Why do people feel that they can dismiss me as being over sensitive and taking things too personally when I ask that they please not refer to someone as "being retarded".
I find this hurtful.
Calling someone a "nigger" is taboo or not politically correct. It's not accepted.
Saying "Oh my god" can be offensive to someone who is religious or swearing can be understood as offensive at anytime but when it comes to retarded, I'm too sensitive? Are you kidding me??
Well guess what..... I AM FREAKIN SENSITIVE ABOUT IT AND I AM GOING TO TAKE IT PERSONALLY BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT?? IT'S PERSONAL TO ME. IT AFFECTS MY LIFE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Yes the word retard is a word, but to some of us it's much more than a figure of speech. It's about my little boy, it's about a comparison. When retard is used to degrade another person or essentially say that they are worthless or not as important, they in turn are saying that about my son. That to me is hurtful.
Please be respectful. I'm only asking that you think before you speak, sometimes a simple word can have so much more meaning than you think. It's not the word that is offensive, it's how it's used that is.
I'm right there with you sister! It's amazing to me how many people still use that word around me. I'm so sorry that someone was careless and used that word around you. T
ReplyDeleteIts time all of us parents speak up anytime its used in the wrong way....No more sitting back! We can change the world one person at a time!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you and will be Nathan's advocate from here...and all people who experience this insensitivity. You're absolutely right on this!
ReplyDeleteI'm know what you are saying, girl! It is amazing to me how many people use the word and how they think that it is no big deal. I am sorry that you had to deal with someone's stupidity. Hugs!! Miss you!
ReplyDeleteHi. Have you checked out the Special Olympics website? March 31st is say no to the R word day. They are asking people across the country to not use the R word. Very exciting. I think they have a pledge you can sign also and send to your friends.
ReplyDeleteI have a 12 year old daughter who has a mild cognitive impairment and is the best thing going. I've been on a personal campaign to get people to stop using that terrible word for a long time now. Keep speaking up!
Hannah
Amen.. I am also with you . It hurts so much when some people just don't "get it". Much love and support.. K and Noah
ReplyDeleteI AGREE
ReplyDeleteI know you wrote this a while ago but I ran into this last week and it really bugged me. I was comparing pictures with a friend, telling how Andrew looked horrible in it because he was crying. Her daughter had gotten bitten by a dog right before the picture and this way her comment about the picture 'it looks like she's got a whole lot of retardation going on'. I was floored. It shocked me so much I didn't know what to do. A whole lot of awkward silence.
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