So, if you spend any time with me, you know how much I hate the word "retard" or "retarded." I really don't like calling people out on stuff (unless I know you really really well) but this is something that pops out of my mouth if I hear someone using those words - I'll just say something like "please don't use that word" or "I hate that word." And I do. I always have. It feels lazy, and insulting, and really, if you want to insult someone, can't you come up with a more creative way than using hate language? My feelings on this doubled, of course, when I found out that Jane might have Down syndrome. And, as you know, I read several awesome blogs by moms who have children with Down syndrome. This entry by Lisa at Finnian's Journey about the R-word is excellent - much better than mine, that's for sure - and when you scroll down and see a pic of her super-duper-cute boy Finnian, maybe you can think of him next time you decide to use that word. It hurts, people. It hurts people.
Off my soapbox now. But yesterday was a "Spread the Word to End the Word" day, and although I missed it, I wanted to touch on the subject.
4 comments:
Thank you, Amanda :)
The fact that you don't want me to say it makes me want to say it even more, because I have the maturity of a 5th grader. However, you should know that I do catch myself saying it sometimes, and have been able to stop myself on occasion now that I'm aware of it. But this is not because of you. Don't flatter yourself.
I would never assume it's because of me, Shane. : )
I think it's because of you. Though Shane has been reformed in his name-calling, he still continues to be a compulsive liar. One step at a time...
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