"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." - Shel Silverstein

Friday, October 2, 2009

What About the "R" Word?

I will start off this post by saying I do not mean any offense to anyone.

I understand that hate speech is wrong, no matter what words are used and who is affected by them. I understand that using any word that uses a trait of a person they can not change as a tool to describe something as negative, is wrong. I understand that homosexual people struggle everyday for equality. They struggle everyday to be recognized as people, as humans. That is why I think the following public service announcements are a positive thing. Watch for yourselves:




But...

Where are the PSAs for the saying "That is so retarded"?

Intellectually disabled persons are a group of people that are affected by hate speech just as much as homosexual people. They encounter the same level of ignorance, intolerance and discrimination as homosexuals. They are the subject of people's ignorant use of the term "that is so retarded".

The only difference is that intellectually disabled people often can not stand up for themselves to tell others how they feel about the use of the word "retarded" as a derogatory term. Too often, they do not have the ability to even grasp that someone is insulting them when using the term "retarded".

Where is their PSA?

Just sayin'.

5 comments:

Queen Mommy said...

Ditto.

The VW's said...

Maybe we should start a PSA about this?! Unfortunately, I wonder if it would even help. Because those who are mentally delayed aren't usually able to stand up for themselves, I have a feeling that this type of negativity will continue on. It is so sad though! Especially when you are a mom to someone who can't stand up for themselves!

It makes me so sad to hear people beating down other people! We all have our differences and even if we don't believe in certain things or understand them, we shouldn't judge and hurt others because of it!

We may not be able to end this cruelty, but we sure must try! Keep up the great job! Hugs!!!

Nana and PaPa said...

Wow! Ditto, ditto, and ditto! I love these PSAs on homosexuality. People just aren't aware that the derogatory comments they make off hand really can hurt others. Too bad there aren't any PSAs for mentally challenged comments...however....maybe there will be someday. Thanks for the awareness and education.
Love,
Nana & PaPa

Hope said...

Great post, Alicia. I agree. And what bothers me is how young kids start saying it. Dakota had a friend over and I overheard her telling Christian his toy was "so retarded". Um... WHAT?!?! Excuse me, but we don't use that word in a derogatory manner. Makes me wonder what she hears from her parents. Dakota won't be visiting their home.

Very great point. They need a PSA on this topic also.

Kristina--Therapy Tree said...

I love this post, you are so Right on about this..hopefully there will be a PSA soon!