The
slogan "Spread the Word to End the Word" is something that is very
close to my heart. I first heard this slogan two years ago as I walked to lunch
after 5th period. A club at our school named "Warrior Buddies" was
making a banner to promote this slogan to end the word "retard(ed)".
They were asking students to take the pledge to not say the word in relation to
Special Needs students and to show compassion by treating them as just
students. I quickly signed the banner and went on with my day not knowing that
this would end up being something that would mean so much to me.
When
I came across the article "Spread the word to end the use of the
R-word" these memories quickly flooded back. The quote, "The R-word has
found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the
fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with
intellectual disabilities and those who love them" really stuck out to me.
As you know, I have a cousin who is Special Needs and this word is not only
degrading for the individual but also one that hits hard for the person's loved
ones. I would be heartbroken if someone were to dehumanize my baby cousin that
I love so much just because she is different. So I ask that if an "R-Word"
needs to be observed, that word should be "Respect". Respect for
those that are of Special Needs and respect for those who love them.
"The
Bozeman Daily Chronicle." The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. N.p., 3
Mar. 2010. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/letters_to_editor/article_a7d608f4-2650-11df-9c7d-001cc4c002e0.html>.
I hear this word being said all of the time. When I hear it, I always try and correct the person that said it and say that they should not use that word because it is disrespectful. I think that some people just don't know that the word is disrespectful to say. That it is the correct word to call students with special needs. I think students should be educated about special education students, so everyone has a clear understanding about children with special needs.
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