The "R" Word

The word retard has been used to describe people and things but has anyone really thought the impact of this word and how others feel about it? The word retard is offensive and should not be used in a playful manner like many people use it. The word does not just hurt a person with a disability but also to those who know them and love them.

The website "www.r-word.org" has many stories about why the r-word should not be used. One of the stories on the website was written by the mother of a child with autism. She talked about how it doesn't matter if your child is normal or intellectually disabled, you still love them the same. She said that the r-word is offensive not just to the child, but also to the parent because it is saying that your child is not a full human being. She had this to say about respect "Although our loved ones may be disabled, it doesn't stop them from having feelings. They deserve to be respected.

I personally feel like the word should not be used by anyone because of what it is capable of making people feel. I also feel like it should not be used in a catholic high school because any catholic institution should be free of hate, discrimination, or slurs.