Words possess positive or negative energy. The effect they have depends on how they are used. The R Word Pledge is aimed at eliminating the reference of retardation, retard or retarded from ordinary discourse that involves the intellectually impaired persons. This term is demeaning and hurtful because it indicates a society that does not appreciate differences or accommodate them. By recognizing the positive in these persons, it will enable people to regard them positively.
The idea is to appreciate that each individual has unique gifts. The fact that someone cannot talk, walk or perform other duties like most people is not a reason to refer to him of her in a derogatory manner. Continued use of such words makes them part of mainstream speech. Gradually, the affected persons are isolated which affects their esteem and socialization.
The problem with the term retard/retarded is its use outside medical or clinical environment. Originally, it had a connotative meaning and was only used by doctors and nurses to refer to a clinical condition. It showed that the affected person had developmental challenges. Using it out of context makes the mentally impaired individuals to feel isolated and less valued. On the streets, it refers to a stupid or thoughtless person.
Mental retardation is the preferred reference in medical circles for a person who is mentally impaired. Though people who engage in stupid acts are regarded as retards, it is hurtful when used on persons with real mental condition. It shows failure to appreciate or ignorance of the gifts that such a person possesses.
This campaign started in 2009 during a Special Olympics preparation event. The organizers indicated that there was need to place humanity or dignity of a person before his ability. By referring to people as retards, their developmental or cognitive inability takes prominence. Their experiences are as satisfying as those of normal people. Words should never be used to make them feel less human.
One makes the pledge by registering on the official website for the campaign. You will be required to provide your name, city of residence and state or country of origin. Optional details to give include organization or school name and your age. By completing this prompt form, your commitment will be displayed on the site as part of a global awareness campaign. The website also releases monthly news, event calendar and campaign information through their subscription newsletter.
There is a common reference for persons with developmental challenges where people are curious to know what is wrong. The brains behind this initiative want to show that deficiencies are not an indication of something wrong. The fact that someone cannot swim, dance, sing, etc does not make the person any less human. The same argument applies to mental incapacity. The person is as dignified as those considered to be normal.
As you make the pledge, you are also invited to share personal stories. It is these stories that highlight the need to take action. They motivate other people to view mental impairment as a condition rather than a problem. It gives the victims a positive outlook in life that allows them to feel valued.
The idea is to appreciate that each individual has unique gifts. The fact that someone cannot talk, walk or perform other duties like most people is not a reason to refer to him of her in a derogatory manner. Continued use of such words makes them part of mainstream speech. Gradually, the affected persons are isolated which affects their esteem and socialization.
The problem with the term retard/retarded is its use outside medical or clinical environment. Originally, it had a connotative meaning and was only used by doctors and nurses to refer to a clinical condition. It showed that the affected person had developmental challenges. Using it out of context makes the mentally impaired individuals to feel isolated and less valued. On the streets, it refers to a stupid or thoughtless person.
Mental retardation is the preferred reference in medical circles for a person who is mentally impaired. Though people who engage in stupid acts are regarded as retards, it is hurtful when used on persons with real mental condition. It shows failure to appreciate or ignorance of the gifts that such a person possesses.
This campaign started in 2009 during a Special Olympics preparation event. The organizers indicated that there was need to place humanity or dignity of a person before his ability. By referring to people as retards, their developmental or cognitive inability takes prominence. Their experiences are as satisfying as those of normal people. Words should never be used to make them feel less human.
One makes the pledge by registering on the official website for the campaign. You will be required to provide your name, city of residence and state or country of origin. Optional details to give include organization or school name and your age. By completing this prompt form, your commitment will be displayed on the site as part of a global awareness campaign. The website also releases monthly news, event calendar and campaign information through their subscription newsletter.
There is a common reference for persons with developmental challenges where people are curious to know what is wrong. The brains behind this initiative want to show that deficiencies are not an indication of something wrong. The fact that someone cannot swim, dance, sing, etc does not make the person any less human. The same argument applies to mental incapacity. The person is as dignified as those considered to be normal.
As you make the pledge, you are also invited to share personal stories. It is these stories that highlight the need to take action. They motivate other people to view mental impairment as a condition rather than a problem. It gives the victims a positive outlook in life that allows them to feel valued.
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