How many times have you been in the midst of a conversation, talking about something that is either stupid or ridiculous, when somebody casually remarks “That’s so retarded!”?
Probably more than once. And no one really reacts to it, because it’s a word commonly used in our society to describe something stupid or ridiculous. However, when somebody casually drops the R word in a conversation, they’re most likely not fully aware of who they’re saying this to. For example, people who use this word around me probably don’t know I have a younger brother with autism, and that I literally cringe each time I hear it. Just like when people refer to something that’s weird as being “gay”, referring to something that is stupid as “retarded” is offensive and derogatory. It’s a politically incorrect term that degrades and insults people with disabilities every time it is verbalized.
Mental retardation was originally the label doctors would use to describe people with significant intellectual impairments. Today, the professional phraseology to describe these impairments is intellectual or developmental disabilities/delays. This new way of describing people with disabilities puts the person first, and the disability second. It is a way of expressing people with disabilities are still people, and their disability does not define who they are.
By using the R-word to describe something dumb or idiotic, it is basically the same thing as calling someone with an intellectual disability dumb or idiotic. Language is a powerful force in our society that has the ability to shape attitudes and perceptions, so we might as well use it in a respectful and thoughtful way.
“Spread the Word to End the Word” is a US national campaign that encourages people to pledge to stop using the word retard. The purpose of this movement is to raise awareness about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word, so people can become more conscious of their language and their audience when they speak. By eliminating this word out of one’s vocabulary, it is the first step to creating a much more inclusive environment that is accepting of everybody.
It will be a long time before everyone will become aware of the hurtful effects of the R-word and fully erase it from their vocabulary, but just by being conscious of your own language is an important start. Keep in mind you never know how you might be effecting people or who you might be hurting, so it’s best to avoid using phrases that could be viewed as offensive. Reminding others to do the same will help to increase awareness, so continue to spread word to end the word!