"R" Word Campaign -- Special Olympics PSA

[GosselinLuva]

What is wrong with people? The reason there are so many campaigns is because this HURTS others. Others that haven't done anything that is worth the pain. So why justify that?

[WaruiTanuki]

People who are not assholes will not insult someone because of a mental or physical health problem anyway. People who are assholes will insult someone no matter what words they use, and they will continue to use words others find socially unacceptable. If you want to make a real change, you have to make a stand. Not "don't use the word 'retard,'" but "don't insult people." By saying "don't use the word 'retard,'" you're saying "being retarded is worthy of insult, but don't do it."

[WaruiTanuki]

I do not approve of a "scorched earth" policy of language. "Intellectual disability" will be, and probably already is being used as a derogatory term. "Mentally retarded" was originally used as a non-derogatory replacement for earlier medical terms such as "idiot," which had become derogatory. You can come up with all the new terms you want, and try to get people to stop saying the old ones, but assholes will still exist, and their degree of assholery should not be underestimated.

[alexselby97]

no sensible person will use the word retarded on mental people just no one does so why run a campaign on something thats not effecting mental people?

[natmrotz]

@alexselby97 First of all, they are not 'mental' people. Second of all, it DOES effect people with intellectual disabilities as well as their families. When I hear someone use the word 'retarded' as an insult it's just plain stupid. And yes, people do.

[GosselinLuva]

@alexselby97 That's where you're wrong babe. LOTS of "sensible" people use that word to retarted people in offense. And it is effecting them, whether it's overhearing it or being told that. It deserves a campaign. I've seen the effects up close and personal and it's not prettty to my crying epileptic uncle, down syndrome cousin, and the 3 special needs kids i've helped deal with the effects of one word.

[TheAed128]

The comments below are so ridiculous. Move on to another clip. Obviously this one is beyond your intellect. The message is simple. It is about treating people with decency and dignity. End of story. Period.

[minamu8]

Beautiful commercial. No one should be discriminated against because of their intellectual disabilities or otherwise difficulties. They are people, just like we are. And I can't believe TiK ToK has more views than this.

[bravoalphahk]

People may not deserve instant loyalty, trust, admiration, or adoration; but everybody and everything does deserve instant respect for what it innately is. Humans have no need of demonstrating that they are human enough before being treated like humans; and those who fail to treat others with humanity have a moral retardation far more regrettable than outward handicaps.

[JamaicanRain]

I agree with all the negative comments. In the end, this is just something for people to do and a way for people associated with the disabled/retarded to band together, which is great for them. The word 'retarded' is practically a cultural medium for description. In 10 months, and I'm just guessing, 90% of those that took the pledge will be spitting out the word 'retarded' like old people spit saliva. Nothing will REALLY change. .

[sweetnibletsgirl]

@JamaicanRain Thats where your wrong. I took the pledge 2 years ago and havn't said it since. I may be the only one in my high school that doesn't say it BUT everything starts with baby steps.

[CommentClown]

What the heck is the point in taking on a word. It is the person uttering the word that intends to offend.

INTENDS to offend. If you think you are disarming people by making these issues public, you're wrong. You're empowering them by making the word derogatory. Retarded used to be a technical description. Now it's a slur. You think people want to be called 'mentally challenged' either? More to the point, is 'mentally challenged' not equally insulting when intended to be?

[GosselinLuva]

@CommentClown They are trying to get rid of a WORD. they're mean to get rid of the verision people use to harm others. The medical term makes no difference.

[SupremeCommander360]

"Respect Everyone"

I'll respect you if you can show me that you deserve my respect.

No one deserves instant respect.

[sndd0138]

@SupremeCommander360 Respect everyone's rights, you fucking moron. That's what "Respect Everyone" means, it means that you should be decent enough to treat everyone like another human being. Get it supreme douche bag?

[User9787]

@SupremeCommander360 I suppose you have a point, but have you actually met a person with a mental disability? If you have and they were offensive to you, I could understand your argument. However, I have come to see that people with intellectual disabilities to be the most caring and considerate people that I have ever come across, and I believe that they would probably show you instantaneous respect and love the moment you interact with them.

[NichtDieseTone]

@User9787

Considering the performance-gap between them and us they should. That's called awe.

[purplewowies]

@SupremeCommander360 I believe we should Respect Everyone until they give us a reason not to.

