There is a recent disturbance in the Down Syndrome community about a comedian who has disrespected this community... my community. And although, I'm not in the business of censoring comedians or any other media, I will say how disappointing it was to read the transcripts of the show and see how he really pinpointed people with DS and belittled them. My feeling and call is to educate. This brings me to my week. I was disappointed again yesterday. I substituted in a classroom of children. I was not shocked by having to correct 2 kids for using the word retarded. They are kids and have a to be told and a lot of times reminded when they are out of line. Easy. I was not shocked by some of them giving me some argument back and trying to talk their way around what they actually "meant" by saying it. They are kids. However, I was shocked by the response of "I'm allowed to use that word" or "my parents let me say that". Several students clearly and loudly let me know that using the word retarded was perfectly acceptable by their parents. Now whether that is true or not.... But it did alarm me enough to but my fingers to the keyboard to do my part in letting my small part of the world that my blog and/or Facebook account reaches that.... NO. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO USE THE WORD RETARDED IN 2018. I don't know why people find it so difficult to understand or believe this. Maybe because we are so bombarded today with being politically correct and people are rebelling. I don't know why I would rebel against showing love and support to any group of people. So to be clear, again.....
My son has Down Syndrome. (you may also call it Trisomy 21)
My sons' friends also have Down Syndrome.
My sons' friends have Autism.
My sons friends also have other various mental delays or disabilities.
The person at the check out line in the store has a disability and is working hard to earn money and worth.
My Silas and his friends do NOT have a 30 year, outdated term that has been abused and twisted to fit in with being rude and to make fun of songs, movies, situations, or PEOPLE!
Unless you are referring to the tempo of a piece of sheet music, which is a VERB not at noun..... DO NOT USE THE WORD RETARDED OR RETARD
AND please go home and let your children know that they are not to use this word either. Now, if you read this and panic that your kid said this to Ms. Anita in class!.... let me assure you that I know that you likely, do not "allow" this talk in your home. But it may be that you could reinforce what I told the class and that is .... first, It is NOT allowed in my class... and the term is
exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory.
It is hurtful to me.
It is hurtful to my children.
IT IS HURTFUL.... not funny.
IT IS HURTFUL.
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