The word “retard” as a human label has never been acceptable! Years ago, terms such as "feebleminded, mental defective, idiot and moron" had functional meanings and were acceptable medical terms. Initially, "retardation" replaced older terms because it was less stigmatizing. However, by the 1960s, that term was also fostering stigma. Today, an attitude shift is taking place toward people with intellectual disabilities, and new terms reflect positive changes and avoid stigma. Reject depersonalizing phrases such as "the mentally retarded" in favor of person-first language such as "person who has an intellectual disability".
For more details, see the archived post, “A Brief History of the R-Word”
49 comments:
For all rehab majors who are aware of how hurtful these words can be to PWD,I feel that we can correct others and help them use the appropriate language. Lets all start with our peers and familiy members. We can slowly make changes in our community if we educate ourselves as well as others around us.
Elizabeth M.
i believe that all of us rehab majors should focus on all these wrong words said and the wrong language that is being used towards people with disabilities to make a change. it is our responsibility to learn the new and correct language to encourage others to use. i personally will be proud to advocate others to use new language and sound educated.
i believe that all of us rehab majors should focus on all these wrong words said and the wrong language that is being used towards people with disabilities to make a change. it is our responsibility to learn the new and correct language to encourage others to use. i personally will be proud to advocate others to use new language and sound educated.
jacklyn g.
It is a very common thing to saw these days and that is pretty sad. People who are rehab majors or even people who are not no how much pain it can cause someone. Since when has it been acceptable to hurt someone intentially...NEVER. So why do we still do it? We can all make a difference by not using the word ourselves and correcting others who do. Lets treat others the way we would like to be treated.
^Cristopher A.^
I think this campaign is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the hurtful nature the R-word has on people with intellectual disabilities. Out of the respect and dignity I have for people with intellectual disabilities I pledge to NEVER use the R-word! I think we all need to do our part to raise the consciousness of society to use person first language and not use words that are offensive and hurtful when addressing people with disabilities.
We need to remember that the R-word is a word that feels hurtful to the millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their family, and friends that care about them so much.
I am encouraged by the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign because it is the start towards initiating change to think before we speak.
-Anabel Ponce/REHS6345 Med Aspects
We all campaign against the use of this hateful word, demonstrating that it is the disabiity version of the "N" word or the "B" word, with the provision that people to whom it applies dont jokingly cther all each other this word,
as some African americans use the “ N” word and some women use the “B”. Still the use of this term is rampant in society, with school children using it to refer to anything they find distasteful. In my home I ask “when you say that word how many of your brothers and sisters do you put down? (we have five family members with in intellectual disability)
A study of terms used to denote intellectual disability (many of them listed in this article) shows that almost all terms used in the past to describepeople with ID deteriorate into insults. In order to avoid this we have create terms so awkward that they don’t work well as insults on the street - “ID” has worked well so far,
We object to more than the language. We object to
people’s attitudes toward ID, the stereotypes and the unfair portrayals in movies and TV. We need to give people contact with others who have ID so that they can see them as real people and sympathetic people
DavidW
I believe that trying to spread a message to end the use of the 'R-Word' is a great thing. When I was younger, I used to hear it a lot in school. If a student wouldn't do something correctly, other students would call them 'R.' I've always know how much it hurts someone to be called that, especially if you are a PWD, you can see it in their face. This is a good chance for us to teach others correct terms for PWD and help end the 'R-Word.'
Nancy C.
I mentioned in a previous blog that the use of the "R" word was rampant at the school aged level. A University of Massachussetts poll quoted by Patricia E. Bauer's blog says that 90% of school children say they have heard the word used, 86% by a peer. There is some shame involved. Only 20% admit to using the word themselves. The word is used to refer to somebody with ID only 36& of the time
DavidW
I think it is amazing how ignorant and naïve people must have been at one point in time where the brandishing of someone as feebleminded, idiotic, and retarded were commonly accepted as a way to address someone with an intellectual disability. Probably the most amazing part about that is that it is still somewhat commonly used today to describe someone with a learning disability. Society is so conscious of other stigmatizing names that can cause outrage within the public and it's about time they apply that mentality across the board to include persons with intellectual disabilities. I believe that there are not enough advocates to defend the disability community and I am glad that this master's rehabilitation program here at the university allows for us to speak out for those who are otherwise unable to. We can only hope for the day that all groups understand that using the R-word is in the same category as using the N-word and/or other commonly known stigmatizing degrading comments that feeble minded and idiotic people have been known to use. Juan N. 3 of 4
Using "intellectual disabilities" is a sign that we are moving in the right direction and times are changing. I personally have never felt comfortable using the "r" word because the word itself sounds malicious. Also using Intellectual Disabilities sounds more sophisticated and I am not hesitant to use the words to describe PWD. I am so glad that there are such persons as "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign to advocate for persons with an intellectual disability. Finally, we are moving towards the future and changing the way our society views the disability community, in a positive way. Working with the disability population I have seen how using the “R” word has been hurtful to them. The “R” word is a way to stereotype people. Also, I remember that the word use to be in our agencies name now as times are changing we have taken that word out and changed our agency’s name to TTBH which is much better. Now when I say the agency name TTBH instead of Tropical Texas Mental health and Mental Retardation sure sounds better and I am not ashamed to say it. As before when I would say the name of the agency I would see the reaction on people’s face. Intellectual Disabilities is so much better!
