I have a friend, Lynne, who is a teacher of special education. I have always said that when I reach the Pearly Gates, I want her resume, not mine. Someday, perhaps, I will write the many stories of this marvelous woman and all the miracles she has created. Today, I want to share an email she sent to me. It is regarding the upcoming movie, Tropic Thunder, and how demeaning it is to people with intellectual disabilities.
Words hurt. A quote from the Special Olympics Florida website: Whenever it’s used, the R-word is derogatory hate speech that demeans the more than three percent of people around the world who have intellectual disabilities. Hollywood and “Tropic Thunder” use and abuse the R-word, encouraging behavior that continues to demean a portion of our population who already face many challenges.
Words heal. I joined the pledge to eliminate the use of the R-word, how about you?
Which do you prefer?
