An In Depth Study Of The R Word Pledge Initiative

Publié par Unknown on mardi 15 décembre 2015

By Evelyn Walls


There has been a concerted effort to stop the use of the word retard over the United States. This word is termed as very derogatory and its daily use in normal conversations is seen as very insensitive to the people dealing with all sorts of intellectual disabilities. It is for this very reason that the R word pledge was started in the year 2009.

The persons possessing these disabilities should be addressed in more suitable ways and the initiative aimed at instilling this practice in the society. Masses are educated that these individuals can partake in meaning and gainful activities in the community especially where they are given the appropriate level of human dignity.

The origin of this movement was through an outfit known as Spread the Word to End the Word. This was done during the Special Olympics Global Activation Summit by several youth who were both with and without the cognitive disabilities. All this got to take place during Special Olympics World Winter games in the year 2009.

The movement usually entails the students from all the country taking a pledge to never use the word retard in conversations and to also urge other individuals to do the same. This day set for commemorating this nationwide campaign is the 31st of March every year. Several public figures have been hugely condemned for the use of the word retard whereby some of them have been forced to make public apologies and even take the pledge themselves.

This movement usually aims at achieving its objectives through several ways. One among the ways that its supporters are encouraged to take part in spreading the message is through social media. People are usually advised to tweet that they will actively support the agenda of this campaign through their words and even deeds. The movement also has a Youtube channel and a Facebook page whereby the agenda is usually publicized. Interested parties are also encouraged to sign up for the newsletter so as to keep up to date with relevant information and even schedules for events.

There is also a 46 day event which involves the carrying of a torch relay. Financial contributions are also made during this very event. These funds usually come in handy in further public awareness activities.

Individuals are also encouraged to share their story with regards to the situations which led to them to join this movement. This usually happens in the website run by the movement. There are encouraged to write powerful and personal stories of their motivation for ensuring that intellectually disabled individuals are addressed in the rightful manner.

Participants are also taught with how to handle people who they deem to have contravened the main principles by this initiative through the use of abusive language. Not all scenarios present a good opportunity for an intervention and therefore it is always very critical that the supporters for this initiative are taught about that. The R word movement has also gained the support of very well known figures who have helped educate masses on the same.




About the Author:



{ 0 commentaires... read them below or add one }

Enregistrer un commentaire

AddThis