OK, I copied this from my hubby’s blog. If you get a chance, check his original post out.
Life Of Jason
2008 & 2009 Springfield Local Bloggers Association Blog of the Year
It’s Just Like Saying Nigger, Kike, Faggot, Jap, Kraut, Mick or Wop
“You no longer use the words nigger, or kike, or faggot, or jap, or kraut, or mick, or wop.” It’s time to add the word “retard” to that list of words you don’t say because of the hate that comes behind those words. That first line & title of this post comes from a letter today from the national spokesman for the “Spread the word to end the word” campaign, John C. McGinley (whose letter is further down this post.) Today is the day we spread the word to end the word. Groups all over the country will be banding together to raise awareness about the “r-word” being as hurtful to those with disabilities as the “n-word” is to African Americans. Take some time today to help raise awareness by posting on your blog or telling co-workers or friends about our efforts.
Actor John C. McGinley, Dr. Cox on “Scrubs” and the father of a son with Down Syndrome, is the national spokesman for this event and he sent this statement this morning to media and supporters:
Hi, I’m John C. McGinley. I’m an ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society, and today I’m teaming up with Special Olympics to bring you a message that’s important to me.
So many times in life you are asked to change…
Change your clothes. Change lanes. Change jobs. Change the sheets. Change flights. Change your tune. Change horses midstream. Change your latitudes and your attitudes!
Change, and the ability to adapt, is to the human condition as air is to the lungs. We change, and in the doing, we thrive!
In fact, we just elected a president who promised, above all else, to “change.”
What if, on March 31, you elected to change the way you use the words “retard” and “retarded”?
Hardly seems like the largest of sacrifices. Not when you consider the changes in language that you have, so willingly, already elected to integrate into your vernacular. You no longer use the words nigger, or kike, or faggot, or jap, or kraut, or mick, or wop.
Why would you? Why on earth would you? Those are all words that hurt. Those are all racial and ethnic slurs and epithets that perpetuate negative stigmas. They are painful! And that is not okay. It is wrong to pain people with your language. Especially, when you have already been made aware of your oral transgression’s impact.
Make no mistake about it: WORDS DO HURT! And when you pepper your speak with “retard” and “retarded,” you are spreading hurt. So stop it. Stop saying “retard” and “retarded.” Those words suck! You are better than that and you definitely do not need to be “that guy.”
There is no longer any acceptable occasion to lace your dialogue with the words “retard” and “retarded.” Without fail, those words are the stuff of hurt. They, straight up, are. So, stop it! Stop using the “R-word.”
The 7 million people with intellectual disabilities (around the planet) who are on the receiving end of this hate speak are genetically designed to love unconditionally. These “retards” are NEVER going to return your vitriol. Ever! So what could possibly be the up-side of continuing to use the “R-word” in your daily discourse?
We love you. We do!
And, just in case you missed it and you need an extra hug? We love you!
You do not need to love us in any kind of reciprocal fashion. You don’t. (It’s not that kind of bargain.)
But, how about on March 31, you elect to change? A word? Two stinkin’ syllables?
On March 31, join us and “Spread the Word to End the Word.” And the word is “retard!” It HURTS! So help us to cut it out.
Thank you! We do love you!
John C. McGinley
info@specialolympics.org
www.specialolympics.org
So please…if you have a blog take a few minutes today and make a posting about stopping the r-word and letting people know that it’s not acceptable. You may not think it’s a big deal…however with many people rushing to say it was “no big deal” that President Obama used Special Olympics as a punchline it shows that many do not consider mocking of those with special needs as being on the same level as racist language. They’re wrong…and until we stand up and make our voices heard this same kind of behavior is going to continue. Visit The R-Word to find out more about what you can do to raise awareness and get graphics for your blog or website. Thank you to any of you who help Spread the Word to End the Word!
