Today is the 5th annual day of awareness for pledging to remove the hurtful R-word from your vocabulary. It’s easy to pick up words that have been misused in our society and make them a permanent part of our lives. There are some words that are very inappropriate when used in a disrespectful manner. The R-word is one of those.
The word “retard” is often used out of frustration or anger, to describe something that one dislikes. “That’s retarded”
It is also commonly used to be cruel; “What a retard”. It’s equivalent to the words “Idiot” or “Stupid”.
It’s offensive, disrespectful and unacceptable to be used in those terms.
Why is it offensive?
The true definition of the word “retard” is used to MEDICALLY describe someone who less advanced or mentally delayed for their age.
That definition describes MY SON, My brother and many of my friends too. So, when someone says “That’s retarded” out of anger or frustration, referring to something they do not like, yes it becomes offensive.
It’s time to make a change and it starts with you!
Here are a few ways you can help make a difference:
- Join the “Spread the Word to End the Word” Campaign and take the R-word Pledge .
- Promise to think before you speak and use the R-word in a respectful manner.
- Talk to your children about the true definition of the word.
- Teach them why it is inappropriate to be used in a slang term.
You can find out more about the R-word campaign you can find them on FACEBOOK and follow them on TWITTER.
I encourage you to take the pledge TODAY. Let’s make a difference for our children.
If you take the pledge, let me know below in the comments!
Tell me how you plan to make the change.
“That’s retarded” has to be one the hardest phrases to stop using. I think I use it often, let alone my kids. While I have never used it to describe a person before, I realize it can strike a nerve.
It will be difficult, but I’ll take your pledge. Thank you for sharing your reasoning behind your request.
Sincerely yours,
Victoria
Drive Me Crazy Family Adventure
Victoria recently posted..CrindelStar Asks: Do Unicorns Fly?
Twitter: craftcravings
says:
I have to admit, I hadn’t thought a lot about this, but now that I read this, I will be so much more careful of it in the future. I know so many people just spout off words without thinking about it too much. Another word I hear misused is “gay”. When something is lame, a person might say “that’s so gay”. I think there are probably other words like that too that I am just not thinking of right now. We just need to be more conscious as words definitely can hurt.
Heather Walter recently posted..I tried it: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
Twitter: BDandV
says:
I will take the pledge. I will not use that horrid word to offend anyone and I encourage the people I know and love to take the pledge too!
Elizabeth Towns recently posted..Snow days and home body’s…no time for idle hands
I actually saw this on Facebook last night when I was looking around. I think it is important to be aware and try and change the way we act and things we say.
Kelsey Apley recently posted..FREE full-size sample of New Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye cream and Lash Serum
I’ll be another to admit that I use that word way too often. It’s a horrible habit that I picked up in elementary school. I’m trying to use it less, and eventually hope to stop using it. I do yell at my kids for using it, though.