[compaq5793]

@SupremeCommander360 why don't you respect everyone until they show you they DON'T deserve your respect? thats a much more mature approach.

[RZris]

@compaq5793

that's not more mature, that's being a doormat. respect is earned, simple as that, people who think otherwise are probably aware on some subconcious level that they don't deserve it themselves and therefore have to make up stupid arguments like yours ie respecting everyone

[brianclarknoted]

@SupremeCommander360

Way to be a downer on this one - nice, positive outlook.

Honestly, after watching this video, that is the first thought that came to your mind? Bet you light up a room when you walk in

[cloud1938]

I'm pretty sure I CAN use the word retard to describe mentally disabled people.

[aesthetictrend]

Way to be an ignorant scumbag.

[SkeltonKid]

Trying to effectively ban a word like "retard" is ridiculous and it places the mentally disabled on a pedestal. I would never use that word towards an actual mentally disabled person, or around people with mental disabilities, and I only rarely use it when the term "stupid" or "ridiculous" doesn't cut it to describe a situation or person.

The meaning of the word "retarded" has changed, and meaning equals intention, not interpretation.

[musicluvn]

i agree. and "banning" it is just going to give "retard" a more negative impact when used. we all know that people are still going to say it, so why intensify its impact?

[keerths]

@SkeltonKid Umm it doesn't have to be directed towards people with mental disabilities. It should be banned because it implies that "being retarded" is practically a sin, and what kind of world are we living in if people born with down syndrome or any other disability are looked down upon?

You have to take it one step at a time if you want to make a difference in this world, just imagine that was your brother or sister, wouldn't be so fun now would it?

[juuice22]

@SkeltonKid------ if your to much of a vagina to say something to someones face you probably shouldnt say it at all.

[thatguywiththemask]

I think they need to be put into their own schools. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with mentally retarded (!) people, but They can't really function in an environment like a Jr. High school made for People who have normal brain function. Also, theres a better chance of them Being treated better in schools for the mentally disabled. The schools would not allow students with regular brains. The mentally retarded kids would not be bullied by assholed who want to pick on a kid who is retarded

[GosselinLuva]

I actually disagree. There are many many special needs kids at our school and they are treated fairly. They have a lot of different extra curricular oppurtunities and seem to be smart (for special needs kids) I think that having them with regular children is a bit more benefitial. It can make them feel more normal. And more accepted

[electrogeek77]

Does "segregation" ring a bell?

[g72row]

this is the most absurd thing i've ever heard. yeah.some kids with disabilities need extra attention and go to specific schools for that. but shoving them away will only make them more ostracized. if "typical" children are around those with special needs, there won't be this ignorance that they are different and inferior. everyone is different and everyone has something special that they bring to the table.they shouldn't be shunned because they aren't as "smart" based on trivial standards.

[teremcr]

My son and others are testimony of that. He has been in a regular school INCLUDED in the regular setting (mainstreamed) and he is as happy as can be. Has gain a LOT from the his non disabled peers, and they respect him, love him and appreciate him. His peers have learned a very important thing too, they have learn to have and feel EMPATHY FOR OTHERS, TO LOVE, TO UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT AND SO WHAT.

[teremcr]

cont... More that anything they are not afraid of what they don't know or do not understand. I say they are becoming better human being just because they have my son in their lives .I too am a better human being thanks to my son

[noah770]

Are you one of the bullies who picked on them? That mentality of yours sure sounds like it.

[teremcr]

The IDEA is for that individual with intellectual disabilities is to have them grow in the "normal" environment that you, I or anybody else has the RIGHT to grow on and be apart of. After all, there are no cities or town for exclusively for the intellectually disabled. ...

[teremcr]

(continue...) They live within us, in my town , in yours and they are part of our world. When you expose this children to the regular schools and classroom they grow and learn SO MUCH MORE that when they are secluded in an environment only for people like them. My son has been a part on a regular classroom all his elementary school years and he has made enormous strides.

[ReneO93V2]

@teremcr

Cool story bro!

[teremcr]

(cont. again) ... He is happy and has learned something that a special ed school would have not given him and that is how to be and deal with the "NORMAL" world around him. Maybe academically he is behind but socially he behaves pretty much like the 10 year old that he is.

[teremcr]

(cont.-) Another important thing is that EVERYBODY, all the children around him have learn to understand people with disabilities, how to understand them, how to be friends with them, how to RESPECT them, instead of abuse them or bully them. My son is loved and is well respected by his classmates and other students in his school. The IDEA is knowing, understanding, having the real information about them, rather that IGNORANCE.

