Spread the Word to End the Word

There are about 200 million people around the world that has “intellectual disabilities”? That’s three percent of the world’s population! The word ” retardate” once was used to describe a person with a mental disability. Today, however, it is used in the pejorative form ”retard” or “retarded. ” Often unwittingly, the word is used to describe behavior that is “hapless,” “clumsy” and even “hopeless. ” It is Important to bring awareness to our society; everyone needs to stop and think about his or hers use of the “R-word” (retard or retarded).

People used the word “retard” or “retarded” as far back as the 1700’s. Some may argue that because of earlier definitions, it is acceptable to use the word “retard” or “retarded. ” They may even believe that because they are not actually calling a mentally impaired person a “retard” or “retarded,” there is nothing wrong with using those words. In 1704, the word “retard” was found printed in American newspapers describing something that is slowing down or diminishing.

In 1720, in the American Weekly Mercury, the word “retard” was defined as creating some sort of hindrance.One major change that occurred in the 1700’s, was the use of the word “retard” as a noun as well as a verb. The definition of the word now is “delay. ” There were many articles wrote in the 1700’s, which used the word in that context therefore; the words’ definition remained relatively constant. Then, in the 1800’s, there were articles produced using the word “retard” as a replacement to describe the process of slowing down.

In 1849, in The Georgia Telegraph, the word “retard” was used like the word “prevent. ” In 1895, the first major change to the definition in the word occurred.Though the definition is not much different, the context took quite a turn. In G. E. Shuttleworth’s Mentally-Deficient Children, he uses the word “retarded” to describe a mentally handicapped person.

The sentence reads, “Such children are also described as ‘backward’, or of ‘retarded mental development’. ” This is the first time the word “retard” or “retarded” had been used to describe a mentally handicapped person. In the 1900’s, the word was then used in the medical community to describe persons with mental and physical impairments.In 1979, in the Observer, the first record of the word “retard” was used as “dummy” or “idiot. ” This definition became popular during the late 1900’s, and into the 2000’s. In today’s society, people use the word to insult one another, using it to call them “dumb” or “ignorant.

” While there are many definitions of the word, derogatory use of the word is wrong and should not be used in that context. While the method of insulting a “normal” person is to call them a “retard,” it also is insulting to a person with “intellectual disabilities.Some people with “intellectual disabilities” do not understand this comparison, but many do. Using the word “retard” or “retarded” in a derogatory sense is demeaning a person with “intellectual disabilities. ” No one likes to be called anything that would describe themselves in a demeaning way.

Why do people feel that it is ok to use a word in a pejorative way, which was once used to describe the “intellectual disabilities,” it is very inappropriate and should be more carefully looked upon.They just want to be treated with respect and to be accepted as part of society. If more people took the time to talk and meet people with disabilities, they would realize that they are human beings with feelings just like the rest of us. They need our help to “Spread the Word to End the Word” because they cannot stick up for themselves. I have cared for persons’ with “intellectual disabilities” in my home, and became friends with many people who have “intellectual disabilities. ” They do not judge or make fun of people.

In fact, they love unconditionally without judging. People have to be educated to stop using the pejorative form of mental retardation. One way we can educate people is through the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. “Spread the Word to End the Word” is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and other supporters to spread the consciousness of society about dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the ”R-word” and it encourages people to pledge to stop the using the “R-word.

” It is just wrong and hurtful! So take the pledge today at www. r-word. org.