People have a tendency to use language in indicting hurt to others, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes words have a way of excluding people. It makes them feel that they are not like everyone else and that everyone else does not want to be like them.
Language has an impact on attitudes. This in turn, affects the actions of many, when it should be a tool that is centered on being pro people. As if, their condition was not enough, those with disabilities have been victims of painful name calling from those who are not physically or mentally challenged. This had pushed advocacy groups to come up with the R word pledge.
There are times that it is just a case of people not knowing better. For others, they just did not think twice. This is why movements like the pledge seeks to bring forth awareness of the negative stereotypes behind calling someone retard. There are many ways of influencing the fight for it. Do what you can to inspire others in doing the same thing.
Even when it is unintentional, the term is considered derogatory since it will always be associated to children or adults who are intellectually impaired. This is the main reason why the campaign seeks to eliminate it completely, from the vocabularies of society. These individuals are no different from the rest of us.
That is where it differs. Because for others, it is extremely personal. They may be going through something you will never understand, especially if they have a child who is intellectually disabled. You cannot say the word and expect people would not think it is that serious. It will always be associated to those who have a mental condition.
On more positive aspects that will advance the development of language, so that it would not be used in harming another person. This is so you will understand the impact of a negative connotation to children with an otherwise understandable condition. The campaign encourages the elimination of the R word so that nobody will have an excuse in using it as a derogatory word.
What they cannot do, or what they lack, do not necessarily define who they are. It does not encompass the things they can do, entirely. This does not mean however, that you can just ignore their disabilities. Get to know them well because they long to be included, and tired of being excluded.
Use alternative terms. Do not forget its real definition by thinking twice before saying it. Be sensitive to the meanings it brings across. Because of its negative connotations, mentally retarded is a term has become an unacceptable diagnostic term. It is important for the majority to understand the need for this, since people who have intellectual disabilities have been discriminated for far too long.
If it takes a call to action so society can overcome this, then so be it. It is not all about changing language. It is more about trying to improve perceptions, especially negative ones. It is one way of shifting the rest to a whole new direction of recognizing people with different abilities, not condemning them for the things they cannot do or understand. Use words that respects people. Be for people. This way, you respect yourself too.
Language has an impact on attitudes. This in turn, affects the actions of many, when it should be a tool that is centered on being pro people. As if, their condition was not enough, those with disabilities have been victims of painful name calling from those who are not physically or mentally challenged. This had pushed advocacy groups to come up with the R word pledge.
There are times that it is just a case of people not knowing better. For others, they just did not think twice. This is why movements like the pledge seeks to bring forth awareness of the negative stereotypes behind calling someone retard. There are many ways of influencing the fight for it. Do what you can to inspire others in doing the same thing.
Even when it is unintentional, the term is considered derogatory since it will always be associated to children or adults who are intellectually impaired. This is the main reason why the campaign seeks to eliminate it completely, from the vocabularies of society. These individuals are no different from the rest of us.
That is where it differs. Because for others, it is extremely personal. They may be going through something you will never understand, especially if they have a child who is intellectually disabled. You cannot say the word and expect people would not think it is that serious. It will always be associated to those who have a mental condition.
On more positive aspects that will advance the development of language, so that it would not be used in harming another person. This is so you will understand the impact of a negative connotation to children with an otherwise understandable condition. The campaign encourages the elimination of the R word so that nobody will have an excuse in using it as a derogatory word.
What they cannot do, or what they lack, do not necessarily define who they are. It does not encompass the things they can do, entirely. This does not mean however, that you can just ignore their disabilities. Get to know them well because they long to be included, and tired of being excluded.
Use alternative terms. Do not forget its real definition by thinking twice before saying it. Be sensitive to the meanings it brings across. Because of its negative connotations, mentally retarded is a term has become an unacceptable diagnostic term. It is important for the majority to understand the need for this, since people who have intellectual disabilities have been discriminated for far too long.
If it takes a call to action so society can overcome this, then so be it. It is not all about changing language. It is more about trying to improve perceptions, especially negative ones. It is one way of shifting the rest to a whole new direction of recognizing people with different abilities, not condemning them for the things they cannot do or understand. Use words that respects people. Be for people. This way, you respect yourself too.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts about the R word pledge, go to the web pages online here today. More details can be seen at http://familymemberinc.org now.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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