What is the R-word? What is the meaning of it? Why are people using it?

Well the R-word refers to the offensive word, 'retarded.' According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, retarded is defined as slow or limited in intellectual, emotional development, or academic progress.

Most of the time when people use the R-word they are not referring to it's actual meaning. It's used and thrown around all the time in the media. Iggy Azalea inappropriately throws this term around in her hit song, "Fancy, singing that "[her] flow retarded, they speak it depart it." Other celebrities, like Kourtney Kardashian and Tosh.O, have been reported using this unbecoming term. People are not using this word to describe someone with a disability, but using it to describe someone being 'silly,' 'crazy,' or 'dumb,' It is referred to as something that is working unacceptably, or something people say just because they have no other word.

'Retarded' has not been used to describe people with disabilities in years. The 'politically correct' way to use this term is when describing a person with a developmental or intellectual disability. Personally, I believe this hurtful word should be permanently eliminated from the English language. When do I think this term is okay to use? Never.

When you use the R-word, here are some of the amazing and successful people that you are hurting in the process:

Steven Spielberg
Thats right, the man behind many block buster films such as, Saving Private Ryan, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Jaws has a diagnosed disability. Spielberg is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism. He is arguably one of the best directors of our time, and he achieved success even with his disability.

Tom Cruise
One of the most notable actors today, Tom Cruise has a disability as well. Cruise has dyslexia, and has spoken out about it many times. Dyslexia is a disability which effects how individuals look and perceive words they are trying to read. Cruise has not let this diagnosis stop him from his thriving career

Tim Harris
Tim Harris, owns a very successful restaurant, known as the friendliest restaurant around. Tim was born with Down syndrome, but nothing has stopped him from achieving his dream. Not only is Tim a successful business owner, he is also a philanthropist that gives back to his community. Check out his website to learn more: http://www.timsplace.com/the-restaurant/.

Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, one of the smartest men that have ever lived, would have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, according to psychologists. There is nothing 'dumb' about the man who came up with a formula that led to the Atomic Bomb.

Melissa Reilly
Melissa is a college student, inspirational speaker, and has received Special Olympic gold medals in skiing, swimming, and cycling. In addition, she also has an internship with a state senator of Massachusetts. This young women has accomplished so much in her life, and hasn't let her Down syndrome slow her down.

All of these inspiring individuals, and their family and friends are people that you are hurting when you use the R-word. They all have accomplished so much in their life, and there is nothing 'dumb' or 'crazy' about them. Think of your friends, family, and loved ones. How would you feel if people were using words that offend them. By stopping your use of this word, you can become part of a movement.

Stop the word, to end the word.

(via r-word.org)