YOU RETARD!!!

I knew that phrase would get your attention. Those are BAD, BAD, BAD words. They are hurtful.

Calling someone retarded is intended to insult them. Thankfully, I don't use those words but I know plenty of people who do. So, shame on me for not correcting them!

Language choices influence how we think about others. The 'R-word,' as it is called, is hurtful and derogatory and it's time that people stop using it as an insult.

Originally, retarded had a REAL meaning which meant disabled or handicapped. But now people use it as an insult for clumsy, stupid or silly people. They often mean it jokingly but there's nothing funny about it as some people really ARE 'retarded'.

It's a painful word that stereotypes a group of people, whether they have an intellectual disability or not.

So, I'm encouraging you to use more accepting language from this point forward--like 'intellectual disability'. Or if someone is acting silly or stupid, just say they're acting silly or stupid. There's no need to label them with a term deemed offensive and derogatory.

There's a campaign to 'Spread the Word to End the Word.' You can find more info here and submit a pledge. I submitted my pledge to use more accepting language.

Please make the effort to change your language to be more inclusive and respectful.