[teremcr]

(last part) Regarding bullies... children all over need to be taught hoe to respect ANYONE doesn't matter who that person is , disabled or "NORMAL" Notice that I always put the word "NORMAL" with quotation marks... and it is on purpose after all what is normal? (By the way...mentally retarded... it's no a good way to refer to this population anymore- parents like me get offended)

[Willickers]

@teremcr It's not other people's job to make sure you never get offended. It's your job to never let other people offend you.

[teremcr]

Oh... now I see you're only 14!!!

[SweetPureCamelliaFlo]

"Retarded" is a medical term.

We have became so politically correct that we're trying to ban a medical term???

Okay, I understand that some people are offended. But I'm disabled myself and people can call me cripple all they like!

It's a medical term, not an insult.

It's only when it's used as an insult, that it's bad!

[thatguywiththemask]

Wow, i totally agree with you. People get so offended when i say that it's a medical term. You took a risk putting up a comment like this, and i commend you for that. you spoke your mind and you'll stand up for your statement!

[GosselinLuva]

Exactly. They don't want to get rid of the medical term. They want to get rid of it as they insult. Not the medical term.

[SteveCarras]

Good Point SwP., Camellia F.

It's when Retard is said "Retard retard retard" in that mocking voice to insult that there is a forbiddedn usage.,.but not as a medical term, IMO.

[teremcr]

People shouldn't call you cripple... They should call you by your name.

[GosselinLuva]

People really are dumb when it comes to this. We want to get rid of the term "retarded" as a rude comment. Not the medical term. But the problem is, people use the word as an insult and not as the medical term. And we want to banish the insult! Who cares about the medical term. We understand that there is no problem with that!

[Kateaclysmic]

Nor are we insulting someone's ability to speak when we call someone dumb.

And yeah, when I say something's gay, for example the weather, I'm not suggesting that the rain has sex with other rain dropplets. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with homosexuality.

Listen to the intention. Pay no attention to what isn't intended, or you'll miss the point, all the time.

Basically, get a life and take things as they're meant to be taken.

[GosselinLuva]

well then how are they supposed to be taken? the word retarded was not meant to be an insult. It was supposed to be a mdeical term. And if there is nothing wrong with the word, why are there so many campaigns so stop it? Answer that for me.

[GosselinLuva]

yes but they should be taken offensivley. these words HURT other people. saying thats gay is the exact same. And no, people don't always mean retarded and say it to a special needs person. But those words DO hurt others. Think before you say! Thats the whole point!

[Kateaclysmic]

So why is 'dumb' acceptable? Is it ok to call people can't speak what is colloquially called 'dumb'?

When looking up the word 'retard' I came across some other words. 'Stupid', 'idiot' and 'moron' are, just like 'retarded', medical words to describe someone's IQ/ability/mental retardation or whatEVER you want to call it.

They, like the word, 'retard', are/were medical terms.

But we are not insulting people who actually are retarded when we call someone retarded.

[GosselinLuva]

um yes you are. whether you like it or not. You use it in the place of dumb and stupid. Which makes it sound like, "Oh they aren't mentally disabled, they are just morons!" I would love for you to go up to my mentally retarded uncle and the Down Syndome children I babysit and the whole Special Olympics for that matter and tell them your point about retarded and see what they have to say.

[GosselinLuva]

um yes you are. You are using their mental disabilty as an insult. As if its there fault they are born that way. Yes, I know you don't mean it that way and its just a figure of speech. But so is "gay" and "homo." and those words hurt others!

[Kateaclysmic]

For example we call people dumb, but we're not being rude to people who can't talk. Should the word 'dumb' be banned? No, firstly because, come on, banning worlds is idiotic (idiot is, in the Oxford dictionary, "a mentally deficient person who is permanently incapable of rational conduct" and on Wikipedia (which I realise is not always true) is "Idiot indicated the greatest degree of intellectual disability, where the mental age is two years or less". Words mean what you intend for them to mean.

[Kateaclysmic]

Before I watched this I watched John McGinley talking about his son with Downes Syndrome, which compelled me to look up the meaning of the word, "retarded".

I agree with CHARLOTTExR0S3 entirely about words that have different meanings depending on who they're used to describe.

