Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. Being able to express one's opinion whenever they want is something that should not be taken for granted. Sometimes the things that people say, however, are not said to make a point, but simply to cause shame and hurt. Seldom, do people take the time to actually think about the words that are coming out of their mouth. Therefore some have chosen to take the r word pledge. They are pledging to keep the hurtful word "retard" out of their vocabulary.
There are some individuals that may have intellectual disabilities. There is nothing wrong with using the term mental retardation. However, when it is used as an adjective describing what one feels as being stupid or bad, it then becomes a weapon that is used to hurt. Those that have developmental disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities are not bad. Nor should their condition be considered bad. This special pledge is basically for people to stop using the word "retard" because it hurts individuals and families.
For many years, no one really took a stand nationally to speak out against the attitudes of discrimination and prejudice shown towards those with disabilities. Now, many sites all over the internet are making their presence known and bringing attention to how these derogatory words are being communicated.
One might ask themselves, how long has it been since they heard the terminology retard or retarded being used in a discriminatory way. It could have been at work, school, or even in a public place. One could safely say, that people seldom call a person with a disability by those terms. Sometimes no harm is meant towards people with disabilities, but the "r" word does hurt.
Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither is a person's vocabulary. It takes years to build and develop. So, it will take years sometimes to omit certain terminology. Those with disabilities understand that. But, what they want others to understand is their desire for others to be aware of the things that they speak. Other terms and phrases can be used.
The true reason that this campaign was started was to bring recognition to the way certain terms were used, and help people to want to stand up against it. Individuals who stand up without anyone telling them to in regards to how these phrases are used, encourage others to do the same. Now, it is no longer opinion, but it is about showing respect.
Advocates who strongly believe in change can help to curve the way that people speak and the way that they think. Harm being shown to people that have disabilities is not something that has to remain. People need to watch their words and show compassion.
Rosa's Law, which was established by the Obama administration in 2010, took the terms "intellectual disability" as a replacement to "mental retardation." Legislation has decided that there is no room for the use of derogatory words in federal legislation. Therefore, the change to make it disappear altogether falls on the individual.
There are some individuals that may have intellectual disabilities. There is nothing wrong with using the term mental retardation. However, when it is used as an adjective describing what one feels as being stupid or bad, it then becomes a weapon that is used to hurt. Those that have developmental disabilities, as well as intellectual disabilities are not bad. Nor should their condition be considered bad. This special pledge is basically for people to stop using the word "retard" because it hurts individuals and families.
For many years, no one really took a stand nationally to speak out against the attitudes of discrimination and prejudice shown towards those with disabilities. Now, many sites all over the internet are making their presence known and bringing attention to how these derogatory words are being communicated.
One might ask themselves, how long has it been since they heard the terminology retard or retarded being used in a discriminatory way. It could have been at work, school, or even in a public place. One could safely say, that people seldom call a person with a disability by those terms. Sometimes no harm is meant towards people with disabilities, but the "r" word does hurt.
Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither is a person's vocabulary. It takes years to build and develop. So, it will take years sometimes to omit certain terminology. Those with disabilities understand that. But, what they want others to understand is their desire for others to be aware of the things that they speak. Other terms and phrases can be used.
The true reason that this campaign was started was to bring recognition to the way certain terms were used, and help people to want to stand up against it. Individuals who stand up without anyone telling them to in regards to how these phrases are used, encourage others to do the same. Now, it is no longer opinion, but it is about showing respect.
Advocates who strongly believe in change can help to curve the way that people speak and the way that they think. Harm being shown to people that have disabilities is not something that has to remain. People need to watch their words and show compassion.
Rosa's Law, which was established by the Obama administration in 2010, took the terms "intellectual disability" as a replacement to "mental retardation." Legislation has decided that there is no room for the use of derogatory words in federal legislation. Therefore, the change to make it disappear altogether falls on the individual.
About the Author:
If you are looking for the facts about the R word pledge, go to our web pages online here today. More details are available at http://familymemberinc.org now.
Written by Joni
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hei, touch me so i can get up.