31 for 21 Day 5: Spread the Word

If you look up the word retarded in the dictionary, this is what you will find...

re·tard

 

verb (used with object)

1.

to make slow; delay the development or progress of (anaction, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

verb (used without object)

2.

to be delayed.

noun

3.

a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.

4.

Slang: Disparaging .

a.

a mentally retarded person.

b.

a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in someway: a hopeless social retard.

People use this word all of the time as part of their everyday language. I have used this word in my lifetime.

As I admit to that statement, tears are burning my eyes. I have used the word retarded. It doesn't matter that I now have a child with delays, I should have never used the word. It hurts my heart to admit that now, but I learned that too. I learned that it is NOT OK to use the word.

If you look at the posting from the dictionary above, the R word IS a slang term referring to "a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in someway". People use the word all of the time by saying "That is so __________ ". "It's so ________". Believe me, I know you don't have the intention of being mean when you use that word because you don't mean harm by it, but, by using the word, you ARE saying that something IS stupid, obtuse, ineffective, or less than you, etc.

Is he?

Make a change. Pledge that you will no longer use that word. It IS hurtful. It IS mean. Please think of my sweet boy who works really hard every day to do the things that comes so easily to others. Please think of him if that word comes to your lips.

You can take the pledge by visiting the R-word: Spread the Word to End the Word Website. Please pass this post on to your family and friends and remind them that it is NOT ok to use this word.

YOU can make a difference.