Posting it again...forgot to include my name...
Using "intellectual disabilities" is a sign that we are moving in the right direction and times are changing. I personally have never felt comfortable using the "r" word because the word itself sounds malicious. Also using Intellectual Disabilities sounds more sophisticated and I am not hesitant to use the words to describe PWD. I am so glad that there are such persons as "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign to advocate for persons with an intellectual disability. Finally, we are moving towards the future and changing the way our society views the disability community, in a positive way. Working with the disability population I have seen how using the “R” word has been hurtful to them. The “R” word is a way to stereotype people. Also, I remember that the word use to be in our agencies name now as times are changing we have taken that word out and changed our agency’s name to TTBH which is much better. Now when I say the agency name TTBH instead of Tropical Texas Mental health and Mental Retardation sure sounds better and I am not ashamed to say it. As before when I would say the name of the agency I would see the reaction on people’s face. Intellectual Disabilities is so much better!
Imelda G.
Identifying individuals with disabilities as "retarded" is unacceptable. People use it like nothing nowadays just like they use the "N" word and "B" word. The media sets a bad example when it comes to saying all of the words listed above. There have been so many movies that use the "R" word so freely that it just becomes part of the person’s vocabulary. If we know that certain words insult and offend a certain group of individuals, then why say them? Becoming self-conscious of what words we say and correcting others when they use an offensive word will change societal views slowly but surely.........Daisy H.
I am glad we are finally moving in the right direction. Using the "R" word is very hurtful and can cause anyone to feel hurt. I know how upset I would be if I was called that and can only imagine what it would be like if I were a person with an intellectual disability. I know that it is a step in the right direction, but is it enough? Our answer is no. It's not enough and it will probably take years before anybody feels like we are making real progress. As rehabilitation student, though, we can make small steps toward that change. I am a teacher in an elementary school and I can see first hand how hurtfulthe "R" word and other words are to some of the kids. Just yesterday I came across a student that was making comments about a student with ADHD and an intellectual disability. He was calling him Crazy Mike. (Of course that isn't his real name, I changed it) But, I saw how hurtfull it was and the child with disabilities fought back. I did refer the other child to the office, but I wanted to tell him "serves you right." I stood up and helped the student, but I and more happy that he also stood up for himself.
Celena M.
I am happy that there is a trend to stop the use of the "R word". Lets everyone put an effort toward this cause, and little by little we will teach others the correct way to refer to a person with disability.
It is a shame to see how some people express themselves about PWD, and about people with different backgrounds such as Mexicans, Blacks, Asians, and others. There is usually a feeling of overpower in them. Let's make an effort and see each other as brothers and sisters with different qualities, values, abilities,and experiences; and take advantage at what we can learn from each other, because I strongly believe that if we open our hearts we can learn to love and share our lives with all kinds of people.
Mary Carmen Thomas
I believe that trying to spread the word to end the R-word is great. I believe this will promote people to use person first language. Using these hateful words only gives people with disability a negative image. Plus, their rude to use! These words are absurd and people using these terms are ignorant. We can only hope that they one day can understand that it is not respectful to use such vocabulary.
~ Violet M ~
You made a very good point Mary Carmen. It seems that our society is often focussing on the things that makes us different. We reeally should learn to appreciate the qualities that we all share and those that make every one of us a unique inividual.
I have always been offended by the use of derogatory terms such as the R-word that continues to stigmatize individuals with intellectual disabilities. When will people stop being ignorant to the things they say that affect others in a hurtful way?! It is good to see that a campaign such as the spread the word to stop the word, has been able to bring awareness to the public that using such disparaging stereotyping words in today's society is no longer a commonly accepted practice. We as rehabilitation counselors must aid in the campaign to stop the unacceptable use of such a hurtful term, this movement can also help create the opportunity for us to educate the public of the proper language use when it comes to addressing the disability community. This campaign also symbolizes a movement towards the right direction for all those it represents within the disability community. It is good to see that there are people conscious to these issues and willing to stand up and fight for those individuals. Angie K.