Words change. They still maintain their original meaning, but when used for the other purpose they are not in ANY way saying anything about the medical condition or anything else. Words can have more than one meaning

[GosselinLuva]

yes but what if the other meaning is hurtful and mean? And I agree it should be used a medical term. But they don't mean to banish the word from medical books. They mean get rid of it from the meaning in which is it rude and mean! :]

[kellbellnjimmy]

I don't use the R word towards people who have mental or physical disability's i use it when i do something silly or sum one cuts in front of me when driving or if really drunk!!

[mpt156]

okay The R word come on now i dont think useing the R word it not cool to use the R word i guess when people say that word they are messd up in the head and need some help or someting dang

hell wtih you all if you like useing the r word

[CHARLOTTExR0S3]

People using it as a derogatory term shouldn't be tolerated, but you can't just BAN A WORD.

Isn't it a medical term also? o.O

[Thundaeagle]

The term these days is intellectual disabilities

[CHARLOTTExR0S3]

Yeah, but saying to someone 'Oh you're a retard.' doesn't actually mean 'I think you're mentally challenged.'

Just like the word gay. People use it nowadays in a derogatory way, not literally saying someone is homosexual.

A lot of words used today don't always mean what they originally used to.

[GosselinLuva]

yeah that doesn't make saying thats so gay is right either. but if you were to say the word retard, right in front of a retarded person, how do you think that makes them feel? I have a mentally retarded uncle whom i would LOVE for you to go up to him and use that word because him, growing up in the 60's was TORMENTED in school by ppl that physically and emotionally destoryed his highschool life. such as, ppl like YOU! think before you talk!

[GosselinLuva]

yes but people use it as an insult "YOUR A RETARD!" how many times do you hear that a day? you can easily ban the word and replace it with a word that you wouldn't be used as an insult like "special needs" "mental retardation"

[CHARLOTTExR0S3]

Yeah, I just said I know it's used as a derogatory term.

Oh right, cuz everyone's gonna be saying ''You have special needs.''

And learn how to use your and you're..

[GosselinLuva]

exactly, thats my point. when i reffer to my uncle i say special needs. what are you talking about? and i know how to use your you're. but when you are in a rush when you are mad with someone, thats what i do. so YOU'RE A JACKASS

[CHARLOTTExR0S3]

You know how to use your and you're.

That's probably why you said 'Your a retard.'

Whatever dude, you can call me a jackass but it's just that we're never gonna agree on this subject.

[GosselinLuva]

I never said that. And I know how to use it but when you are angrily typing about something i a rush, you don't neccesarily think about grammatical errors! Now look, I'm not saying that you have to agree with me but I don't think you don't understand when they say, ban the r word, they mean ban it in the context it is used now a days, like you're a retard. Not as it used like a medical term. I am completley against the R word

[jeweliibaby]

Hey, i just wanted to say that i know exactly what your talking about!!! iam part of a club that helps students with intellectual disabilities find friends.. But I just wanted to say that theres no point in arguing with poeple that are ignorant... just know in ur heart that ur making a difference and thats what matters..!!!!! =D

[GosselinLuva]

Hi! Sorry I have taken so long to get back to you on this! And yeah I agree that I shouldn't be trying to change peoples opinions. But I do get fired up about these things! :D haha. But I have acutally stopped a few people from saying the words, even if I get a littlle... umm... drasitc?? hehehe Thank you!

XOXO Haley

[GosselinLuva]

OK is see where you thought I called you retarded i meant people use it in that context. I have never used that word in my life

[Angelofmercy01]

i agree that the word retard should not be used to put people down but i'm sorry you just can't ban a word.

[blueprey21]

yes that makes sence, but when you see people comparing that word to being fat, its not the same. Hec I lost weight cause someone called me fat so if anything I should thank them. But that word is really not a nice word to use, it is extreamly hurtful and its about time people are starting to notice the mentally disabled, all they want is a bit of respect. I went to the site and took the pledge to never use the word again. I feel much better about myself for doing so.

[dakotadenverdexter]

yes retard can be used offensively but so can any word. fat offends many ppl but u dont see any campaign to stop the use of it. this campaign and any campaign against ANY word is retarded.

[mrwnt10]

That's because most fat people are capable of defending themselves and can quickly and fully understand that they are being insulted. This is a unique class of people who can't all stand up for themselves. That's why there is a campaign against the r-word and not "fat".

