My sister in law shared a post on Facebook this week about a mother who has a mentally disabled daughter and how the use of the “R” word has impacted her life. Like this mother, I have developed a strong dislike for the word “retarded”. I hear people use it on a daily basis to explain something that is negative, something that they don’t like, to make fun of something, including themselves. And every time I hear it, I cringe inside. I don’t say anything, but it stings a little. I really, really hate the word and how people say it so lightly. Of course it takes loving someone who has mental disabilities to have that word take on a new meaning for them.
So I’m so thankful my sister in law shared this on Facebook, and I wanted to share. I would hope that people would think before they use the word. I have shared a link to the blog article for anyone who may be interested in reading it
http://phoebeholmes.com/2011/12/23/being-retarded/
1 comments:
Totally agree on the "r" word.
Also, though--there are many reasons why the word "handicapped" is no longer "kosher".
Mainly that it represents "cap in hand"--meaning the image of someone with a disability begging--being a "begger"--and image that is very negative. Thus why it is no longer "kosher" (just as Person First language--meaning putting the person first--then the disability IS "kosher". So it is appropriate to say "your daughter has a disability" instead of "your disabled daughter".
Love your blog!
Thanks!
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