Monday, January 9, 2012

Day 9: Signed a Petition to Stop Using "The R Word" (and Dedicated Myself to Stop Using It)

Outside of showing kindness and helping others, I knew that embarking on this journey would aid me in some personal growth as well. Today's random act is something that doesn't atone for what I have done in the past, but it helps me to remain cognizant of my words and actions. I have used the words retard or retarded in the past. I have used them jokingly. I have used them as derogatory towards friends (great friend right?). I have used them in such a nonchalant manner that I probably didn't even realize I was saying them. I'm not sure why I have said it so freely without thinking about how negative a connotation it has. So today, I have dedicated myself to stop using The R Word. Moving forward, if I catch myself or others catch me using it, then I will add an additional $1 to the end of the year donation. However, I intend not to use it moving forward. To solidify my stance on not using the word, I signed the petition at www.r-word.org, which is a group dedicated to eliminating the cavalier and negative use of the words retard and retarded. From now on, I am going to be more mindful of the things I say to others and the impact that it can have.

2 comments:

  1. retard and gay are 2 words i removed out of my vocabulary after college ended... IT WAS TOUGH!!! Good luck, buddy! I yell at my my hubs when he says 'reers' instead of retarded too.

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  2. I have a daughter who suffered brain damage when she was 16 from asparation during surgery. She had to work hard to regain her abilities. She was "normal and healthy" before, but now she "looks a little different" and takes more time to do things. People sometimes call her retarded to her face; which hurts her feelings. ~Try being more compassionate and never call people RETARDED! Remember People with Disabilities have feelings too!

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