech is a powerful thing. When one can express their opinion without the fear of being reprimanded, it gives a sense of freedom. Everyone knows that at one point in their lives, they said something that they wished they could go and take back. Words can encourage, but they can also hurt. One must understand that their words can affect how another person feels. Some have stepped up to the plate and have taken the r word pledge. They pledge not to let the word retarded enter their vocabulary again.
Yes, in this world, there are some people that have been born with intellectual disabilities. The term mental retardation is often used to describe these individuals, and that is fine. The problem evolves when many use this word as an adjective to describe an individual they don't like, or something that is bad. It then turns into a weapon of hurt. People that have intellectual disabilities should not be considered bad, or their condition looked at as being bad. This pledge are for those who consciously want to stop the use of the word "retard."
There was not anyone that was actually speaking out in a national effort to stop the attitude of discrimination and prejudice against those that had disabilities. However, a site by the name of, The 'r' Word Campaign became the first site that this nation has known that brought attention to the way that certain phrases were being used.
Individuals may want to take inventory of the last time they heard certain terminology such as retard being used in a harmful way. They could have heard it in the work place, at school, or maybe even at the mall. It is funny how people seldom call those with certain disabilities by those awful terms. But the truth remains that the "r" word when used incorrectly still hurts.
Vocabulary grows and builds over a time period. So, it will definitely take some time to omit words that are frequently used. Those that have disabilities are aware of this, and are just concerned about people being aware of what they say. There are alternate terms that can be used such as silly, ridiculous, or crazy.
The reason for this campaign that has brought about this pledge is to bring awareness about the use of this hateful terminology and encourage people to take a stand and speak against it. When an individual takes a stand on their own and tells others about the misuse of this word, it no longer becomes opinion. It has now become a matter of showing respect.
Some have taken the responsibility of becoming an advocate by agreeing to stand for change in order to positively influence the thoughts of others. The continuance of harmful effects to those with disabilities does not have to continue. All that is asked is to be careful of the words that come out of ones mouth.
The Obama administration saw fit in 2010 to pass a law known as Rosa's Law. The words intellectual disability were used to replace the terms mental retardation under federal legislation. So if the government saw the importance of changing these words, no one else has any excuse to use them.
Yes, in this world, there are some people that have been born with intellectual disabilities. The term mental retardation is often used to describe these individuals, and that is fine. The problem evolves when many use this word as an adjective to describe an individual they don't like, or something that is bad. It then turns into a weapon of hurt. People that have intellectual disabilities should not be considered bad, or their condition looked at as being bad. This pledge are for those who consciously want to stop the use of the word "retard."
There was not anyone that was actually speaking out in a national effort to stop the attitude of discrimination and prejudice against those that had disabilities. However, a site by the name of, The 'r' Word Campaign became the first site that this nation has known that brought attention to the way that certain phrases were being used.
Individuals may want to take inventory of the last time they heard certain terminology such as retard being used in a harmful way. They could have heard it in the work place, at school, or maybe even at the mall. It is funny how people seldom call those with certain disabilities by those awful terms. But the truth remains that the "r" word when used incorrectly still hurts.
Vocabulary grows and builds over a time period. So, it will definitely take some time to omit words that are frequently used. Those that have disabilities are aware of this, and are just concerned about people being aware of what they say. There are alternate terms that can be used such as silly, ridiculous, or crazy.
The reason for this campaign that has brought about this pledge is to bring awareness about the use of this hateful terminology and encourage people to take a stand and speak against it. When an individual takes a stand on their own and tells others about the misuse of this word, it no longer becomes opinion. It has now become a matter of showing respect.
Some have taken the responsibility of becoming an advocate by agreeing to stand for change in order to positively influence the thoughts of others. The continuance of harmful effects to those with disabilities does not have to continue. All that is asked is to be careful of the words that come out of ones mouth.
The Obama administration saw fit in 2010 to pass a law known as Rosa's Law. The words intellectual disability were used to replace the terms mental retardation under federal legislation. So if the government saw the importance of changing these words, no one else has any excuse to use them.
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