Sticks and stones……I don’t care what the rhyme says, words do hurt. Especially a word, when used, demeans another human being.
Take the r-word for example. A word that rolls off of so many tongues so easily, so carelessly, so thinking it’s funny.
It’s not.
Using the r-word reinforces negative sterotypes about people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes a false consensus that beautiful souls like Parker are ‘less than’ their typical peers, and therefore okay to treat differently. To the point of denying life for the 90% of those prenatally diagnosed with an extra chromosome.
The people over at Spread the word to end the word, get it. They’ve been inviting people to pledge to remove the r-word from their vocabulary.
Don’t think the r-word is that big of a deal? Not used often enough to make a difference? Parker and I beg to differ.
You can go HERE and enter your favorite website addys and discover just how many times the r-word shows up within the pages of that blog.
Since the r-word counter has been up to September 7, 2012 people on the World Wide Web have used the r-word 338,032 times.
338,032 insults. 338,032 times a person with intellectual disabilities has been demeaned. 338,032 people showing their ignorance towards the feelings of those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Make a difference. Take the PLEDGE.
Twitter: nehimomma
Sep 7, 12
I’m proud that my blog has a big fat ZERO..on it. none nadda zilch.
Sarah,
I have it here twice on Parker’s blog. Both times were in awareness posts. Even then I’m thinking of going and removing those!
I was worried, but I plugged in my blog address, and it told me I am R-word Free! I admit that I have used the word, but I do also pledge to not use it anymore. Thanks for making me aware.
I’m a psychology (and sociology) major…and actually, in psychology. the r-word is just a technicality. It’s all the negative societal stereotypes that come along with the word, plus a lot of other psychological disorders. Which is why most people don’t dare to admit, not even to friends, that they have a problem, be it physical, or mental. And it’s not just the r-word, it’s a whole long list of others too. Sadly. ):
I’m free of the r-word! (: And your boy is so sweet. (: Special hugs from halfway around the globe!