The next is an excerpt from Incapacity Scoop’s article, “Resurgence Of ‘R-Phrase’ Alarms Incapacity Advocates,” detailing Particular Olympics’ work to cease the usage of the R-Phrase and the rise in the usage of the time period in latest instances.
Earlier this month, The New York Occasions reported that former President Donald Trump known as Vice President Kamala Harris “retarded” throughout a gathering with donors. The time period has additionally gained traction on social media. And, on a latest episode of the FX present “English Trainer,” two academics determined that their college students “will not be into being woke anymore,” noting that issues have “circled again round” such that “they’re saying the r-word once more.”
“The resurgence of the r-word, notably on-line, is extra than simply regarding—it’s a painful reminder of our society’s gut-wrenching historical past of discrimination towards individuals with disabilities,” mentioned Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of america.” This phrase isn’t simply offensive; it’s a demeaning relic of a previous we’ve labored tirelessly to beat.”
Between 2009 and 2019, Particular Olympics’ “Unfold the Phrase to Finish the Phrase” marketing campaign urged individuals to desert use of the r-word. Greater than 780,000 individuals took a web based pledge to “assist the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from on a regular basis speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with mental disabilities” as a part of the trouble.
The marketing campaign was so efficient that Particular Olympics developed its messaging in 2019 to concentrate on inclusion extra usually somewhat than the r-word in particular. Now, nonetheless, the group mentioned that probably the most visited web page on its web site is one specializing in the r-word and they’re once more rethinking their method.
