The R-Word

Everyday, I hear people ignorantly use the r-word or the word retarded. I truly believe and hope that when people use this hurtful word, that they are doing purely out of ignorance. They don’t see or understand the impact and true meaning behind the word they throw around as just any other adjective. People use this word in situations where adjectives like stupid, dumb, silly, slow, weird, messed up, and many others would be more appropriate to use. Not many people realize the great impact that this has on people with disabilities and their families. The r-word doesn’t promote a world and society in which people with disabilities are valued and accepted. Rather, this word creates a society in which those with disabilities are viewed as less and as though there is something wrong with them. The r-word defines people as nothing more than their disabilities and differences that make them so unique. Some people feel that there is an appropriate context to use this word in, but I completely disagree. This situation some might be referring to would be in medical scenarios such as a diagnosis of “mental retardation.” However this is incorrect, many do not know this but educating them can make a difference. In 2010 Obama signed Bill S. 2781 that removed the term “mental retardation” or “mentally retarded person” and replaced them with the terms “intellectual disability” and “a person with an intellectual disability.” This simple rewording helped to create a more inclusive and accepting environment by eliminating the hurtful r-word and replacing it with people first language. People first language is important because it identifies people as who they are first, and their disability second. It makes sure that people are not simply defined by their disability.  

To me, the r-word is more than just a hurtful word to some people that many people use. Using this word directly hurts me. It hurts me to hear people use this word and be so ignorant and derogatory towards people like my sister. When people use this word I hope that people don’t realize the true pain that it causes me and families like mine, I hope that they aren’t doing it on purpose. Hearing people use this word everyday validates the issues I deal with and worry about. I know that people aren’t always accepting towards people with disabilities and that sucks. When people ignorantly use this hurtful word, it shows that our world, while it is changing for the better, it isn’t changing enough. People like my sister still are not valued for who they truly are, they are seen as less because of their disability. I wish people could see people for who they are first, I wish that people didn’t see the disability before they saw the person. Due to all the negativity that comes along with this word, I do my best to try and educate people as to why they shouldn’t use this word. Of course, I can’t change everyone’s view on those with disabilities but I can definitely try. When someone around me uses the r-word I politely ask them to use a different word and explain to them that it is incredibly hurtful to people with disabilities and their families. Some people don’t care and continue to use the word, but that is their loss. By continuing to use the word they are hurting people and missing out on amazing friendships and relationships that could be built with people who have disabilities. But, the reason I continue to remind people is that sometimes it gets through to them. Most of the people around me don’t use the word anymore as they have been educated on the hurtfulness behind the word. By becoming educated about not using the r-word, we can make a difference. We can do this by starting with something as simple as pledging on r-word.org to not use the r-word. From there, just reminding people not to use the r-word and reminding them of its hurtfulness, even encouraging them to pledge can make a huge difference. Together, a world can be created where the hurt this word causes is understood and therefore not used. A world where special needs are embraced, valued, and accepted. This is a world that we need for people like my sister. This is a world I hope we can one day achieve. To get there, we need to start with ourselves, and that is something everyone can do.