It is said that spoken words have unique powers. Depending on how the words are used, the power is either positive or negative. The r word pledge was started to discourage and end the use of the term retarded or retarded in reference to persons who are intellectually impaired. This reference is hurtful and demeaning. Its avoidance makes the society more accommodating of shortcomings in other people. It shows respect and recognition of varied talents enabling people to take the right actions towards persons gifted differently.
The idea is to appreciate that each individual has unique gifts. The fact that someone cannot talk, walk or perform other duties like most people is not a reason to refer to him of her in a derogatory manner. Continued use of such words makes them part of mainstream speech. Gradually, the affected persons are isolated which affects their esteem and socialization.
It is the mainstreaming of the term mental retardation or mentally retarded that is causing a problem. The connotative meaning was to be reserved for clinical or medicinal use. Doctors used it to refer to a developmental condition. Today, its street use is to tell off a person whose act is considered stupid or thoughtless. The problem arises when it is used on persons with actual mental condition. It gives them a tag that indicates less value than ordinary human beings.
The hurtful aspect of referring to a developmental condition as retardation is the lack of appreciation of the special gifts such a person possesses. The focus becomes on what the person cannot do instead of what he or she is capable of doing. This action is hurtful and should be condemned. With more people pledging to eliminate such reference from ordinary speech, the trend will be reversed.
The campaign has its genesis during an activation event for Special Olympics in 2009. The event and participants sort to focus on the special abilities of people with developmental or cognitive disabilities instead of highlighting their deficiencies. Their argument was that these people have the capacity to equally enjoy life and all experiences like ordinary human beings. There is no need to make them feel any less human.
Pledges are registered on the official campaign website where you are required to give the name, residence city and country or state where you come from. You may add details about your organization or school, but these are optional. These details are filled on a prompt form with your commitment being displayed for the world to see. You are invited to sign in for a monthly newsletter containing calendar of events, news and more campaign information.
Most people ask, What is wrong with her/him, when they spot a mentally impaired person. The aim of this campaign is to turn the shine on what the person can do other than his or her deficiencies. Being on a wheelchair is equated to inability to swim, sing, draw, etc. It does not make anyone any less valuable.
As you make the pledge, you are also invited to share personal stories. It is these stories that highlight the need to take action. They motivate other people to view mental impairment as a condition rather than a problem. It gives the victims a positive outlook in life that allows them to feel valued.
The idea is to appreciate that each individual has unique gifts. The fact that someone cannot talk, walk or perform other duties like most people is not a reason to refer to him of her in a derogatory manner. Continued use of such words makes them part of mainstream speech. Gradually, the affected persons are isolated which affects their esteem and socialization.
It is the mainstreaming of the term mental retardation or mentally retarded that is causing a problem. The connotative meaning was to be reserved for clinical or medicinal use. Doctors used it to refer to a developmental condition. Today, its street use is to tell off a person whose act is considered stupid or thoughtless. The problem arises when it is used on persons with actual mental condition. It gives them a tag that indicates less value than ordinary human beings.
The hurtful aspect of referring to a developmental condition as retardation is the lack of appreciation of the special gifts such a person possesses. The focus becomes on what the person cannot do instead of what he or she is capable of doing. This action is hurtful and should be condemned. With more people pledging to eliminate such reference from ordinary speech, the trend will be reversed.
The campaign has its genesis during an activation event for Special Olympics in 2009. The event and participants sort to focus on the special abilities of people with developmental or cognitive disabilities instead of highlighting their deficiencies. Their argument was that these people have the capacity to equally enjoy life and all experiences like ordinary human beings. There is no need to make them feel any less human.
Pledges are registered on the official campaign website where you are required to give the name, residence city and country or state where you come from. You may add details about your organization or school, but these are optional. These details are filled on a prompt form with your commitment being displayed for the world to see. You are invited to sign in for a monthly newsletter containing calendar of events, news and more campaign information.
Most people ask, What is wrong with her/him, when they spot a mentally impaired person. The aim of this campaign is to turn the shine on what the person can do other than his or her deficiencies. Being on a wheelchair is equated to inability to swim, sing, draw, etc. It does not make anyone any less valuable.
As you make the pledge, you are also invited to share personal stories. It is these stories that highlight the need to take action. They motivate other people to view mental impairment as a condition rather than a problem. It gives the victims a positive outlook in life that allows them to feel valued.
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