The Social Security Administration intends to stop using the term "mental retardation" in its listings and rules. That announcement came on the heels of Baltimore Raven's quarterback Joe Flacco's remark that a cold-climate superbowl is "retarded." He immediately corrected himself, saying "I probably shouldn't say that. I think it's stupid." The next day, he issued a formal apology for his "bad choice of words."
This from a man who has a relationship with the local Special Olympics, including hosting an annual fundraiser. Clearly the remark was a slip of the tongue, an old habit that died hard. On the upside, hearing a major quarterback apologize might help raise awareness among kids and teens. The more key thing is that he and other people in the public eye do what they can to help people—and particularly young adults—understand how to respect those with intellectual disability. (Hey, Lady Gaga: r-word song, please?) School programs that raise awareness and inclusionary activities would make a real difference, too.
Cool artwork is another proactive ways to spread messages, and I've found some great stuff out there. The above is the first part of a graphic novel about why the word "retard" hurts. Created by Camila Trespalcios Laguette, a student at University of El Paso Texas who coaches basketball for the Special Olympics, it's her final project for a comics class. Check out the full version on her Facebook page—log in first, then click from pages 1 to 11.
Also recently discovered, on Flickr: this collage by one J. Mendelsohn, titled "Disable the Label."
Then there's this popular poster (and a t-shirt, too) by graphic artist Alison Rowan:
And this badge from the r-word campaign:
And this Bart Simpson reminder:
I love how artists are using their creative powers for good.
I cringed, but was very pleased that he self-corrected immediately. Honestly, my dearest friends still slip and I don't damn them for it, I certainly can't do the same to my boy as he prepares for the Super Bowl. But a lot of that comes from just following his career and character and knowing how gracious and quiet and humble he actually is. And like I said...self-correction is the key there. No promptage.
ReplyDeleteThe "Buy a Dictionary" poster is awesome! Could they make those in business cards that we could pass out whenever we hear someone say the "r" word?
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great idea! Would love to have those on a card I could just hand out.
DeleteI agree—business cards would be genius.
DeleteI hate that Flacco said that, but I'm encouraged that he knew it was wrong immediately. But still, ouch. But, some progress, hooray. But ouch.
ReplyDeleteBUT! Awesome art.
So what. Its NOT like he deliberately used the word in the offensive context. Yes, I understand this isn't a pleasant term to say however use your brain and learn the context. There's a wise saying words are words even if they hurt.
DeletePeople who tell people who use it in unoffensive contexts piss me off. It does NOT mean they are clever, it means they are bullies. Yes bullies. And they are just if not more sad really.
When we take part in the end the R word campaign, this is the message we are sending to PWOD. Its okay for us to get all crazy over ONE single word regardless of context. Is that a good message to give? No its NOT.
I've said this once and I'm going to say this again- It is SO important to find out the context first. Otherwise the PWOD may think you are immature.
LOVE! My 16 year old typical is continually teaching her peers this lesson. The art to accompany the anti-R-word campaign is icing on the cake!
ReplyDeleteGreat timing, my biology teacher ounce again said the r-word saying that if you dont have 46 chromosomes you are retarded. This angered my friend(whose little brother has 1 16th chromosome) so much that she went to the principal's office to complain. This is the 2nd time he has used the word fist time was to dis the state saying they must think youre all retards.
ReplyDeleteIt is mind-boggling to hear about teachers using that word. I'm glad your friend spoke up.
DeleteI am loving your blog! And thank you for the shares of art work that helps Spread the Word to End the R Word. Part of my responsibilities as Community Education Coordinator at Wendell Foster's Campus is to conduct this campaign in the schools, promoting the end the use of the R word, and host an essay AND Poster/Art contest. Would love to show you the artwork of one of the winning posters as well as our t-shirt design we have from last year and are doing this year. I'm also using a couple of your blog posts AND the Youtube video as resources for the teachers to share with their kids in the curriculum I'm developing for their use this year with the program. My email is cferber@wfcampus.org - I can email you the art work images if you'd like to see them. Thanks so much for sharing your story! Carolyn Ferber, Community Education Coordinator, Wendell Foster's Campus for Developmental Disabilities, Owensboro, KY http://wfcampus.org/RWord_Contest.php
ReplyDeleteThis is WONDERFUL to hear, excited to see the artwork and t-shirt design, off to email you!
DeleteI LOVE all the artwork I think they would look good on t-shirts too :)
ReplyDeleteI am autistic and I hate it when people call my kind "retarded." I am a straight A student and in two advanced classes. I remember when I was in the 6th grade (I'm in 7th grade now) and I could not get my words out and the substitute teacher moved on. Now that teacher is my English teacher that makes me lol.
ReplyDeleteWe are delighted to let you know that this post has been nominated in the ‘Best International’ post category of the SWAN UK Blog Post Awards (aka The ‘SWANS’)
ReplyDeleteBe sure to pop over to the SWAN UK website to grab some badges for these categories to encourage your other readers to also vote for you – make sure you let them know which specific posts have been nominated!
If you tweet the SWAN UK twitter account using the #SWANS hashtag with the URL of your blog posts and the category you have been nominated for we will retweet it for you and hopefully get you some new readers.
Good luck!
http://www.undiagnosed.org.uk
It's great to see so many people taking a stand for our special needs community!
ReplyDelete