The "R" Word

Disclaimer: This was written with the intent to speak to the ignorant, the belligerent, and the uninformed.

So, let's talk about something.

The "R" word. Yeah, and don't act as if you have no idea what that word is either. You've probably used it before, and I won't lie - I have, too.

I'm going make this as clear and concise as possible: USING THE WORD "RETARD/RETARDED" IS HATE SPEECH. Why, might you ask, is it considered hate speech? Well, I'll tell you.

According to the R-Word (Spread the Word to End the Word) campaign, "the word retard is considered hate speech because it offends people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the people that care for and support them. It alienates and excludes them. It also emphasizes the negative stereotypes surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the common belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be segregated, hidden away from society." – Karleigh Jones, Special Olympics New Zealand athlete

And, according to the advocates involved with the campaign, that isn't the only reason why the R-word is hurtful when used in jokes or as a part of everyday language. Not that you should need anymore reason or justification as to why you SHOULDN'T use this word.

And as stated on the campaign's website, the R-word...

is exclusive.
ignores individuality.
equates intellectual disability with being dumb or stupid.
spreads hurt.
is offensive.
is incorrect.
is derogatory.
fosters loneliness.

And, quite frankly, if "retard" is as creative as you get when you're attempting to insult someone, then I feel sorry for you. There's just not much more I can say without getting mean.

Call to action: Go to their website, and if you're a considerate human being, as most of the people I know are, pledge your support to end hate speech, and more importantly, pledge because you know it's the right thing to do.