[blueprey21]

ok first of you are not a nice person. Fat people choose to be fat and it can be treated. These people have every right to do what they are doing. They have a disability that cannot be helped and if anything you should show support rather than insult a person with a mental disability. The do nothing but love and are always happy and sweet, but look at what you have written. You should be ashamed of yourself mocking these people and comparing them to fat people. I lost 30lbs, no comparison

[dakotadenverdexter]

I'm not comparing fat people and retarded people. I'm comparing the use of words. Words that I'm told not to say because they offend even when I'm not saying them around anyone they would apply to.

[sweetnibletsgirl]

I do not say the "R" word after I saw a report on channel 1(news 4 school age kids) I used 2 say the word all the time and I still do sometimes even tho I try hard not to it comes out sometimes. All the people how are commenting on this vedio saying they don't even know what the word means. Your wrong I go to school with special needs children and they know what you are saying about them and the parnets know. Please think about how what you say affects someone befor you say it.

[GosselinLuva]

good for you. i have a meantally retarded uncle who was TORMENTED in school. They used to throw him in a bush and threw berries at him. and he would come home to my mom everyday of the week and would say "someone called me retareded again Stacey" or "I heard someone say retareded when i walked past them" its truly offensive and even painful to watch the reactions to the special needs kids and it needs so be STOPPED! :)

[emzie76]

If you are intending to knock someone you don't like you should say they are stupid (or something else along those lines that suits your fancy). The problem with using the R-word is that you unintentionally (most likely) also knock a special needs person who you (probably) have no beef with.

[CrzyFlmngMnkyHead]

The fact that you see the word "retard" as an insult is what's making it a derogatory term.

[Caconymic]

It's a medical term, it's actually used in a diagnosis, so you sir, don't have any idea what you are talking about.

[Coldwarwinner]

Also on the list of things to legislate to be offensive: color yellow and calling cherry pies "cherry pies". Cherry pies are henseforth be referred to as "small red berry pastry".Yellow color is to be replaced by red, or where possible orange. If neither option is available object in question is to be draped out of sight during daytime and illuminated with a different colored light during nighttime.

[PyramidHead17]

actually the country i live in and our language we don't generally use the dutch word for retard witch is "Achterlijke " or "Geretardeerde" but use the word "Mongool" very often which actually means mongoloid but you see it has the same meaning and is as offensive as the 2 others

[iwasnt76]

they are medically "mentally retarded" you cant compare it to blacks they arent scientifically "niggers"

[mysticteacupproject]

Ever heard of the euphemism treadmill? You ban one, another takes its place.

[wiscsuzski]

euphemism treadmill- I've never heard it put that way. Mentally Retarded was once the euphemism for Idiot, Moron or Imbecile, which were medical designations of intellectual disability. Now those words are acceptable.

There is a difference in the word "retard" though. That word was designed to degrade.

[PyramidHead17]

what a age we live in where people can get ticked off so easily for the most retarded words

[8H2324]

yeah

[TheCrazedGuitarist]

ur right. Why r retards(lol) so sensitive about it? They dont even know what the hell is going on around them. Im tired of these pricks telling us to stop saying retard. Dont ban the "R" word, ban something like the 'N" word. U know?

[GosselinLuva]

EXCUSE ME??? Why don't u say that to my mentally retarded uncle!!! He knows EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HIM! AND SOO DO HALF OF THEM? Have you even met one of them? I doubt it from your knowledge. you really must have grown up in a barn to have the kind of close minded opinion. Sure, banning the N word would be just fine. But you should have just seen what they did to my uncle in school. They tormented him, physically and emotionaly by assholes like you! So shut your fuckin mouth!

[PyramidHead17]

This is just stupid and useless in a sense that even if they ban the word

(so much for free speech and freedom of expression) another word will replace it and its meaning and they are back from the start and the useless "R" drama circus will repeat itself

[PumaFau]

So I Cant say Republican....

[thebaudgod]

Look, I'm sorry if this seems insensitive, but it doesn't matter what you call them. Whether they are retards, special, mentally challenged, etc, the euphemism will always, ALWAYS evoke negative connotations. Why? Bear with me here, because this is a doozy.

BEING RETARDED IS BAD.

The problem is not the word, the problem is the condition and the people who have it. Being retarded sucks. Deal with it.

[MeesterMr]

@thebaudgod

1. There is no such thing as "sorry" when followed by "but"

2. It's offensive to people with a diagnosis of mental retardation, when people call non-retarded people "retard" or "retarded" because they are behaving in a way that is STUPID. A good example of being stupid, is saying "being retarded is bad". Being born, or later afflicted with any illness can be difficult, but what makes life most difficult for people with an obvious diagnosis, is how they are treated by other people.

