The R Word Pledge Initiative And Its Objectives

By Elizabeth Johnson


Some words are very derogatory when used in communication. You may not be aware that such words or phrases are hurting to the person whom they are told. It has therefore proven important for people to take action against the use of such words in conversations. The word retard is an example of such words. This phrase is very insensitive and hurtful when used to address people dealing with intellectual disabilities. The r word pledge movement was started in 2009 to help create sensitization to people against the use of this phrase.

The principle objective of this initiative is to make mindfulness among individuals. It advises them of the significance of utilizing deferential dialect when alluding to individuals with subjective and intellectual challenges. The initiative proceeds to inform people that the casualties of this phrase can have the capacity to live ordinarily and make progress without being viewed as retards.

This initiative started in the year 2009 amid the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Amid the occasion, a gathering of young people made up of people with and without intellectual inabilities chose to spread the message on ending the use of phrase retard. They used outfits that showed the message; Spread the Word to end the Word.

This initiative has been utilizing students in schools throughout the nation who take a pledge against utilizing the expression retard to spread the message. They likewise ask people in the society to do likewise. The 31st March every year has been put aside as a day to honor the plan of the initiative. Public figures that have utilized the word before have been colossally condemned and requested to make public statements of regret.

The initiative has used various strategies to accomplish its objectives. The major strategy has been through educating students in schools and colleges across the nation and then asking them to help spread this message. The movement has also utilized the social media platform to gain a wide coverage across different states. Platforms such as facebook and YouTube have enabled the group to get followers and ask them to take the pledge.

The passing of a torch of respect also goes a long way in passing the objectives of this initiative. The torch is moved in a hand to hand relay across 50 states. The relay also entails a fund-raising where individuals can contribute towards the noble motive of the initiative. With adequate funds, the facilitators of the movement can be able to reach more individuals.

Individuals joining this movement are encouraged to share their stories on how they decided to join the movement on its website. These stories have encouraged more individuals to join the initiative and grow this community.

VIPs have helped enormously in the objectives of the initiative. With their backing, the activity has possessed the capacity to impart wide gatherings of people. Understand that individuals alluded to as retards do not merit this. They are only people with psychological incapacity and deserve our care and love.




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