Spread the word, End the Word campaign

[Jennasis]

That is just it, no word does damage, they are just words. Whether they are ethic slurs, racial slurs, words like retard or swear words, they are just words. It is action that hurts people, not speaking if you don't let it.

It's like getting all up in arms over being called fat, bald, short, or any other thing. If you get your self image from yourself, as you should, none of these things will effect you. I'm below average height but I am not going around asking for the word short or midget or anything else be banned. I am not interested in telling anyone what words they can and can't use.

If only everyone had your strong sense of self, self-esteem and self worth. Sadly they don't. I get what you are saying, and in a perfect world...yadda yadda.

 

[TinklednPants]

I personally don't use that word. But no one is going to tell me that I can't use it or any other word.

 

[handinpocket]

Another case of the word police telling people how a word should make them feel. I don't allow any word to have the power to offend me so go ahead and use any you wish.

Thank you. This is exactly how I feel. I'm not offended by the use of the word, this thread offends me more. I don't need anyone trying to dictate what words are "appropriate".

 

[FireDancer]

If only everyone had your strong sense of self, self-esteem and self worth. Sadly they don't. I get what you are saying, and in a perfect world...yadda yadda.

Perhaps that is true. I have found life so much easier when you don't let other people get you down.

 

[binny]

see but here is the difference. You may be shorter than "normal" but you can stick up for yourself. These kids CANT. Words DO hurt them, you will never convince me otherwise. Until you have held your inconsolable child in your arms while they cry their eyes out because someone called them a name you will not understand how badly they do hurt!

Not everyone has the self esteem (or cockiness) that you apparently have.

Some people cant stick up for themselves and need a champion. I will comtinue do what I can to help.

 

[Jennasis]

Perhaps that is true. I have found life so much easier when you don't let other people get you down.

I try. Ain't easy some days.

 

[FireDancer]

see but here is the difference. You may be shorter than "normal" but you can stick up for yourself.

That is probably the disconnect there. I don't see a need to defend myself from a word even if I don't agree with it.

Speaking of which, I think this is one of those "agree to disagree" kind of moments.

 

[glitterkittyy]

I'm a libertarian so I am against all forms of censorship.

Having said that, all I can say is that I do not use the word (well at least not in the offensive way). I also correct my children so that they know it's not a nice thing to say. I'm all for the freedom to say what you wish, but I try to have the maturity and grace to not use words such as that when there is nothing to gain except the hurt of another person. When there is no shortage of words in the English language, I see no reason to use one that I know causes pain.

I can only speak for myself, though, and don't try to force my way on anyone else.

ETA: And I agree with FireDancer in that people are giving the word too much power. You will only be offended if you allow yourself to be. However, not everyone is wired to think that way, and I get that. But I won't pledge not to use the word, because I already do not use it. However, putting my name down on a cease and desist seems too much like censorship for my tastes.

 

[sbell111]

I believe that campaigns such as this one are doomed to failure. The only positive to come from them is that they make those involved feel better about themselves for a few minutes.

 

[shrubber]

Special has become overused and even slightly derogotory due to the likes of Dana Carvy and his ilk.

Join my campaign to stop the S word and help promote the Significantly Below-Average Cognitive Ability Olympics

 

[paintnolish]

I hate it, too. My dh is finishing his master's in sp ed and we went out to dinner with a group of coworkers the other night. One girl kept saying it! I was cringing! I also hate people using "gay" as an insult. Great series of PSAs on youtube about that as well.

 

[Jennasis]

Special has become overused and even slightly derogotory due to the likes of Dana Carvy and his ilk.

Join my campaign to stop the S word and help promote the Significantly Below-Average Cognitive Ability Olympics

 

[NikitaZee]

I don't agree with this campaign. I understand the sentiment behind it, but I don't agree. Calling someone a 'retard' is an insult - and meant to be one - just as calling someone 'stupid' or 'dumb'. Might as well just ask people to be more sensitive and not call anyone names - or insult them - at all. It seems to be more of a problem of people's manners than of semantics.

As far as the word 'retarded' - I don't find anything offensive about that word at all. I have a 35 year old sister who is mentally retarded - that description has never bothered her, or me, or our mom (whom I just asked). How far are we going to go with PC words? People don't like being described as fat - but they like 'obese' even less. Do we keep changing the way we describe things every few years - and who decides that one term is better than another?

 

[si-am]

I don't like the word "retard" being used as an insult, nor do I like the word "retarded" thrown around to mean something dumb. "That's retarded" and "That's so gay" bother me.

But I don't really see what's wrong with calling someone mentally retarded, if the are. What is the new term we are supposed to use?

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I guess I dont understand the bitterness. This is a campaign about RESPECT its about treating people as people not as a condition they may have.

Its asking that you not call someone a "retard" or say that someone or something is "retarded". People are not defined by their diagnosis they are people.

Sorry, I think this is a stupid thing to be concerned about.

And I DO have family affected! My uncle calls HIMSELF retarded.

I would never call a person with mental retardation "retarded", but I may call a stupid person "retarded".

People need to just stop being so sensitive!

 

[binny]

Sorry, I think this is a stupid thing to be concerned about.

And I DO have family affected! My uncle calls HIMSELF retarded.

I would never call a person with mental retardation "retarded", but I may call a stupid person "retarded".

People need to just stop being so sensitive!

Thanks for laughing at something that is important to someone else. Very considerate of you.


I am not normally the PC police and most here will attest to that. This just hits close to home for me and I thought others here might relate to that. Apparently it does not.
Thank you to the few who supported the cause.

 

[NikitaZee]

I am not normally the PC police and most here will attest to that. This just hits close to home for me and I thought others here might relate to that. Apparently it does not.
Thank you to the few who supported the cause.

I'm sorry if my post was one that was upsetting to you - I didn't mean to offend. I can see that you're advocating for your child, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[glitterkittyy]

Thanks for laughing at something that is important to someone else. Very considerate of you.


I am not normally the PC police and most here will attest to that. This just hits close to home for me and I thought others here might relate to that. Apparently it does not.
Thank you to the few who supported the cause.

I'm sorry if I was one of the folks that you felt was rude. I tried hard to say things in a way that wouldn't offend but explain my stance. Anyway, I understand your desire to stop people from using words that hurt. And I give you my pledge that I won't use those words.

 

[maddmike]

I have to say this is rediculous. Retard is a perfectly normal word. People do this just to bring attention to their cause just as people did with the dreaded "N" word. Remember the old saying people...Sticks and stones! Sorry but I will keep all these words in the vocabulary.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I have to say this is rediculous. Retard is a perfectly normal word. People do this just to bring attention to their cause just as people did with the dreaded "N" word. Remember the old saying people...Sticks and stones! Sorry but I will keep all these words in the vocabulary.

While I have mixed feelings about the campaign, I do not allow my children to use the word in a derogatory manner and they have little cause to use it otherwise. I, myself, also do not use it. Even in my work, we use "cognitively delayed" or "low" (as in IQ), though I do understand it's an acceptable term per the DSM IV.

Regardless, the OP is speaking with concern for her child. How someone can come on here and so callously laugh at, mock, and disregard her feelings is what is ridiculous.