It's Time To Change Our Language

Published March 31, 2009 @ 10:09AM PT

If you're a female, you know how many hurtful words that are used far too often to describe you. We've all heard someone called a bitch, slut, or whore - just to name a few.

And just as we don't allow anyone to call us these derogatory names, we need to be as vigilant about other hurtful slurs that marginalize individuals.

Today, I get to work on behalf of the Special Olympics to end the use of the r-word in their campaign, "Spread the Word to End the Word." And no - the r-word is not the "recession" but something much more hurtful, the word "retard."

It's amazing to realize how many people continue to use this slur in everyday language. Just take a look at what is said on Twitter.

There are literally hundreds of conversations going on at any time using this word. And whether it's intentional or not - it is incredibly disrespectful to those with intellectual disabilities.

So let's change our language. Let's end the use of the r-word today.

You can help in the following ways:

Make a pledge on http://www.r-word.org/

Tweet about it: "I pledged to end the use of the r-word today - can you? http://www.r-word.org/ #rword."

Donate your Facebook Status: "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. http://www.r-word.org/ #rword"

Join the Tweetchat at 4 PM EST:

Go to http://tweetchat.com/oauth/

Allow Tweetchat to "authorize" your Twitter Account.

Enter #rword to enter the Tweetchat

Watch the videos.

Hopefully, by helping to end the r-word, we can make everyone more conscious of all the words they use on an everyday basis and make the world a more accepting and respectful place.

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Author

Jen Nedeau is a social media consultant, progressive activist, feminist speaker and writer. She currently lives in New York City, where she works full-time as the Director of Digital Strategy at Air America Media. In August 2008, Nedeau was selected to be the Editor of the WomensRights.Change.Org where she facilitates daily discussion about the feminist movement. Additionally, Nedeau volunteers as the Chief Technology Officer for New Leaders Council, a non-profit that offers exclusive training for young leaders. You can follow her on Twitter @HumanFolly or learn more here: www.jennedeau.com.