People have a tendency to use language in indicting hurt to others, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes words have a way of excluding people. It makes them feel that they are not like everyone else and that everyone else does not want to be like them.
Language has an impact on attitudes. This in turn, affects the actions of many, when it should be a tool that is centered on being pro people. As if, their condition was not enough, those with disabilities have been victims of painful name calling from those who are not physically or mentally challenged. This had pushed advocacy groups to come up with the R word pledge.
There are times that it is just a case of people not knowing better. For others, they just did not think twice. This is why movements like the pledge seeks to bring forth awareness of the negative stereotypes behind calling someone retard. There are many ways of influencing the fight for it. Do what you can to inspire others in doing the same thing.
People fail to understand that even when it is not intended to hurt someone, it still hurts to hear it. Because no matter what you do, the fact that it is associated to those who are mentally challenged, remains unchanged. Hence, a campaign like that would help these children, and society most of all realize one thing.
As such, they must be embraced and included, not the other way around. They should be regarded with utmost understanding, especially by those who do not have the same condition. Just because it is the human thing to do. And you can get rid of the R word if you cannot trust yourself to be responsible in using it.
You can never change the way society see it as. That is why such advocacies exist in the first place. There are ways to avoid it, so that it can be eliminated altogether, as what the campaign aims to achieve. First and foremost, know that people who have disabilities are still people.
What they cannot do, or what they lack, do not necessarily define who they are. It does not encompass the things they can do, entirely. This does not mean however, that you can just ignore their disabilities. Get to know them well because they long to be included, and tired of being excluded.
Use alternative terms. Do not forget its real definition by thinking twice before saying it. Be sensitive to the meanings it brings across. Because of its negative connotations, mentally retarded is a term has become an unacceptable diagnostic term. It is important for the majority to understand the need for this, since people who have intellectual disabilities have been discriminated for far too long.
If it takes a call to action so society can overcome this, then so be it. It is not all about changing language. It is more about trying to improve perceptions, especially negative ones. It is one way of shifting the rest to a whole new direction of recognizing people with different abilities, not condemning them for the things they cannot do or understand. Use words that respects people. Be for people. This way, you respect yourself too.
Language has an impact on attitudes. This in turn, affects the actions of many, when it should be a tool that is centered on being pro people. As if, their condition was not enough, those with disabilities have been victims of painful name calling from those who are not physically or mentally challenged. This had pushed advocacy groups to come up with the R word pledge.
There are times that it is just a case of people not knowing better. For others, they just did not think twice. This is why movements like the pledge seeks to bring forth awareness of the negative stereotypes behind calling someone retard. There are many ways of influencing the fight for it. Do what you can to inspire others in doing the same thing.
People fail to understand that even when it is not intended to hurt someone, it still hurts to hear it. Because no matter what you do, the fact that it is associated to those who are mentally challenged, remains unchanged. Hence, a campaign like that would help these children, and society most of all realize one thing.
As such, they must be embraced and included, not the other way around. They should be regarded with utmost understanding, especially by those who do not have the same condition. Just because it is the human thing to do. And you can get rid of the R word if you cannot trust yourself to be responsible in using it.
You can never change the way society see it as. That is why such advocacies exist in the first place. There are ways to avoid it, so that it can be eliminated altogether, as what the campaign aims to achieve. First and foremost, know that people who have disabilities are still people.
What they cannot do, or what they lack, do not necessarily define who they are. It does not encompass the things they can do, entirely. This does not mean however, that you can just ignore their disabilities. Get to know them well because they long to be included, and tired of being excluded.
Use alternative terms. Do not forget its real definition by thinking twice before saying it. Be sensitive to the meanings it brings across. Because of its negative connotations, mentally retarded is a term has become an unacceptable diagnostic term. It is important for the majority to understand the need for this, since people who have intellectual disabilities have been discriminated for far too long.
If it takes a call to action so society can overcome this, then so be it. It is not all about changing language. It is more about trying to improve perceptions, especially negative ones. It is one way of shifting the rest to a whole new direction of recognizing people with different abilities, not condemning them for the things they cannot do or understand. Use words that respects people. Be for people. This way, you respect yourself too.
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When you are looking for the facts about the R word pledge, go to the web pages online here today. More details can be seen at http://familymemberinc.org now.
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