[Spartanoffaith]

this is retarded

[JakalDreadz]

what do you think intelligence deficiency means. You've taught retarded people what intelligence means, now what about deficiency.

[Littlebrowncube]

I think it's retarded to use the r-word.

[numero420]

dude you just used it.

[manupods]

I'd never aspire to be someone with an intellectual disability, it is logically unsound and ridiculous to think I'd want to not comprehend what I do now.

Saying retard is like saying gay, short for homosexual. Gay people don't mind being called gay, yet a lot of people call stuff "gay" if it is different form their standards.

Can't tell people what to say based on what you consider to be offensive. I'll never call a mentally challenged person retard.

sticks and stones may break my bones...

[skeeterdc]

If you've never volunteered for the Special Olympics then your comments on this commercial mean nothing to me. Spend a day working with the amazing athletes and you'll think twice about saying it's just a word.

This is not censorship, it is simply a commercial asking you to think before you speak. The language we use frames the way we think about and how we value others.

[riseoftherobots017]

Wow this is RETARDED. Yep I said it and there's nothing you can do about. I will teach my kids to say it. There kids will say and it will never go away no matter how hard you try. Because it's a word that you are giving too much power. So if you have a problem with that then your retarded!

[ryan2499]

Wow. This makes me sad for you 'riseoftherobots017'.

[disneyislifex42]

really? you clearly have no heart. you deserve the worst.

[MrBaller112]

Look...its not really a word as much as a LABEL. These people are RETARDED...they are RETARDS...what if all the stuff didn't have any labels?? exactly chaos...I agree with the guy up there...he fucking rox....disneyislifex42...serio­usly?? disney?? are you FUCKING RETARDED FAG??

[JakalDreadz]

You can call regular people alot of things, just dont use the N-Word (Normal) Retarded isn't a bad word! Its meaning is slow (Not trying to insults someone but its way more efficient to call someone retarded than Intellectually disabled since retarded people are usually slow!) Like in music, Retard means slow down. Really I call slow people retarded since not to be insulting but to refference to someone that is LD.

[EyeoftheU]

You can tell people not to use a word or use another word, but you can't remove the idea or the meaning behind it.

When it became politically incorrect to use "retarded" about "intellectually disabled" people, the general public was told to call them "special". Now "special" have turned into an insult.

Before people said: "What are you? Retarded?", they now say: "What are you? Special?"

[EyeoftheU]

That "loid" thing that is being suggested to be used instead of the "R-word"? In a few year it will be newest biggest insult, just wait and see!

[mcduffiesteven]

The people behind the R word campaign are missing the point. I don't call people who are mentally challenged "retarded". I use the word in this way "Bush is retarded", or alternately "Obama is retarded."

[saxysai]

Yes, but is that any better?

[CheezyBallsTrippa]

Jeezus, this is the same thing with the F and N words since both words are used to denegrate a group of people. Meh I don't care either way.

[dakotadenverdexter]

i have never met someone retarded that was ever offended by being called a retard. mentally handicap is worse cuz they wont even know what that means. sounds mean but its the truth.

[Jigore]

dakotadenverdexter, youre a retard for being such a dick... OH WAIT!

[dakotadenverdexter]

see u used retard and no on was offended even though u wanted me to be.....calling someone a dick is more offensive than retard.

[Jigore]

Obviously, you are unaware of irony /sarcasm

[6The6Beast6]

Idiot, metantally challenged, intellectual disability. "Idiot" is now the dysphemism and "intellectual disability" the euphemism or the scientifically correct term while in the the 1940's the eufemism and sientifically correct term was "idiot" or "imbicile". Within 20 years , "intellectual disability" will become the dysphemism while the the people who do this campaign have to come up with new words every 20 years to feed their hipocracy.

[xrayxl]

i love you special olympics the right word for people with intellecual disabilities is Respectfull and Love And joy I love you special olympics love nadine dambra

[xrayxl]

I love you special olympics you are my heros you are right special olympics that mean R word is to hurtfull and lets stop discrimination mean words are hurtfull too I love you special olympics too and if we all leand hand we can help all people I love you special olympics love nadine dambra

[Rajunen]

Banning words will just cause people to make up and use new terms and remarks, which some group will eventually deem offensive because of they describe a people with certain negative qualities. It's a futile and endless cycle of political overcorrectness.

