“When ‘retard’ and ‘retarded’ are used as synonyms for ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ by people without disabilities, it only reinforces painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities being less valued members of humanity” (R-word). Many groups connected to The Special Olympics, including athletes, family members of individuals with disabilities, among others, want to eradicate the use of this word. Reflecting on the North American slang form of retarded, again, meaning “stupid, silly; foolish; pathetic,” individuals dislike being called something that implies these meanings. Rosa’s Law was signed by President Obama in October of 2010, which ultimately removed the use of this word in educational and political environments, to name a few
“When ‘retard’ and ‘retarded’ are used as synonyms for ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ by people without disabilities, it only reinforces painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities being less valued members of humanity” (R-word). Many groups connected to The Special Olympics, including athletes, family members of individuals with disabilities, among others, want to eradicate the use of this word. Reflecting on the North American slang form of retarded, again, meaning “stupid, silly; foolish; pathetic,” individuals dislike being called something that implies these meanings. Rosa’s Law was signed by President Obama in October of 2010, which ultimately removed the use of this word in educational and political environments, to name a few