A Word Gone Wrong And The R Word Pledge

Publié par Unknown on lundi 14 mars 2016

By William Green


Language is supposed to be beautiful. People should not use it to hurt others with labels. A word becomes offensive when people turn it into negative stereotypes. Especially when it becomes exclusive and demeaning.

Language has an impact on attitudes. This in turn, affects the actions of many, when it should be a tool that is centered on being pro people. As if, their condition was not enough, those with disabilities have been victims of painful name calling from those who are not physically or mentally challenged. This had pushed advocacy groups to come up with the R word pledge.

Not only that. Now, many have resorted to using the word retarded as synonymous to stupid or dumb. People without disabilities think they earned the right to indict painful stereotypes to those without disabilities. Sometimes, not even caring if they are dealing with an innocent child.

There are even ways on understanding why such an advocacy exists. People use different arguments that does not necessarily fall down to being concerned about the meanings words entails. And the power they have over someone. Mostly because you do not feel offended until it affects you.

As such, they must be embraced and included, not the other way around. They should be regarded with utmost understanding, especially by those who do not have the same condition. Just because it is the human thing to do. And you can get rid of the R word if you cannot trust yourself to be responsible in using it.

On more positive aspects that will advance the development of language, so that it would not be used in harming another person. This is so you will understand the impact of a negative connotation to children with an otherwise understandable condition. The campaign encourages the elimination of the R word so that nobody will have an excuse in using it as a derogatory word.

By calling them retarded, they draw some sort of analogy that it is socially unacceptable. They too, can have positive contributions to the community. That is why advocacy groups wants people to recognize their skills, talents and contributions. So that others would not have to focus on what they cannot do, or cope up with.

Use alternative terms. Do not forget its real definition by thinking twice before saying it. Be sensitive to the meanings it brings across. Because of its negative connotations, mentally retarded is a term has become an unacceptable diagnostic term. It is important for the majority to understand the need for this, since people who have intellectual disabilities have been discriminated for far too long.

Thinking that they deserve anything otherwise is a blatant disrespect not only to children in particular, but to humanity in general. This does not help anybody. Words matter a lot. Especially the meanings they entail. It is high time all people recognizes that everybody is entitled to being different. That individuality should not be scorned but embraced as something positive, not hateful. Language is supposed to be beautiful. Do not pain people with it.




About the Author:



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

Enregistrer un commentaire

AddThis