It's not the words, it's the context, what you mean by them! Retard wasn't a bad word a while ago, why would it be now? You can take offense of just about anything by twisting it around enough and this campaign is prime example of it.

[dianniejt]

The "R word" is just as hurtful and hateful to people with different abilities as the "N word" is to other people.

No one is trying to take away your freedom of speech. We are just trying to educate others!!!

[djhmltn]

actually you are trying to take it away, because you're trying to get it banned. DERP.

[Thundaeagle]

We have the right to freedom of speech, it says so in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but we have a responsibility to make sure what we say isn't offensive to other people or people groups.

[NotOmega]

NO you're spreading so called "tolerance" through censorship. This is fascist and you do hate free speech.

You might as well just say

HEIL TOLERANCE! HEIL!

[birdybirdforever]

I sure hope I don't get dirty looks next time I go into my local art store and ask for acrylic retardant. Or try to find a fire retardant blanket.

I'd be curious how 'retarded' has become such an unacceptable word when its basis is in a legitimate word in the dictionary. When I hear 'mental retardation' I don't cringe in offense. I never use 'retarded' as an adjective for anything distasteful, though.

[RCT3review]

I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Report This Post

[g72row]

obviously they're not trying to ban the word. that's not possible. we do have freedom of speeh. what the commercial is trying to do is raise awareness that the word is used excessively and unnecessarily and has lost its meaning and now has a negative connotation. I have a yournger brother with a disability and I honestly hate hearing the word. I love this video. It finally gets the point across that i've been trying to explain to people for years!

[ZLemur]

It's not about freedom of speech folks.

It's not about telling you what you can and can't say, it's about encouraging you to use respect in your speech.

Is it really that hard to treat others with dignity or to be mindful enough to avoid things that cause others unnecessary hurt?

Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

[Farout397]

true but if your going to try to stop the r word why not try stopping other discriminating and hurtful words about races and about peoples looks or weight. if your going to try to stop people from saying one word why not all and others that are just as demeaning.

[g72row]

I'm sure the people at special olympics are not supporting the use of other hurtful words. I'm sure if you asked them, they wouldn't use those phrases. they're just trying to get thier point across.

[RayRay12666]

what retards made this retarded commercial. you cant just "ban" a word because some people may be offended, because who cares?

[michaelchainsaw]

This is the most RETARDED thing I have ever heard.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH PLEASE!!!!

If you think the casual use of the word retard or retarded is bad.... It is you who is thinking with your mind in the gutter. You yourself are the one who is associating the word with handicap people. DONT TELL ME WHAT TO SAY! GO FXCK YOURSELF!

[Thundaeagle]

Yes we do have a right to free speech, but we do have a responsibility to think before we speak. You wouldn't call a homosexual guy a "fag" so why call someone like me the r-word. It doesn't make sense to any sencible minded person.

[Lizard2176]

Leader?

[thornwithin81]

This campaign is retarded. There's a huge difference between the "N-word" and the "R-word" - although I think you should be able to say both without punishment (Freedom of Speech above all else). I call retards retards because, you guessed it, they are retarded. That's just the truth.

[ryan2499]

The word "ban" is poorly used in the video, granted. But surely you can see the difference between "Freedom of Speech above all else" and making the choice to not use a word that you know hurts millions of people with intellectual disabilities and the people that love them?

Now that you know the truth, it's on you to choose how you want to represent yourself with the language you choose.

[righthitter21]

How significantly ignorant and insensitive you are. The N-word and R-word are practically the same, so if somone can call my sister with Down Syndrome retarted, can't I call a black person the n-word? Now, would I ever do that, heck no! Say what you want, I dont care how stupid you sound.

[SlowRiotNewKanada]

Unfortunately, Freedom of Speech trumps any sort of activism.

I understand why people would be upset by words, but you can't turn the entire world into a cushioned place where everyone is nice to each other and we handle people with kid's gloves.

I mean you literally can't. It's impossible and it'll never happen.

Get some thicker skin and learn to rise above people being ignorant.

I will continue to always exercise my freedom of speech, regardless of what you consider correct or proper.

