Words have power. Unfortunately, some of this power is negative. The r word pledge is a campaign against the use of retard or retarded to refer to people who are thought to be intellectually disabled. This name is considered derogatory and offensive. By avoiding such a reference, communities can accept the individuals easily. It creates the right attitude of a more accommodating society. It is also respectful and will spur the right actions towards these people.
The campaign highlights the fact that each person is gifted differently. Inability to walk, talk, run or perform certain tasks does not make the person any less a human being. By raising awareness, this hurtful reference will be eliminated from ordinary speech. It enabled the affected persons to grow in self esteem and socialize freely because they are regarded with dignity.
It is the mainstreaming of the term mental retardation or mentally retarded that is causing a problem. The connotative meaning was to be reserved for clinical or medicinal use. Doctors used it to refer to a developmental condition. Today, its street use is to tell off a person whose act is considered stupid or thoughtless. The problem arises when it is used on persons with actual mental condition. It gives them a tag that indicates less value than ordinary human beings.
The brains behind the campaign point at the fact that regarding people as retards highlights their inability. Furthermore, this is a developmental condition and the person is able to do so many other things. The affected persons are hurt by this reference causing them to feel condemned. With pledges from millions around the world, including celebrities, business leaders and politicians, a reversal and positive outlook is being adapted.
The campaign has its genesis during an activation event for Special Olympics in 2009. The event and participants sort to focus on the special abilities of people with developmental or cognitive disabilities instead of highlighting their deficiencies. Their argument was that these people have the capacity to equally enjoy life and all experiences like ordinary human beings. There is no need to make them feel any less human.
One makes the pledge by registering on the official website for the campaign. You will be required to provide your name, city of residence and state or country of origin. Optional details to give include organization or school name and your age. By completing this prompt form, your commitment will be displayed on the site as part of a global awareness campaign. The website also releases monthly news, event calendar and campaign information through their subscription newsletter.
One of the phrases used in reference to people who are mentally impaired is, What is wrong with him? This campaign seeks to focus on ability. The fact that someone is using a wheelchair does not mean that he is incapable of so many things. Not everyone can run, draw, sing, swim, etc. That is not an indication of anything wrong. Mental impairment should be regarded in similar light.
There is an invitation to share personal experiences even as you pledge. These experiences are the motivation needed to make a difference. They highlight the need to make a positive change and enable the mentally impaired persons to feel dignified.
The campaign highlights the fact that each person is gifted differently. Inability to walk, talk, run or perform certain tasks does not make the person any less a human being. By raising awareness, this hurtful reference will be eliminated from ordinary speech. It enabled the affected persons to grow in self esteem and socialize freely because they are regarded with dignity.
It is the mainstreaming of the term mental retardation or mentally retarded that is causing a problem. The connotative meaning was to be reserved for clinical or medicinal use. Doctors used it to refer to a developmental condition. Today, its street use is to tell off a person whose act is considered stupid or thoughtless. The problem arises when it is used on persons with actual mental condition. It gives them a tag that indicates less value than ordinary human beings.
The brains behind the campaign point at the fact that regarding people as retards highlights their inability. Furthermore, this is a developmental condition and the person is able to do so many other things. The affected persons are hurt by this reference causing them to feel condemned. With pledges from millions around the world, including celebrities, business leaders and politicians, a reversal and positive outlook is being adapted.
The campaign has its genesis during an activation event for Special Olympics in 2009. The event and participants sort to focus on the special abilities of people with developmental or cognitive disabilities instead of highlighting their deficiencies. Their argument was that these people have the capacity to equally enjoy life and all experiences like ordinary human beings. There is no need to make them feel any less human.
One makes the pledge by registering on the official website for the campaign. You will be required to provide your name, city of residence and state or country of origin. Optional details to give include organization or school name and your age. By completing this prompt form, your commitment will be displayed on the site as part of a global awareness campaign. The website also releases monthly news, event calendar and campaign information through their subscription newsletter.
One of the phrases used in reference to people who are mentally impaired is, What is wrong with him? This campaign seeks to focus on ability. The fact that someone is using a wheelchair does not mean that he is incapable of so many things. Not everyone can run, draw, sing, swim, etc. That is not an indication of anything wrong. Mental impairment should be regarded in similar light.
There is an invitation to share personal experiences even as you pledge. These experiences are the motivation needed to make a difference. They highlight the need to make a positive change and enable the mentally impaired persons to feel dignified.
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