Want to connect with other special needs families? Come join the conversation at August 16, 2008
Pride In Association
There is a lot that I am proud of. My husband. My kids. My recent 44 pound (and still counting..sigh…..) weight loss.
But today I am proud of so many of my friends who went out of their comfort zones to try and explain the hurt and damage caused by the use of the word 'retard.'
Cause there are lots and lots of people who scratch their heads in confusion wondering what the big deal is.
And if the comments section of one local newspaper is any example, there are those who think calling a spade a spade, or rather a 'retard' a 'retard', is not only fair game but part of living in the real world.
ahem.
This, btw, was MY local paper. The comments coming from the communtiy in which Parker will someday live and work.
Take a minute and click through these news segments. Bask in their strength.
Then gird up your loins and rejoin the battle. That's what I am planning on doing.
Melissa's Experience:
http://fox61.trb.com/video/?clipId=2799828&topVideoCatNo=95116&c=&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat
My sweet friend Jan shared this with me:
Tammy and Parker can also be found hanging out at their other blog: Praying For Parker
Comments on Pride In Association »
Melissa @ 6:53 pm
I love you, too
Melody @ 7:22 pm
Every voice, great or small, matters, and I am proud to be associated.
The last video is perfection! Thank you for sharing it.
KELLI @ 9:02 pm
Absolutely. I'm in total agreement.
Shannon @ Gabi's World @ 2:00 pm
WTG for all those brave ones who spoke out for their children and mine!
My hubby tried to get me to call the news station too, but I am not good in front of the camera. I was too scared! Not of being linked to our wonderful kiddos, but of stuttering and my own insecurities of myself!
Kelly @ 12:38 pm
While I praise you for your effort and passion on this issue, I must also respectfully disagree on this issue.
My special needs daughter is "mentally retarded", and sometimes describing her as being "retarded" is the best word I can use to help others understand why she is the way she is. I worry that if we as a special needs community try to make that word taboo, we will only further increase the negative stigma associated with all children who have disabilities. I want my community to understand my daughter and not be fearful of using a word that best describes her.
Tammy and Parker @ 2:06 pm
Kelly, thank you so much for your thoughts on this issue.
I'm not sure that the actual word 'retarded' is the problem.
I think it is instead how the word is used. When it is used as a form of aggressive humor, or as a way to get a cheap laugh at the expense of one who is mentally retarded then it becomes hate speech.
Think of the kid on the playground who points his finger in anger at another child and calls him a retard as a way to express his hate and contempt.
Then bump that up a notch and imagine the same scene, except replace the kids with adults.
My son is mentally retarded. But he is not stupid, obtuse, nor someone to be made fun of.
And he will one day get the fact that people are using him and others like him to put people down.
We are asking for respect to be shown to those who are mentally retarded, challenged, delayed, whatever term a person may choose to use.
How many remember that a faggot is simply the butt of a cigarette or a bundle of sticks when they point a finger and throw that word at another in anger?
Pam @ 1:53 am
Good point Tammy. That was my thoughts exactly. It's also that they have shortened the word to Retard, rather than retarded.
That bothers me so much, when that is thrown at kids, then it IS hate speech.
We all have out own opinions and this is what makes us all who we are. But somewhere there has to be a line drawn. Especially in schools.
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