Before I say another word, this isn't about POLITICS!
It comes as no surprise that Ann Coulter tweeted the following:
“Been busy, but is Obama STILL talking about that video? I had no idea how crucial the retarded vote is in this election.”
Seriously..she used the word "retarded" in this context. I think the most conservative of Republicans would agree that Coulter loves to serve as a lightening rod for her party, but she's really gone too far this time.
I take great pride in having turned many a frequent offender of using that word into a disciple of the "spread the word to end the word" campaign. One person at a time. With all of us in the Down syndrome community (and disability community at large) rowing in the same direction, we are creating a shift in the use of the word (or lack thereof). Undoubtedly.
Unfortunately, there will always be people like Ann Coulter who don't care who they hurt at the expense of their agenda, and in her case, what she has to do to keep her shock status symbol. It's pathetic. Regardless of how many times we come up against ignorance, I'm convinced there are enough decent human beings in the world that we will eventually shut this word down.
I was inspired to go on my rant by my fellow blogger and friend, Lisa, who turned me on to this post by another parent in our community. It was the featured and recommended TODAY moms' blog article. Bravo, Dan! Don't miss it. Dad Demands Apology for Use of "Retarded"
1 comment:
It takes changing one person at a time! I find that the younger the person is...the more apt they are to understanding the impact the word has. We have addressed it through Cassie's girl scout troop and through all of Ethan's buddies who spend time at our house. They all know to find another word. It is the older generation that is having the hard time with it...they are more resistant to change and less likely to put themselves in someone else's shoes. A big wake up call needs to come from our youth! Cassie proudly wears her "Spread the Word to End the Word" shirt to school every week...and she loves educating people about it!
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