“When you say the "R" word it makes people feel bad and it hurts my feelings and I don't want to hear you guys say it. Instead, you can call me a leader, a hero, or a human being, but please don't call me the "R" word.” – Dony Knight, Special Olympics Oregon athlete
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. When people think of what they should be aware of, the word "retarded" comes to mind. This word breaks the hearts of those who live with and love people with disabilities. Retarded is not a nice word.
Some defend themselves immediately after saying the word by saying, "I didn't really mean it" or, "I was just kidding." People treat it like it is just another word, but it is NOT just another word.
Retarded; adj.
1. characterized by a slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc.
2. Slang: stupid or foolish.
This word is not slang. This word is hurtful.
The R-word is incorrect. The R-word is derogatory. The R-word ignores individuality. Spread the word to end the word.
Updates
March 3, 2014
I have been reading through the deeply personal stories left in the comments and they are the only reason this continues to move forward. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this change because it is your commitment that truly keeps the conversation going.
March 3, 2014
I am honestly a bit overwhelmed by the way so many of you have stepped up to support this. I never imagined this simple message would resonate with this many people and it is entirely because of your own kindness. Thank you for proving that we can choose different words to describe each other.
12 Comments
agreed 100 percent. too many people think its okay to use it as a joke but it really isnt.
YES!! I hate hearing people say it at school, it makes me so angry. lets end this word for good.
My brother has downs syndrome and hearing that word makes me sick. Thank you for posting this.
I am a person who has high fuctioning Autism so I completely agree to this petition
Haven't used the R word in a long time now and am working on getting my friends to stop too!
.
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“When you say the "R" word it makes people feel bad and it hurts my feelings and I don't want to hear you guys say it. Instead, you can call me a leader, a hero, or a human being, but please don't call me the "R" word.” – Dony Knight, Special Olympics Oregon athlete
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. When people think of what they should be aware of, the word "retarded" comes to mind. This word breaks the hearts of those who live with and love people with disabilities. Retarded is not a nice word.
Some defend themselves immediately after saying the word by saying, "I didn't really mean it" or, "I was just kidding." People treat it like it is just another word, but it is NOT just another word.
Retarded; adj.
1. characterized by a slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc.
2. Slang: stupid or foolish.
This word is not slang. This word is hurtful.
The R-word is incorrect. The R-word is derogatory. The R-word ignores individuality. Spread the word to end the word.
Updates
March 3, 2014
I have been reading through the deeply personal stories left in the comments and they are the only reason this continues to move forward. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this change because it is your commitment that truly keeps the conversation going.
March 3, 2014
I am honestly a bit overwhelmed by the way so many of you have stepped up to support this. I never imagined this simple message would resonate with this many people and it is entirely because of your own kindness. Thank you for proving that we can choose different words to describe each other.
12 Comments
Finally someone said it. Such an ignorant word to use in 2017.
agreed 100 percent. too many people think its okay to use it as a joke but it really isnt.
YES!! I hate hearing people say it at school, it makes me so angry. lets end this word for good.
My brother has downs syndrome and hearing that word makes me sick. Thank you for posting this.
I am a person who has high fuctioning Autism so I completely agree to this petition
Haven't used the R word in a long time now and am working on getting my friends to stop too!
.
remove
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Finally someone said it. Such an ignorant word to use in 2017.