We need to talk about the “R” word and face the truth for those who feel the word can be justified.

When people use this word it's usually not to describe someone with a disability, it’s used to describe someone who is inadequate, something that doesn’t function correctly, something that is crazy or something people just say.

I hear the word among my peers, and sadly, among adults as well. No one thinks to take into consideration how people with disabilities might feel towards the word being used not only towards them but in general.

Recently, I had a disagreement with a friend where I was told that I was too sensitive for my own good. The argument was based on the all too well-known word “retarded.”

My former friend made me feel like I should just accept the fact that this word is part of their speech and it was a burden to ever stop using it. They seemed to think that after this I should have felt defeated as if my argument was now invalid.

I was told that it wasn’t a big deal, everyone uses it. I even began to question if the reason others didn’t care about the hurtful meaning behind it was that I just wasn’t a respectable person. I wondered if people just didn’t care about my opinion.

I realized it wasn’t that people not only lacked respect for me but lacked respect for those with mental deficiencies.

The “R” word is derogatory.

There are 190.5 million people in the world with intellectual disabilities, and it is clear none of them are comfortable with how constantly the word is used. This word disassociates this group of human beings from other human beings that aren’t any different. It makes those with disabilities feel as if they are less than those without disabilities.

It is unacceptable to sit there and utter a slur towards anyone and justify yourself by saying that you don’t mean anything by it. A disability should not be equated with being “dumb” or “stupid.”

Individuality should be recognized and celebrated because everyone is gifted in their own way, and it will not go unnoticed. Calling someone the “N” word is unacceptable. Calling someone a “spic” is unacceptable. Calling someone a “fag” or describing something that doesn’t satisfy you as “gay” is unacceptable.

This word is the same as any other minority slur, and it needs to be treated that way.