Special Olympics wants to end the "r-word"

[KarmaDoodle]

Special Olympics wants people to pledge to end the use of the r-word, or "retard", in a hurtful context, and raise awareness for the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

"Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends," a statement about the campaign reads. "This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur."

The push for increased respect is being spearheaded by young people who are collecting pledges or vows to not use the word at R-word.org, and are leading online discussions on how people can get involved in this cause.

They've got almost 45,000 pledges so far (including mine). What do you guys think?

[Bill Sikes]

Originally Posted by KarmaDoodle

What do you guys think?

For someone to call another "a retard" is indicative both of their own schooling and their own "intellectual development".

[spot]

Where on earth does anyone use "retard" outside of magneto descriptions? It's gone the way of spazzer, cripple and mongol, they're totally dead words at least in Europe. Just starting the site and asking for pledges is going to give it more use than leaving it in the gutter would.

[along-for-the-ride]

Originally Posted by Bill Sikes

For someone to call another "a retard" is indicative both of their own schooling and their own "intellectual development".

So right, Mr. Sikes. A "name-caller" gives him/herself away.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Originally Posted by spot

Where on earth does anyone use "retard" outside of magneto descriptions? It's gone the way of spazzer, cripple and mongol, they're totally dead words at least in Europe. Just starting the site and asking for pledges is going to give it more use than leaving it in the gutter would.

Absolutely agree with that . I havent heard that word said since I was a kid. And when it was said back then I never thought of a disabled person. It sort of meant something different.

[mrsK]

The "word" is out there kids say it more to each other when they have done something silly.

I hate the word & let the kids know when I hear it.

[Accountable]

This is just retarded.

Okay, suppose we do somehow make the word "retard" into a positive word. Is there a word to fill the vacuum of the negative? If kids can't call each other 'retard' then they'll just find another word. Do the word nazis have one ready?

[spot]

Originally Posted by Accountable

This is just retarded.

Okay, suppose we do somehow make the word "retard" into a positive word. Is there a word to fill the vacuum of the negative? If kids can't call each other 'retard' then they'll just find another word. Do the word nazis have one ready?

Incompetent brainless git.

[Accountable]

Not catchy enough.

[spot]

Originally Posted by Accountable

Not catchy enough.

You boneheaded imbecilic muttonheaded ignorant simpleton!