Spread the Word to End the Word: Camp PALS Edition

Meet John and Sam who would like to invite you to join in helping end the hurtful use of the word retard/retarded. For more info or to sign the pledge visit: www.r-word.org!

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Camp PALS
• retard
• retarded
• r-word
• Sam
• John
• 2011

[bochacalopa]

Amazing



[nancy33]

I have a son with Down's and every time I hear the R-word used incorrectly, as a put down and to be hurtful, my heart sinks a little. I support this campaign 100 percent!! Great job Sam and John!!! Keep up the good work!! We need people like you to spread awareness as to just how hurtful this word can be. Thanks guys!!

[wantchocolate]

John is so inspiring

[jehugill]

@nancy33 I do mean well and that is why I am saying this! Shortening it is hurtfull! People first language.. look it up! I used it a couple times as well and then I did some research! It is just like saying an autistic child instead of a child with autism! Both are hurtful

[nancy33]

@uconnman22 I understand what you're trying to say. But the problem is in your last sentence. The word "retard" or "retarded" does not mean "stupid". It actually means to slow down a process. Trust me, my son is anything but stupid. He is, in fact, quite smart. Got the highest grade possible on his recent State Mandated tests in school! He learns more slowly and will probably have a ceiling on his learning, but he is not stupid.

[nancy33]

@jehugill I'm sorry .. you lost me. Are you referring to my shortening "Down Syndrome" to "Down's"? If so, trust me, there is NOTHING wrong with that abridged version. As the mother of a young boy with Down's, I would NEVER say or do anything to be hurtful to him in any way. And that includes others with any type of special need. I'm sure you meant well, but rest assured, there is nothing hurtful or insulting by saying "Down's". Thank you for your pledge to not use the R-word.

[jehugill]

@nancy33 I understand that the r-word is very very hurtful. I have pledge not to use it but you also have to think what else hurts these children as well. People first language. Any many child and adults with a different ability who have down syndrome are hurt when some says Down's as well. But I agree this is a great video and I support everything about it!

[Cool96e]

@Musikkal11 I highly agree

[Cool96e]

people who like to use the R-Word are not cool

[Musikkal11]

This is John and Sam, two young men trying to get their message across that they have rights, dreams and skills the same as the rest of the world, PLEASE, help spread their message by sharing with your friends and remind people that the word 'retarded' is hurtful, cruel and NOT at all funny........

[BeatlesFinatic]

You guys are amazing. You have spoken powerful words, and I am proud of you for taking on this campaign.

[uconnman22]

USING the word retared out of context to refer to people WITHOUT disabilities gives the word a negative connotation, yes, but at the same time, the more the word is used out of context, the more the connection between the word RETARD and people who are handicapped breaks down, and eventually there will be no connection and using the word RETARD will ONLY apply to regular people who are just really stupid, not the mentally handicapped

[mrdog2104]

Very intelligent young men!! Obviously there are very ignorant people out in the world.....These young men are blessed, God made them exactly who they are for a beautiful reason....<3 xo using that word is just hateful and ignorant!!!! Love this...just perfect

[CharlieTehUnicorn001]

fail

[MsKelliemarie88]

LOVE SAM I KNOW HIM FORM USF BEST BUDDIES HE A WONDERFUL PERSON TO BE AROUND AND I WOULDN'T HAVE ANY OTHER FRIEND LIKE HIM : ) team SAM.

[beautypettite]

Amazing!

[aflowerfairymom]

Awesome! So well done, guys!

[emy727joe]

Very well articulated! This should be an initiative at CCPS.