The "R" Word

No no no, not the "F" word or the "S" word or the "A" word...I'm talking about the "R" word. You know what that word is? The "R" word is: retard or retarded. I know what some of you are thinking: Abby, retard is not a bad word! Neither is retarded! You're absolutely right! However, our society these days has used the "R" word as an offensive and hateful term. Whenever we're playing with our friends and being silly, we often say, "You're so retarded!" Or "You're such a retard!" Not nice, my friends. Not nice.

Let me tell you what the Merriam-Webster definition of retard is:

1. a holding back or slowing down

2. often offensive; a retarded person; also: a person held to resemble a retarded person in behavior

Look at #2. It says often offensive. Now, wait a minute! Before you go thinking that I'm super politically correct and legalistic, let me tell you this: I DO NOT think you are a bad person for using the "R" word. I will tell you this: You should find a different word to replace the "R" word. Simple as that.

More than likely when you call someone a retard or retarded, you're saying, "You're so stupid," or "You're such an idiot," or "You're such a fool!"

Watch this short clip from "ET" of sweet Lauren Potter from Glee:

Lauren is an actress. Lauren is elegant and sophisticated. Lauren is making the big bucks by acting on Glee. Lauren has a boyfriend. Lauren signs autographs.

Lauren also lives with Downs Syndrome. Lauren wants everyone to stop saying the "R" word. She did another interview with "E" last week (which I cannot find), but she went more in depth about how much the "R" word hurts her. She broke into tears, saying how much it hurts her feelings when people call her retarded. Is she, by definition, mentally retarded? Yes. Does she need to be reminded of it by our hateful use of the word retard? Heck no!

So please, everyone, try your best to rid the "R" word from your vocabulary! My parents own their own photography studio and none of their employees are allowed to say that word, because it is highly offensive to many people, as it should be. Yes, I realize it might be a habit for some of you, but get rid of it! Think before you speak, and don't say it!

For a little more information, read here: R-Word. Spread the Word to End the Word.

And remember:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may be beneficial to those who listen." Ephesians 4:29