I am a very strong believer in freedom of speech and the right to say what you want, no matter what the circumstances. After reading an article on CNN's website which I will link at the bottom of the page, a couple things became clear to me. The article was centered around the use of the "R" word and the derogatory use of the word "retard". It is about a mother's plea to end the use of the "R" word and more importantly to gain dignity for her intellectually disabled son and others like him. Campaigns and movements to end the use of the "R" word proved to be successful in changing medical definitions and in legislature but have not done well in convincing the ordinary person to discontinue its use. The movements recognize that banning a word is impossible and the incorrect way to approach the situation so they have focused their energy on raising awareness and understanding about people with intellectual disabilities.
Like I have previously mentioned, I am all for our freedom of speech but this is not really a free speech issue; it is an issue of respect. I took a moment to read through the comments on the article and found this gem of sarcastic idiocracy posted by a user named "opinionguru" who says "Ban all words and thoughts that are not politically correct! It's for our own good after all ...remember, Liberals know what's best for all of us!". Discontinuing the use of the "R" word has nothing to do with being politically correct but it sure has a lot to due with compassion and the words usage. Words are just lines drawn together to form letters which when arranged can be vocalized. Words don't hurt; they are intangible things. It is the emotion and hatred behind words that make them hurt. This is why using derogatory marks, to me, is not an issue of political correctness. I really do not care if people use the "R" word at all but I do care if they are using it as a put down or hateful remark. I think it is important for us to be more aware of what we say and who we are around when we say things that may be hurtful but I do not under any circumstances believe that stopping the usage of the "R" word will do anything to further the respect of intellectually disabled people. Like the campaigns and organizations have said; the only way to end the nasty remarks and opinions is to educate society and to prove that intellectually disabled people are valuable members of society. Once people stop using the "R" word, they will find another word to take its place unless the stigma is eradicated. I am torn on this issue but resolve it by simply saying this; don't waste time being a terrible person. Most of us have less than 100 years of life before eternal non-existance. Value all life, no matter how different than you they may be. Everyone has a right to dignity and their own happiness in these fleeting moments.
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