Monday, December 7, 2015

A Brief Overview Of The R Word Pledge Movement

By Evelyn Walls


Throughout the United States, much efforts are being made with the view of stopping the use of the word retard. Intellectually challenged people usually take the word to be very insulting especially now when it has been incorporated into day to day conversations. This very fact necessitated the need for the formation of the R word pledge movement back in the year 2009.

The persons possessing these disabilities should be addressed in more suitable ways and the initiative aimed at instilling this practice in the society. Masses are educated that these individuals can partake in meaning and gainful activities in the community especially where they are given the appropriate level of human dignity.

The pledge is usually driven and promoted through the Spread the Word to End the Word initiative. It came to be when several youth converged and thought of an idea on this during the Special Olympics Global Activation Summit. It was around 2009 in the World Winter games that this great movement got to be initiated.

The movement usually entails the students from all the country taking a pledge to never use the word retard in conversations and to also urge other individuals to do the same. This day set for commemorating this nationwide campaign is the 31st of March every year. Several public figures have been hugely condemned for the use of the word retard whereby some of them have been forced to make public apologies and even take the pledge themselves.

The goals of this initiative are usually achieved through many means. The use of social media platforms has come in handy whereby the message is widely spread by the supporters of this movement. People are usually encouraged to share their personal pledges through Twitter. The Facebook page and even the Youtube channel have also come in handy in informing the general public about the goals of this movement. Further information about the movement including the announcement of events is carried out through the use of a newsletter.

There is also a 46 day event which involves the carrying of a torch relay. Financial contributions are also made during this very event. These funds usually come in handy in further public awareness activities.

People are always encouraged to share their story as to what prompted them into taking part in the movement in the website owned by this initiative. They are usually advised to display their passion for the fair treatment of the mentally disabled persons by sharing their personal testimonies with regards to this very matter.

The handling of people and even situations of the propagation of derogatory and insulting statements to physically challenged persons is taught. Participants are taught on the various ways of gauging the necessity and even methodology for an effective intervention whenever they find themselves in cases where these behaviors are exhibited. Several celebrities have come and offered their personal endorsement for the pledge. Their endorsements have been very much welcomed since it has proved to be very invaluable to the information of the general population.




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