It's Time To Change Our Language

by Jen Nedeau · 2009-03-31 10:09:00 UTC
Topics:

 r-word.orgIf you're a female, you know how many hurtful words that are used far too often to describe you. We've all heard someone called a bitch, slut, or whore  - just to name a few.

And just as we don't allow anyone to call us these derogatory names, we need to be as vigilant about other hurtful slurs that marginalize individuals.

Today, I get to work on behalf of the Special Olympics to end the use of the r-word in their campaign, "Spread the Word to End the Word." And no - the r-word is not the "recession" but something much more hurtful, the word "retard."

It's amazing to realize how many people continue to use this slur in everyday language. Just take a look at what is said on Twitter.

There are literally hundreds of conversations going on at any time using this word. And whether it's intentional or not - it is incredibly disrespectful to those with intellectual disabilities.

So let's change our language. Let's end the use of the r-word today.

You can help in the following ways:

Make a pledge on http://www.r-word.org/

Tweet about it: "I pledged to end the use of the r-word today - can you? http://www.r-word.org/ #rword."

Donate your Facebook Status: "I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. http://www.r-word.org/ #rword"

Join the Tweetchat at 4 PM EST:

  • Allow Tweetchat to "authorize" your Twitter Account.
  • Enter #rword to enter the Tweetchat

Watch the videos.

Hopefully, by helping to end the r-word, we can make everyone more conscious of all the words they use on an everyday basis and make the world a more accepting and respectful place.

Jen Nedeau Jen Nedeau is a media relations professional and a writer based in New York City.
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