It is time to “Spread the Word to End the Word” and on 31 March 2009 Special Olympics is calling for a national day of awareness for America to stop and think about their use of the R-word. That R-word is not “recession,” but something more hurtful and painful – “retard.” In High School and College I chose to spend my volunteer time working with people with disabilities. My bike ride across America this summer benefited Push America, a non-profit organization who raises money and awareness for people with disabilities. During my time spent with people with disabilities, my eyes and heart have been open to their world. It's a world of sadness, hurt and frustration but often a world of courage, perseverance and happiness. When I spent time with these awesome people, my initial reaction was that I was doing them a favor. It was never til the end of my first interactions with people with disabilities, that I realized how much more they gave me. I was the one benefiting from their presence.
In college, my fraternity was the leader of all the chapters when it came to involvement with Push America. We raised a lot of money and did a "Push Week" for all the sororities to raise money and awareness. In order for our words to follow our actions, we made sure that we watched how we used the "R-Word."
I came across this recent campaign by the Special Olympics and think it's awesome. Most people throw around the R-word like it's no bid deal without any regard to who could be offended. I used to say it all the time until my eyes were opened to the word and the people it represents.
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Please stand with me on March, 31st and everyday to spread awareness on the R-word; an often overused, hurtful slur that has great potential of offend due to the people it represents and the context it's used in. If nothing else, think twice before you use the word! Thanks.
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FYI:
Don't use retard, handicapped, or disable person. These are all politically incorrect. Handicap is an older word that refers to beggars with their "cap in hand." And it's not a disable person...it's a person with disabilities. They are people first and this language is called "people first language."
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A great article written by CNN talking about the campaign and President Obama's slip up on The Tonight Show.
2 comments:
I appreciate this post so much... I too volunteered with Special Olympics for three years in a row and it is SUPER important that we get rid of that word forever! Go Cam!
Bro, good to read your thoughts. Miss ya.
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