By Helen Reed
It is said that spoken words have unique powers. Depending on how the words are used, the power is either positive or negative. The r word pledge was started to discourage and end the use of the term retarded or retarded in reference to persons who are intellectually impaired. This reference is hurtful and demeaning. Its avoidance makes the society more accommodating of shortcomings in other people. It shows respect and recognition of varied talents enabling people to take the right actions towards persons gifted differently.
The gist of this campaign is to show the variation in gifts other than inability. The argument is that not everyone can swim, walk, sing, run, etc as fast as everyone else. This does not make the people any less valuable. There is need, therefore, to get rid of this word to avoid battering the self esteem of affected people. Everyone should be regarded with dignity despite certain shortcomings.
The problem with the term retard/retarded is its use outside medical or clinical environment. Originally, it had a connotative meaning and was only used by doctors and nurses to refer to a clinical condition. It showed that the affected person had developmental challenges. Using it out of context makes the mentally impaired individuals to feel isolated and less valued. On the streets, it refers to a stupid or thoughtless person.
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.
Most people ask, What is wrong with her/him, when they spot a mentally impaired person. The aim of this campaign is to turn the shine on what the person can do other than his or her deficiencies. Being on a wheelchair is equated to inability to swim, sing, draw, etc. It does not make anyone any less valuable.
People making pledges are invited to share personal experiences with mentally impaired persons. The experiences will help people view the victims as ordinary human beings only that they are alternatively gifted. By creating a positive aura around the issue the affected persons will feel more dignified.
The gist of this campaign is to show the variation in gifts other than inability. The argument is that not everyone can swim, walk, sing, run, etc as fast as everyone else. This does not make the people any less valuable. There is need, therefore, to get rid of this word to avoid battering the self esteem of affected people. Everyone should be regarded with dignity despite certain shortcomings.
The problem with the term retard/retarded is its use outside medical or clinical environment. Originally, it had a connotative meaning and was only used by doctors and nurses to refer to a clinical condition. It showed that the affected person had developmental challenges. Using it out of context makes the mentally impaired individuals to feel isolated and less valued. On the streets, it refers to a stupid or thoughtless person.
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.
Most people ask, What is wrong with her/him, when they spot a mentally impaired person. The aim of this campaign is to turn the shine on what the person can do other than his or her deficiencies. Being on a wheelchair is equated to inability to swim, sing, draw, etc. It does not make anyone any less valuable.
People making pledges are invited to share personal experiences with mentally impaired persons. The experiences will help people view the victims as ordinary human beings only that they are alternatively gifted. By creating a positive aura around the issue the affected persons will feel more dignified.
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