The R Word Pledge Initiative And Its Objectives

By Elizabeth Johnson


In conversations, some words are very derogatory when used to refer to someone or even an object. One may not know that these words hurt or cause harm to the person whom they are told. It has become important to create awareness against the use of such words in conversations to avoid hurting the feelings of others. The phrase retard is one which has seen individuals team up and take a pledge to stop its use. The r word pledge is an initiative or movement which was started in the year 2009 to sensitize people against the use of phrase retard.

The main goal of this movement is to create awareness among people. It informs them of the importance of using respectful language when referring to people with cognitive and development challenges. The movement goes ahead to inform the public that the victims of this derogatory statement can be able to live normally and achieve success without being regarded as retards.

This movement begun back in the year 2009 during the Special Olympics World Winter Games. During the event, a group of youths comprised of individuals with and without the cognitive disabilities decided to spread the message to end the use of the word. They wore outfits that displayed the message Spread the Word to end the Word.

The movement has been using students in institutions all over the country who take a pledge against using the phrase retard. They also urge other individuals in the community to do the same. The 31st of March each year has been set aside as a day to commemorate the agenda of this movement. Public figures that have used the word before have been hugely condemned and asked to make pubic apologies. Some have gone ahead and taken the pledge themselves.

To accomplish its goals, this development has utilized a few methodologies to pass the message to people in general. Understudies enrolled in schools have been the best method of putting out this message to the society. The movement has additionally utilized online networking to pick up backing towards its objectives. They have utilized Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other different channels to attain followers that help in putting out the memo to more individuals. Intrigued people can join the movement and contribute towards its goals.

There is also a passing of the torch of respect which takes place for about 46 days. The torch is passed by a hand to hand relay in about 50 states across the country. This goes a long way in helping reach more individuals with the message. The relay also includes a fund-raising mission to aid the movement in its objectives of reaching more people.

Individuals taking the pledge are asked to share their stories. They can tell what led them to take the pledge and ask other individuals to join too.

Celebrities have helped greatly in the goals of the movement. With their support, the initiative has been able to communicate to a wide audience. It is important to understand that people referred to as retards do not deserve this. They are just individuals with cognitive disabilities and deserve our care.




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