[PWNSJOONRTO]

It is kind of a bad analogy with the N word and R word comparison. People use the R word whenever they deem someone or something stupid. You don't call a dog the N word because you don't like it (Even if it was black, you mature people). The N word is rarely used as adjective, because there's only one form of the word. The whole thing this subject revolves around is stating the obvious... Its sunny, its dark, Its raining, Its cold,

Mike: N-Word

Rogers: Thank you for noticing.

I'm not racist..

[mlfcrash]

people using the R-word is the equivalence of me running around saying the N-word or any racial slur for that matter I agree that speech has evolved but that does not give any one the right to make an example of groups of people. ryan2499 mad props to you. all you other ass backwards jerks can and should fuck off

[biglittlecare]

You know what I call people with "intellectual disabilities"?

"Mentally retarded." Because that's the correct term!

The best way to get people to respect you? Stop whining about it and man up.

I vow to use the word "retarded" more often, and more specifically, to describe this campaign.

[Samiyah]

Even if you view them as "mentally retarded" as in slow with their mental abilities. you should not describe people based on their what disability they have just like you wouldn't call a person based on what disease or disorder they have. "People First Language" is important, as in seeing a person as simply that first. so not that mentally retarded kid, because that isn't respectful and putting people in categories only dehumanizes them! Respect is and should be a fundamental fabric in society!

[Thundaeagle]

It was correct back in the day, times have changed.

[Twizzler8901]

Not only does it make people want to use the word more frequently, but you people obviously know nothing of language and how it evolves over time. We certainly don't talk like George Washington, William Blake, or Abe Lincoln. You people that preach word banning have simply forgotten that language evolution is just plain retarded.

[Twizzler8901]

could the argument on this topic be any more retardedly (slowly) moving? Putting bans on words is just as bad as banning books.

[fcharrua]

How long will it take for the word "special" to make it to the banned list, due to it being used as an insult?

[Jeratos]

saw this- response: I went out and bought Tropic Thunder on DVD. >Never tell me what i can and can't say. "this DVD's for free speech."

[Volumesofdoom]

I think mentally disabled/challenged people need to tough it out and deal with it, welcome to the real world you retards.

[ryan2499]

You like to troll the Special Olympics videos and pick on people do ya?

You should try building people up instead of breaking them down. See how that feels for once.

[mrwnt10]

Take the word "ban" out of the video and it's perfect

[XoXDownAndUnderXoX]

I think the people behind this understand that it's impossible to put an actual "ban" on any single word, but just by putting out this video and taking a step towards not saying the word makes things better. Just because it really is not .... nice to use the word in a mocking or insensitive way.

[fetalalien1369]

I say we don't "ban" anything. Just stop making fun of people all the time.

[superman77773]

ya and now it seems like the goverment calls us that r word becuase they think that we are when were smarter then what people think you no

[superman77773]

you do no you cant really ban the word retard since people can still say it

[mrwnt10]

No I agree you can't ban a word. However people should realize how hurtful it is. It's in the same class as "nigger" to me.

[SteveCarras]

That XTard Bush amy be spying, but that was his generation [though more like his daddy's, and where they were from, Texas].Hippie.

[survivedall]

I love this commercial =) While I don't think it should be banned, I think people need to realize that using it as an insult is hurtful, and choose not to use it or associate themselves with movies/tv shows/etc that use it as such.

[Shannonbarnesdr1]

im handicap and proud, i want to b called by my name, btu i d rather b called retarded it just means slow, than ntelecual disabled causese to say intelectual disabled sayng a person is stupid, not able to be intelectual or having intellect intellegnc, sorry but look the woords up, which is more offenseve, cause raatrded peole are smmart just slow

[mrwnt10]

The definition of retarded does just mean slow, but that sure isn't how it's being used.

[SparkamusPryme]

"Ban" is an unfortunate word. People should *choose* not to use the word because it is hurtful.

If you legally, or institutionally, ban a word, all you do is cause its meaning to transfer: i.e, idiot and moron were clinical terms, they became a epithet once they entered the common language. These terms were replaced by 'mentally retarded', which is now an epithet. And so on.

...the point is, you must build empathy without being preachy.

[lobosoltero]

yay! Let's ban free speech and spy on our countrymen...oh wait that "RETARD" W Bush is already doing that...viva los retardos!

[HiM321123]

Wait. I just realized the r-word was retard. I thought it was recon.

[swannie522]

Well done!

[shacheifski2007]

very very cool!

[SusieandKiaraShow]

aww. this is so cool :)

i'm in.

[wowee2222]

i love this video every year i help with the law enforcement torch run and special olympics