In today’s society, there are countless hurtful words that we use to describe someone. Words like, “dumb”, “idiot”, or “stupid” are used as daily insults, but one of the worst ones is the word “retarded”. The way it is used today in society, the R-word often means someone who acting “idiotic”; its true meaning of someone who is mentally disabled has been lost in our culture’s careless use of language. Many of those people who use this word do not understand the impact it has on those with disabilities, and those who have loved ones who are mentally disabled.

As someone who has many loved ones, family and friends, with mental disabilities, everytime this word is uttered by anyone around me, I take personal offense to it. Not only has God blessed my family with two cousins with Down’s Syndrome, but the world as well. Everyone who meets them quickly falls in love with their beautiful personalities and sees God shining through their kindness. The fact that this word is used as an insult in today’s culture is shocking to me. There is no situation where it should be considered acceptable to refer to someone as “retarded” when referring to their intelligence. My family members and friends with disabilities are truly remarkable human beings. One of my cousins knew words in sign language before he gained the ability to speak. Did you know sign language when you were 2 years old? Didn’t think so.

The R-word is not the only word that is misused in today’s culture out of context. Words like “rape” or "gay" used in the context of, “that test raped me” or "that's so gay" are undermining the seriousness of those words. Those who have been victims of rape have gone through serious psychological struggles that should not be used to describe something as simple and painless as a test. Using someones sexuality as a term that means "stupid" is an insult to those who identify as gay. Our society’s careless use of hurtful language is to blame. In order to stop the careless use of language, our generation needs to change the way we think. No longer should we be using the term “free speech” as an excuse for our careless language. While The First Amendment guarantees us the right to express ourselves how we see fit, it should not be used as a way to defend ourselves when we say something that harms a significant segment of our population.

Those with mental disabilities are not a burden on our society. They are some of the most beautiful and kind people God has given us. They offer so much wisdom, seeing the true beauty in the world, instead of the poison we often see. I thank God everyday that He gave my family these two amazing children that have brought so much joy to my family and many others. What I ask of you is that you chose your words carefully, keeping in mind that while you may mean no harm by them, there are many people around you who will take offense to your word choices. The first step is to start thinking of others before yourself, and realizing that your words do not only affect you, but those around you and their loved ones.