The word formerly (and still currently in many countries and for those who didn't receive their updated memo post DSM V or Rosa's law 2010) meant someone with an IQ 70 or below. So when you use a word, that legally, medically, and educationally described an individual with developmental delays, for a slang term describing something negatively you are DEVALUING individuals with disabilities
I DIDNT MEAN IT LIKE THAT
"I didn't mean it like that" (We all hear our friends or loved ones say this"---> doesnt help excuse your poor choice of descriptive language---- it just shows your inability to comprehend another's point of view and Your Inability to THINK CRITICALLY about a social stigma that 'may make you "uncomfortable"' but Oppresses and DeHUMANizes Individuals who are not inferior to anyone else- they just have cognitive or developmental delays that prevent them from reaching "normal development" in a predetermined "normal amount of time"
Celebrities and Script Writers- Knock It OFF!!
if you are a celebrity or Script writer- and you choose to belittle individuals with disabilities or choose the word "retard" for that "WOW" factor--- Knock it Off! you are using mainstream media to perpetuate fear and stereotypes about some truly amazing people in our society. If you need to belittle people to get your jokes across you suck at your job!! Try something different for the sake of humanity!
We can't all be as smart as Stephen Hawking
that doesn't mean we are all less worthy of life
Go to www.r-word.org to learn more or to sign the pledge to stop using this word.
Raven Thanks You <3 (and so do I)
