It's Time To End The R-Word Analysis
Over this past summer, I discovered a cause worth fighting for: ending the r-word.
The r-word is one of the most repulsive words in the English language; it humiliates people and is used colloquially without second thought. The word “retard” causes nothing but anguish. The r-word was first used in a medical discipline (e.g. “mental retardation”). The pejorative forms of the word “retard” and “retarded,” however, are used in society to deride people with intellectual disabilities. I find this social injustice unacceptable, especially because the r-word is often used to call people without intellectual disabilities “stupid.” When the r-word is used incorrectly, it reinforces the painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities as …show more content…
being less-valued members of society.
The number of people who use these derogatory terms disturbs me. I have two cousins with autism who should not be defined by the limitations that ignorant and cruel people ordain for them. My cousins should be defined by what they can accomplish rather than what they cannot.
My inability to let social injustice against people with disabilities continue led me to volunteer at a residential camp this past summer.
At this camp, I was surrounded by like-minded people who refused to let these terms define people with intellectual disabilities. They, too, recognized the social injustices concerning people with intellectual disabilities. At this camp both for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, I was able to influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. I spent an immersive four weeks aiding the campers by changing their clothes, helping them shower, and assisting them with hygiene. During my time at this camp, I tried my best to help the three campers assigned to me have a unique and meaningful experience. After returning from the camp, I compelled my family and friends to join my practices. I informed them that instead of using the r-word, they should say nothing at all if they are using it in the incorrect context, or say “an individual with an intellectual disability” if they intend to use it in the correct context. Programs such as Best Buddies and Spread the Word to End the Word inspired me to take actions with my friends and family. Those who are aware of the cruelty associated with the r-word need to have the courage to stand up and fight against its
use.
Through my personal experiences with my family and at the camp, I have learned the importance of standing up for what I believe in. Finding worthy causes to stand up for is an important part of life, and I view myself as lucky for having found such a cause to believe in at such a young age.
The r-word is one of the most repulsive words in the English language; it humiliates people and is used colloquially without second thought. The word “retard” causes nothing but anguish. The r-word was first used in a medical discipline (e.g. “mental retardation”). The pejorative forms of the word “retard” and “retarded,” however, are used in society to deride people with intellectual disabilities. I find this social injustice unacceptable, especially because the r-word is often used to call people without intellectual disabilities “stupid.” When the r-word is used incorrectly, it reinforces the painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities as …show more content…
being less-valued members of society.
The number of people who use these derogatory terms disturbs me. I have two cousins with autism who should not be defined by the limitations that ignorant and cruel people ordain for them. My cousins should be defined by what they can accomplish rather than what they cannot.
My inability to let social injustice against people with disabilities continue led me to volunteer at a residential camp this past summer.
At this camp, I was surrounded by like-minded people who refused to let these terms define people with intellectual disabilities. They, too, recognized the social injustices concerning people with intellectual disabilities. At this camp both for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, I was able to influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. I spent an immersive four weeks aiding the campers by changing their clothes, helping them shower, and assisting them with hygiene. During my time at this camp, I tried my best to help the three campers assigned to me have a unique and meaningful experience. After returning from the camp, I compelled my family and friends to join my practices. I informed them that instead of using the r-word, they should say nothing at all if they are using it in the incorrect context, or say “an individual with an intellectual disability” if they intend to use it in the correct context. Programs such as Best Buddies and Spread the Word to End the Word inspired me to take actions with my friends and family. Those who are aware of the cruelty associated with the r-word need to have the courage to stand up and fight against its
use.
Through my personal experiences with my family and at the camp, I have learned the importance of standing up for what I believe in. Finding worthy causes to stand up for is an important part of life, and I view myself as lucky for having found such a cause to believe in at such a young age.