How Do I Take The R Word Pledge
by Helen Reed
Words possess positive or negative energy. The effect they have depends on how they are used. <a href="http://familymemberinc.org">The R Word Pledge</a> is aimed at eliminating the reference of retardation, retard or retarded from ordinary discourse that involves the intellectually impaired persons. This term is demeaning and hurtful because it indicates a society that does not appreciate differences or accommodate them. By recognizing the positive in these persons, it will enable people to regard them positively.
The campaign highlights the fact that each person is gifted differently. Inability to walk, talk, run or perform certain tasks does not make the person any less a human being. By raising awareness, this hurtful reference will be eliminated from ordinary speech. It enabled the affected persons to grow in self esteem and socialize freely because they are regarded with dignity.
It is the mainstreaming of the term mental retardation or mentally retarded that is causing a problem. The connotative meaning was to be reserved for clinical or medicinal use. Doctors used it to refer to a developmental condition. Today, its street use is to tell off a person whose act is considered stupid or thoughtless. The problem arises when it is used on persons with actual mental condition. It gives them a tag that indicates less value than ordinary human beings.
Mental retardation is the preferred reference in medical circles for a person who is mentally impaired. Though people who engage in stupid acts are regarded as retards, it is hurtful when used on persons with real mental condition. It shows failure to appreciate or ignorance of the gifts that such a person possesses.
This campaign started in 2009 during a Special Olympics preparation event. The organizers indicated that there was need to place humanity or dignity of a person before his ability. By referring to people as retards, their developmental or cognitive inability takes prominence. Their experiences are as satisfying as those of normal people. Words should never be used to make them feel 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.
There is a common reference for persons with developmental challenges where people are curious to know what is wrong. The brains behind this initiative want to show that deficiencies are not an indication of something wrong. The fact that someone cannot swim, dance, sing, etc does not make the person any less human. The same argument applies to mental incapacity. The person is as dignified as those considered to be normal.
There is an invitation to share personal experiences even as you pledge. These experiences are the motivation needed to make a difference. They highlight the need to make a positive change and enable the mentally impaired persons to feel dignified.
When you are searching for the facts about <a href="http://familymemberinc.org">the R word pledge</a>, come to our web pages online today. More details are available at http://familymemberinc.org now.
---------------------------------------------------
You are receiving this because you signed up for it on 2014-06-13 from IP
To fine-tune your selection of which articles to receive, just login here:
http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/bloggers/
using your username:
To unsubscribe please use the following link:
http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/unsubscribe.php?mail=mohsin926.world@blogger.com&code=130f4b3e06594df6daa30a602e9f4c8f
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
New Unique Article!
Title: How Do I Take The R Word Pledge
Author: Helen Reed
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: the r word pledge
Word Count: 525
Category: Relationships
---------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment