November 01, 2014
Saturday PM

So the other morning, either a Saturday or a Sunday I was lying in bed, thinking I don't have to move. What I nice change since I have been going, going, and going. Working on my show, Look, See, Hear, & Listen and all the amazing things that have come from it has been both rewarding and exhausting. I am trying not to forget anything or anyone who has wanted to be a part of it or help. So again I was lying there when I heard the neighborhood kids playing and arguing like they do every weekend when it's nice out.

Although I am not a big fan of the arguing I usually just ignore it and smile to myself that I am thankful that my kids are past that age when I hear a word that catches my attention. At first I wasn't sure I heard it right, but lately it has been heard more frequently and even posted on the front page of our daily news. The kids were taunting each other, using the R word!

Yes, they were in an almost sing song fashion singing "Retard, Retard, you're a retard!" at the top of their lungs.

I waited and waited and yet not one of their parents bothered to come out and correct them. Ok so maybe they didn't hear the kids, but WAIT! I did, and my window was closed. SO I heard it clear as a bell through my walls and double paned window.

So some of you are probably saying what is the harm? What s so wrong with it, they weren't actually calling someone with a mental disability a Retard. So it's ok right?

NO! it is not, this word should be put on the shelf right next to the N word and the F word. It is a word that is cruel and mean and has no other meaning, it is no longer neutral, "Retarded" and "Retard" today are variations on a slur. People today especially like it and use it as a weapon of derision, and it does a good job. It's sharp, assaultive and is right up there with "Moron" and "Idiot" When this word is used it tells people they are not worthy, they or outside the IN group; they are someone that is not your kind. It is a Cruel and we need to teach our children it is not appropriate regardless of the reference. It needs to be up there with the N word and the F word. The battle for those with intellectual disabilities is a continuous battle with little victories and one of them is an end to insults, whether or not they are within ear shot. Let s begin by spreading the word to end the R word. IF you are still asking yourself what is the big deal, and it's not like I am using the word to insult a person with intellectual disabilities, ask yourself one question. "What is the visual reference I have when I say the word in my head, and if I were to call someone else this word what is the visual reference they receive?" or maybe your thinking "The word 'retard' is a word like any other..... is has a definition and an implication and they're not the same thing." REALITY CHECK: In 2010, Congress itself replaced mental retardation and mentally retarded in federal health, education and labor laws with the term intellectual disability. due to the change in how the word is used in society.

Just because the word retarded wasn't a big deal when we were growing up doesn't mean it isn't today. Besides, back then the slang That s so retarded! or You re such a retard! weren't as rampant as they are today. So many parents have explained how hurtful it is to hear their child with intellectual disability being associated with an insult. People with intellectual disability have spoken about how insulting and demeaning the word is. So the next time you hear this word or have it on the tip of your tongue I hope you take the time to educate the person who uses the word and if you are the person who uses the word I hope that from today forward that it will no longer be a part of your vocabulary.

Received October 29, 2014 - Published November 01, 2014

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