An In Depth Study Of The R Word Pledge Initiative

By Evelyn Walls


There has been a concerted effort to stop the use of the word retard over the United States. This word is termed as very derogatory and its daily use in normal conversations is seen as very insensitive to the people dealing with all sorts of intellectual disabilities. It is for this very reason that the R word pledge was started in the year 2009.

The main aim of this movement is to help instill the use of respectful language which takes into consideration the welfare of victims of several cognitive and even developmental challenges. The movement aims at informing the public at large that these individuals who fall into this category can be able to achieve a productive life especially if people never regard them to be complete human beings.

The Spread the Word to End the Word movement aims at achieving the very goals and objectives which are held by the pledge. The Special Olympics Global Activation Summit was the place of birth for this initiative where several young people thought it necessary to come up with this movement. The formation of this movement only came to be in the year 2009 when the World Winter Games were being held.

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.

Individuals are also encouraged to share their story with regards to the situations which led to them to join this movement. This usually happens in the website run by the movement. There are encouraged to write powerful and personal stories of their motivation for ensuring that intellectually disabled individuals are addressed in the rightful manner.

The movement also aims at equipping the participants with the most suitable ways of handling a case whereby they witness the use of that derogatory statement. This is especially the case since most situations tend to be not suitable for an intervention. Several celebrities have also played a huge part in spreading the agenda of this movement by actively giving it support.




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