Special Olympics aims at ending the derogatory use of the "r-word"

[CobraKai]

From CNN.com:

[Special Olympics is calling] to Americans to recognize and rethink their use of the word "retard," or as the organization would prefer, the "R-word."

"Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends," a statement about the campaign reads. "This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur."

The push for increased respect is being spearheaded by young people who are collecting pledges or vows to not use the word athttp://www.r-word.org/, and are leading online discussions on how people can get involved in this cause.

Thoughts? Are you guys "r-word" abusers? Any of you volunteer with Special Olympics, or have family members or friends with intellectual disabilities?

[minDyG]

I used to let this word slip all the time. Now, I'd say I use it infrequently, but unfortunately I don't flinch when I hear myself say it the same way I would if I called something "gay" in association with negativity. I know people are sick of having to tiptoe around to keep from hurting everyone's feelings, but this is definitely a touchy subject, and I would never want to inadvertently hurt someone I care about by speaking without thinking.

[christiangirl]

My nephew is developmentally delayed, so the r-word has definitely become highly offensive in our family. I warn others to never use it around us and or else the fam will look at you like you just swore very loudly. I never say it unless I'm at work and using it in a clinical sense.

[tri deezy]

I'm a pre-k special education assistant. Since I started my job in Fall 2007, I've definitely noticed the use of the word more. I guess it used to not phase me the way other words did, but now it's definitely one of those words. I also recently learned that the origins of the word "spaz," as in, "Oh my god, she's such a spaz," refer to people with Cerebral Palsy (because of their muscle spasms and uncontrolled tension). I don't really use "spaz" anymore. One of my favorite people in the world has CP.

[Kevlar281]

There is a certain University in Texas whose fan base likes to call one of their rival’s tards. Normally I’d just shrug it off but this same fan base likes to proclaim themselves as one of the classiest programs in their conference. I wish they’d eliminate the nickname from their vernacular. I cringe every time I hear someone say it without a second thought.

For the record I used to be a pretty big offender of using the r-word. But after doing JOH and active involvement with Push America I can’t recall the last time I used it.

[KSig RC]

Here's the problem with the "r-word" - unlike racial slurs, which have basically no other meaning besides the hurtful and purely racial motivation, "retarded" is essentially accurate. That is to say, the mentally handicapped do indeed have developmental retardation.

It may still be hurtful to the developmentally disabled, but it's nowhere near the use of "gay" to mean "lame" in terms of the damage done. Now, should kids calling each other "retarded" morph from "dumb" or "silly" to something akin to "worthless" or something more worthy of derision, then I'll be all for eliminating it.

With that said, I do go out of my way to attempt to not use the term in public, or around those who have close ties to special needs individuals - so yeah, it seems like an odd case to me, where it's still "bad" but not on the level of slurs based on race, gender or sexual orientation. Strange how the denotation/connotation divide can exist, but it really does for me.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by tri deezy

I also recently learned that the origins of the word "spaz," as in, "Oh my god, she's such a spaz," refer to people with Cerebral Palsy (because of their muscle spasms and uncontrolled tension). I don't really use "spaz" anymore. One of my favorite people in the world has CP.

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

[knight_shadow]

I applaud them for what they're trying to do (one of my teachers growing up had a mentally handicapped son, so I don't use the term anyway), but I don't really see it going anywhere. This is the same thing that the NAACP tried to do with the N word, but the use of that hasn't changed.

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

That's fine and dandy that you say that, but EVERY instance I've had with gypsies in Europe has been a negative one - seeing them pickpocket, etc...There was also an article in either Time or Newsweek a long while ago where they interviewed a bunch of gypsies who openly stated they didn't work because it was more honorable to stealand beg from people than work.

As for the r word, yes I've used it, most people have. I stopped a long time ago though as I think it's not a good expression, there are much more apt expressions when dealing with those who are idiots....well, with the exception of the thread on here recently with the guy peddling online cremation or whatever it was.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Many derogatory words as someone pointed out earlier, have taken on secondary meanings. It is called the evolution of language. You can not stop it. Words take on new meanings all the time. You don't have to like it, but most people already speak (especially when speaking casually) before they have a chance to register what they are going to say. Hence, "retarded" would not be used in a formal speech, neither would "gay", but you'll find them in casual and everyday conversation. There is no movement that will stop the natural progression of language, so I think they are going to have to go on being offended.

