To be honest, we’re not so wrapped up in political correctness. We understand that words morph and take on new meanings, and that most people don’t give a whole lot of thought to the origin. We know that when someone calls their friend “retarded” jokingly, that they don’t purposefully mean to slam Grace or any other person afflicted with a cognitive disability.
Many words currently used as a synonym for stupid originally were used to describe a disability of one form or another: dumb, imbecile, moron, idiot, lame, oaf…just to name a few. It’s highly unlikely this phenomenon in language is going to go away, at least not without a major shift in attitude toward disabilities.
More likely, the R word will disappear from the medical world, and be replaced with the more appropriate and accurate term “intellectual disability”. And this phrase seems safe from the linguistic transformation. We don’t anticipate anyone saying “You are so intellectually disabled!”
However, the context of the word is an insult, whether in jest or with true contempt. And the thought of someone hurling this word toward Grace, and her knowing the potential hate behind the word, makes us pause.
If this day of awareness leads us as a whole to be more thoughtful with our choice of words and their potential impact, we are all for it.
If this day of awareness leads us to be more inclusive and accepting of all individuals with disabilities, so that disabilities aren’t viewed as something that is “less-than”, we applaud it!
To learn more about the campaign, go here.
Bravo! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWell stated...and this deserves a larger audience the way you have framed this. Give that girl a big squish and kiss for me! ~Kaelin
ReplyDeletePrecious Jenni,
ReplyDeleteGreat words! The old adage,"Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me," is simply untrue. I have been deeply wounded by words, usually by friends. I am certain I have wounded my share of people with my words as well. Roy Jerue, a wondeful man of God and my mentor in Jesus Christ, gave me this advice, "Lloyd,before you speak ask yourself three questioans: 1. Is it true? 2. Is it kind? and 3. Is it necessary?" Great advice!
I second grammy's BRAVO! Beautifully stated.
ReplyDeleteLove the awareness and love seeing what a good little angel Grace is:)
ReplyDeleteI debated whether or not to write about this subject because my feelings are very similar to yours in the sense I'm not easily offended by those who aren't politically correct. But I have a few family members, though, who needed a little reminder!
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