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?
I am really surprised the “R” word is still used in 2008. It really should have been done away with a long time ago.
My mom taught Students with mental and physical handicaps. I got to spend more than my fair share of time with these amazing individuals.
Beamer
Oh, I think that people just lose sight of the connotation with that word. It’s awkwardly wrong.
I was going to ask if it was a specifically American word because I didn’t know it, but I’ve finally worked it out. I agree with grandy, people just don’t think what they’re saying, and it needs to be pointed out to them. The pledge is an excellent way.
15 years ago, when I worked with clients with mental retardation, there was a movement called people first language.
You put the person first:
-a girl in a wheelchair
-a boy with mental retardation
-a child with ADHD
-a woman with special needs
-a man with Alzheimer’s
-a client with learning differences
It makes all the difference and it is not hard to do. Just remember to put the person first.
Can anybody suggest some good tips to overcome irritation?
Found you through CNN…
I just thought it might help the conversation to provide a reminder that the filmmakers weren’t making a negative commentary on people with mental disabilities. They were (brutally) making fun of Hollywood types who abuse the image of the mentally challenged (and minorities, and the handicapped, etc.) to their own cynical ends, to garner acclaim for themselves for their amazing performances or poignant films. The point of the movie is to skewer how Hollywood treats the image of real people with disadvantages, rather than mocking the people themselves.
@ beamer,
I have volunteered with Special O. It was one of the best opportunities I have ever experienced!
@ grandy
hopefully this campaign will remind people the power of words.
thanks for stopping by!
@ cybercelt,
yes, put the PERSON first.
thank you.
anonymous,
I am open to the possibility you are suggesting, as I have not seen the movie. Perhaps there needs to be more information in that regard. Regardless, discussion begins and that is always a good thing.
I read a forum post recently on things that offend people and was annoyed when someone wrote that it was just being politically correct to not use the ‘R’ word.
Some ignorant people use the ‘R’ word to describe someone who is being idiotic/ignorant/daft on purpose and nothing to do with their actual IQ, that is plain wrong.
I have been guilty of saying it a lot and kick myself for ever using it.
Claire,
I wonder how “political” it is to the child who feels hurt and confused by being labeled so cruelly.
I will be posting further on this matter.
I know that you are a caring individual, so forget kicking yourself.
I have called people out time after time for using that word as a colloquial expression. It is plain and simple wrong to use someones life as a descriptor that way. When you say something about it, they look at you as though you were the one that said something offensive. Using the R word is not okay and it creates people as other and less than.
thanks renee, I agree!