As a black person, I've learned to just get used to many hispanics and whites saying "nigga" on casual basis when meeting friends. No one has ever in my life (to my knowledge) used it in offense towards me. I do notice it all the time in my head and it does make me stop and think for a second, but I don't get offended about it and give them a lecture. What is the point?

[BigRedBeta]

I'm a pediatrician. Dealing with developmentally delayed and mentally retarded (there's a difference) is a part of my job. When I'm at the hospital, writing a progress note in which I write "8 y/o patient with MR and quadraplegic spastic cerebral palsy with history of repeated hospitalizations for respiratory distress" is a medically accurate and relevant comment. I would be miffed if a patient's family resented me putting "MR" in my notes.

Given that, it's a part of my vocabulary. This isn't that big of deal to me. I'm with KSig on this one, it's an accurate statement when describing the afflicted. It's not the word that's offensive but tone and context, if said as a way to hurt someone, I might understand. I don't think it's offensive when said amongst friends either though.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

I'm a pediatrician. Dealing with developmentally delayed and mentally retarded (there's a difference) is a part of my job. When I'm at the hospital, writing a progress note in which I write "8 y/o patient with MR and quadraplegic spastic cerebral palsy with history of repeated hospitalizations for respiratory distress" is a medically accurate and relevant comment. I would be miffed if a patient's family resented me putting "MR" in my notes.

Given that, it's a part of my vocabulary. This isn't that big of deal to me. I'm with KSig on this one, it's an accurate statement when describing the afflicted. It's not the word that's offensive but tone and context, if said as a way to hurt someone, I might understand. I don't think it's offensive when said amongst friends either though.

Exactly - along somewhat the same lines, I know of people who have masters degrees in "Teaching Individuals with Mental Retardation."

[AlphaFrog]

Being an Alpha Sig with our philanthropy as Special Olympics, I've tried to be more conscious of saying the "r-word", but honestly, it's just something that's been used by my age group so long, it's hard to get rid of. I've joked with my coworker that they're going to kick me out of my sorority if I can't stop saying that, so she'll make a joke about getting kicked out when she hears me say it. I actually appreciate her doing it, because it really points out to me when I use it and don't even think about it.

[DGTess]

As the mother of a mentally retarded man, I am, on the other hand, offended that some feel "intellectual disability" accurately describes my son's condition.

He is moderately mentally retarded, with ADHD, and autistic tendencies. Yes, his cognitive abilities and language abilities are retarded. He is NOT a "tard".

Like using "gay" to mean "lame", when it can mean homosexual or happy, individuals can use the word "retarded" in a hurtful manner. Those people are generally beneath me.

I'm disgusted that the national "Association for Retarded Citizens", in fact, changed their name simply to "ARC" (like KFC dropped "Kentucky Fried Chicken" because "fried" is apparently bad), and even more disgusted that the politically correct are folding to the too-sensitive.

[WinniBug]

Oh, man.
there was a post about this in one of my MySpace groups and some pretty foolish responses.

"honestly, i’m not going to stop saying "retarded". People are way too sensitive about shit these days. I vote no more of this politically correct crap. We should be able to say whatever the f**k we want. Call a spade a spade."

"if you’re going refrain from using the word "retarded", you might as well refrain from using the word "idiot" as well
because they both basically mean the same thing and are both considered offensive"
..."but their definitions are almost the same (not including the 2nd definition of idiot):
Main Entry: re·tard·ed
Function: adjective
Date: 1895
sometimes offensive : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress

Main Entry: id·i·ot
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 usually offensive : a person affected with extreme mental retardation
2: a foolish or stupid person

to which someone else replied....."Quit using a book from 1895, it’s wrong." (lol)

"This whole thread is so gay."