Spread the Word to End the Word

Spread the Word to End the Word

-- March 7, 2012 is the National "Spread the Word to End the Word" Awareness Day --

The "R-WORD" (retarded) is a slang for Mental-Retardation, a term that doctors or professionals use to identify children or persons with an intellectual impairment. Unfortunately, in today's world, the term is used loosely to insult or call some one "stupid". It is important to remember that people with Mental Retardation are NOT stupid nor shall they be the root of all insults. 

Regardless of whether it is meant to be hurtful or rude, IT IS.

Please note: As of October 10, 2010, the term Mental Retardation was officially changed to "Intellectual Disability" from a law passed by President Obama known as Rosa's Law.

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Have you ever heard a friend, colleague, family member, or even stranger use the word 'retard' or 'retarded'? I would say that approximately 99% of Americans have used or heard this word used in a derogatory manner. 

The most common phrases that I witness are...

"That's so retarded"- "Stop being such a retard" - "You're retarded"

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It IS offensive. It IS rude. It IS hurtful. It IS wrong.

To family members

.friends.

.loved ones.

.victims.

.people.

So my question to you is this.

What are YOU going to do about it?

I challenge you to take a stand. Confront others and educate them about the derogatory meaning of the r-word. Encourage others to eliminate the word. Be a change. Help make a difference.

Click here to take the pledge

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::As of March 6, 2012::

 people on the world wide web have used the r-word 

157,015 times 

Do you ever wonder...

...What is happening with our culture/society?

It truly saddens me to see young people participating in such forward behavior. By forward behavior, I am referring to the way they dress, act, and how the morals of these individuals. Now, I am totally fine with self-expression and people's own personal beliefs (whatever they may be) - but there is line that shouldn't be crossed.

When you walk down the street or see kiddo's in shorts so short, that you can see things you shouldn't be seeing...that's a problem no matter what your beliefs are. I am sorry, but no one cares to see you flaunt your stuff (whether you have it or not) and it really sends the wrong message. It seems that people are so caught up in their physical appearance that they loose focus on "just being a kid".

As I am sitting here, looking towards the future - I wonder just how different the world will be when we have kids that are in the tween-age.  I remember when boys had cooties and make-up wasn't worn until freshman year of high school. I remember when long biker shorts were "in" and we had pants with stirrups(yeah, I was that cool)...I remember when I would play street hockey, stay out late to play outside, and not worry about what I looked like... (sigh)I remember...

It's funny - I just had a conversation with my mom not all that long ago about this topic. I asked her, so...when I am your age (she's around 55ish), what will be considered "oldies music?" She looked at me and laughed. Her response "I hope not all that rap-crap". Think about it. What will our generation of "oldies" really be like thirty or so years from now?

I just see kids growing up SO fast. The time you have as a kid should be treasured. It is the best time in your life, where everything is carefree, without a worry in the world. Nothing is holding you back and you are free to take on the world. I hate seeing these youngsters worry about things like their weight and being perfect...

No matter how hard you try, life is never perfect. The imperfections are what make life and YOU, unique. Don't fall in someone elses' shadow - Being you, your unique self is what makes the world special - And always remember, the hardships make us stronger - and the beauty lies within.
                 ♥ photo credit

Embrace your inner child!

xoxo,
-erinj0