The word “retarded” as a human label does not sit well with me. That label is so demeaning, how can people be so cruel. We are all Gods children no matter what our challenges are. I remember growing up where children always used the “r” word for almost anyone who was different from them. I always seemed to be the one to take up for them because they seemed so vulnerable to the verbal abuse they were being exposed to. Now that I am in the Rehabilitation Program I have gotten a better understanding of rights of people with disabilities and admire how ones with those disabilities are able to adapt to society and know what they want out of life. Why does our society have to stigmatize everything from race, religion, and physically challenge? God accepts and loves every one of us. He created us to all be equal. Rebecca Griffith
I believe in respecting all individuals and the title "mentally retarded" is, in my opinion, harsh. When I first learned about person first language, I immediately started telling my family especially my mom. She works at children's rehab clinic, so I told her to let all of her co-workers know about it. I believe we, as Rehab students, should spread the word about person first language.
Lizette G.
The effort to replace "retarded" with a person with an intellectual disability is a sign of progress. It is unfortunate that our society has chosen to use the "r" word to demean and insult. No one should be referred to as a retard. It is hurtful and for some individuals can have longlasting effects. I believe it is up to everyone of us to educate our children, family members, friends, etc. on the proper way to address an individual with an intellectual disability that is respectful of their humanity. We are all deserving of being treated with dignity and respect, regardless of whether we have a disability or not.
Rosie
People just use words without knowing how hurtful it is to other people, Spreading the word to End the "R" word i hope people really do take the time to think about the kind of word they are using, words can be hurtful.
Anthonia. F
i think this campaign is awesome. I told all my family and friends about it. Since the beggining of the semester, I have been trying to correct my entire family and educating them about not saying the R word. They look at me weird and tell me there is no difference, but there is. The R word is used all the time, and hurts people in many ways. So i hope to get them to change their ways. Now when i hear someone say the R word, i correct them.
Diana O.
I know that stoping the "R-Word" from spreading will be very difficult because a lot of people are set in their ways and will not change even if they know that using that word is wrong and hurtful. Many people use that word to make someone else feel bad without realizing that they are hurting themselves, the person they called the "R-Word" and the person who has an intellectual disability. People should use their words carefully before just rambling them.
-Berta J.
It is very saddening to see how this term is used for comedy entertainment or foul language. I believe if we all can practice person first language then this term can be greatly avoided. To hear people use this term in a malice manner, we should correct them in a professional way. I know I do, and so far people are surprised at how this offends people with disabilities.
JudithW
I can honestly admit that I am guilty of using the “r” word/ idiot when joking around in the past. Now that I am a rehab major I have become more conscious of what these words actually mean and what they were intended for, medical purposes. I think it’s a smart move to shift to the “intellectually disadvantaged” word rather than the “retard” word because society has changed its definition.
-Jennifer O REHS 3303.01
A lot of us grew up hearing the word 'retard' or 'idiot' and 'moron' but we never thought how hurtful they are and can be when used in any way until we knew better (and in some cases, it sad that people still use them when they are aware of what the word really means). Movies and TV shows use it so regularly now that kids today think it's okay to use it in our regular daily lives, not knowing how they are affecting a lot of people. I hope we, as Rehab majors, are able to spread the word and help end these hurtful words.
Diana A
Case Management I - Rivas
This way of talking about PWD is hurtful. We as future rehab professionals should put a stop to this and correct people when they say it. One of our responsibilities should be to correct such language. You don't have to be a rehab professional to know that such words can really negatively affect a person, anybody knows that. We can make a change and correct even ourselves when we use that word to insult a friend or what not.
AnelC
Totally agree with this. I'm totally for putting an end to the "R-word." I'm mean NO ONE should be referred to as that. We're all humans and have feelings and a word like that is hurtful to people with disabilities. Plus, we all deserve respect and we shall all advocate and USE "people first-language." Start with our family and help it spread to the rest of the community and we'll sure make a difference in educating others about "people first language."
Rosario G. -REHS 3311.01-B.Rivas
i often have found myself letting this word slip out. i am trying a lot harder not to say it and not having other people say it as well.
-shannon l.
I believe this campaign is a great opportunity to lift up understanding of this hurtful R-Word has on people with intellectual disabilities. I think that us as rehab majors should correct others and educate them as we have been educated, in order to make a difference in other people’s lives.
Daphne J.
In the field of rehab; the people in the program know the word can be hutful to people with disabilties. We should show people around us when we hear the word being used that it is inappropriate and hurtful. It can change their minds slowly but surley, for the reason that it is common now but that is why we should change thier minds.
Gerardo G
I do have to admit that in the past i used to say the term 'retard' in a joking way. I NEVER used that word towards a PWD because i knew it was wrong. Now that i chose rehab as a major and took my intro to rehab class i learned alot, especially about person first language. I think having 'the mentally retarded' being changed to 'person who has an intellectual disability' is great way for people to change how they speak about PWD.
Sarah O.
