sâmbătă, 6 august 2016

How Do I Take The R Word Pledge

By Helen Reed


Words possess positive or negative energy. The effect they have depends on how they are used. The R Word Pledge is aimed at eliminating the reference of retardation, retard or retarded from ordinary discourse that involves the intellectually impaired persons. This term is demeaning and hurtful because it indicates a society that does not appreciate differences or accommodate them. By recognizing the positive in these persons, it will enable people to regard them positively.

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.

The genesis of the phrase mentally retarded or mental retardation was in medicine. It had a connotative meaning and was specifically intended for clinical use. Overtime, it was mainstreamed with the elimination of mental or mentally and is now used to insult people based on their intellectual capability. It makes the people being referenced to feel as though they have lower mental capacity and are thus less valued members of the society.

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 began in 2009 at a Special Olympics activation event. There arose the need to put the person before what he or she can do. Focus was to shift from cognitive or developmental inability and shine on his intrinsic value. It was a call to appreciate that such persons have satisfying experiences like every normal human being. Words should not be used to make them appear any less human.

The pledge is posted on the website of the organization running the campaign. One is required to give the name, city and country or state of origin. You may add the name of your school or organization and your age. Your commitment will be posted on the website to boost the global campaign. You may also sign in to receive monthly updates on the latest about the campaign, events and news.

There is a common reference for persons with developmental challenges where people are curious to know what is wrong. The brains behind this initiative want to show that deficiencies are not an indication of something wrong. The fact that someone cannot swim, dance, sing, etc does not make the person any less human. The same argument applies to mental incapacity. The person is as dignified as those considered to be normal.

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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