I feel mad and very sad when people use this word and don't even know what it means. I have a brother with Down's Syndrome and it really heats my blodd when people use words like this near me. It makes me very Angry
ALBERTO
This is great news because it's good to use proper words when we refer People with Disability. Its also good to educated others that are not aware of the appropriate words. This is going to make a great change in the entire world. ROCIO D.
I believe this is one of the most interesting articles because I believe that the term “retard” should be ended it is very offensive. I can honestly say that I am guilty to have used the word just because I wanted to. Since I have been it the rehabilitation program I have learned that it is a word that should not be said and changed my perspective I now try not to say it and when it slips out I just feel horrible. But I am glad that at least I am trying to stay away from it and other people should do the same. I know that in the media is it utilized in movies for comedy but I believe that we should put an end to it and I am glad that there is an official day to end the “R-word”
Brenda Hernandez
I believe this is one of the most interesting articles because I believe that the term “retard” should be ended it is very offensive. I can honestly say that I am guilty to have used the word just because I wanted to. Since I have been it the rehabilitation program I have learned that it is a word that should not be said and changed my perspective I now try not to say it and when it slips out I just feel horrible. But I am glad that at least I am trying to stay away from it and other people should do the same. I know that in the media is it utilized in movies for comedy but I believe that we should put an end to it and I am glad that there is an official day to end the “R-word”
Brenda Hernandez
To everyone that reads this article: lets go out there and change the stigma that plagues people with disabilities. The word "retard" is a very insulting word and does hurt the feels of people that it's said to. Lets go out and change people's mid frame and wording to help the person with a disability instead of insulting them and bringing them down.
I am also glad that this campaign has been going on and will continue because we battle every day in court on the use of the word "faggot", or the N-word which are a very discriminating words... The R-word is just as discriminating.
John-Robert I.
this article is very important to every rehab getting a Major. i think every deserves respect no matter who or how you are. i am sure every one has heard the Golden Rule "trest others the way you would want to be treated." its so imporatn for us as in Rehab to be advocates of this.
Annette M. CM1 Rivas
I think that it is great how there is a campain that aims to end the usage of the "R-Word." It is never good to talk about anyone and to call someone names, is not any better. Words are powerful. Often times, people do not realize how hurtful a word can be.
-Monica A. (case Management-Rivas)
This was a great campaign. It is very nice how efforts are being done to make people understand that PWD are as humans as us. They are not very different at all. The impact that this word makes on pwd is very huge. It is amazing to see that most of us do use this word on a daily basis.
Y. Torres
I totally agree with eliminating the word R***** because it insults people with a disability and as a rehab major i will correct and help people to use the appropriate language. Lets try to make changes for our community.
Jeannette O
i had never realized that this word could be so hurtful until this semester when i started my rehab classes. I am now aware of how important person first language is. And i am slowly trying to change others and make them aware of things that they can say that are hurtful.
Andrea H.
Being a rehab major I now know that the word “retard” can be very harmful to people with disabilities. I know better know. Its like remember in elementary if you were overweight they would call you fat or Godzilla or if you had glasses and they called you four eyes well you know how much that would sting so imagine people with disability it hurts and they don’t deserve that. We all don’t so by changing one bad word at a time it would become a better place for all of us.
Krystal R.
I am no saint and I will admit that I do not speak politically correct and I have used this word out of context but since I joined this field I realize what I do and think twice before opening my mouth. Everytime I hear someone use this word I alwasy think of a CSI episode where the main character gives the definition of retard and he states that it is to hinder and not to be mentally slow. I always think of that moment before saying something hurtful and politically incorrect. I am definitley all for getting rid of this word and other words like "dumb", "crazy," or "stupid."
Aaron G.
peopl who arent rehab majors dont understand how demeaning that word is .it is not right and is up to us to help change that. we rehab people know that is not right and need to make a diference to people with disabilitites...
justin r.
This word has travelled down history lane for a very long time. Then it was referring to PWD but now it’s being used as a joke to put someone down. This can be very offensive word not just to PWD but to everyone. We need to put a stop to it or no one will and the cycle will just continue. This needs to end.
Evelyn A.
I like this idea of putting an end to the word. It is used by many casualy but yet we don't realize how many can get offended by this word. There are better words out there that can be said rather than the "r" word. Lets use them!
Crystal S.
This is a great campaign for all people to take up. It helps people know that words are hurtful and certain words should not be said. It teaches people to use approite words for the disabled.
Leah M.
I agree that education is key. I feel that people often don't realize the extent of the damage words can do. The rehabilitation program that I am currently a part of has tought me to pay attention to words and actions that I would never have paid mind to before. The media's insensative use of language has taught us that it is ok to disregard the feelings of people with disabilites.Now we have to do damage control by spreading the word and making people aware of the importance of watching what we say.
MGARZA
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