The R Word Pledge Movement And Its Objectives

By Elizabeth Johnson


In conversations, some words are very derogatory when used to refer to someone or even an object. One may not know that these words hurt or cause harm to the person whom they are told. It has become important to create awareness against the use of such words in conversations to avoid hurting the feelings of others. The phrase retard is one which has seen individuals team up and take a pledge to stop its use. The r word pledge is an initiative or movement which was started in the year 2009 to sensitize people against the use of phrase retard.

The principle objective of this initiative is to make mindfulness among individuals. It advises them of the significance of utilizing deferential dialect when alluding to individuals with subjective and intellectual challenges. The initiative proceeds to inform people that the casualties of this phrase can have the capacity to live ordinarily and make progress without being viewed as retards.

This movement begun back in the year 2009 during the Special Olympics World Winter Games. During the event, a group of youths comprised of individuals with and without the cognitive disabilities decided to spread the message to end the use of the word. They wore outfits that displayed the message Spread the Word to end the Word.

The movement has been using students in institutions all over the country who take a pledge against using the phrase retard. They also urge other individuals in the community to do the same. The 31st of March each year has been set aside as a day to commemorate the agenda of this movement. Public figures that have used the word before have been hugely condemned and asked to make pubic apologies. Some have gone ahead and taken the pledge themselves.

The initiative has used various strategies to accomplish its objectives. The major strategy has been through educating students in schools and colleges across the nation and then asking them to help spread this message. The movement has also utilized the social media platform to gain a wide coverage across different states. Platforms such as facebook and YouTube have enabled the group to get followers and ask them to take the pledge.

The passing of a light of appreciation additionally goes far in passing the message of the initiative. The light is moved in a hand to hand-off relay over 50 states. The transfer likewise involves raising money where people can contribute towards the honorable intention of the activity. With more funds, facilitators of this initiative can have the capacity to inform more people.

Individuals joining this movement are encouraged to share their stories on how they decided to join the movement on its website. These stories have encouraged more individuals to join the initiative and grow this community.

VIPs have helped enormously in the objectives of the initiative. With their backing, the activity has possessed the capacity to impart wide gatherings of people. Understand that individuals alluded to as retards do not merit this. They are only people with psychological incapacity and deserve our care and love.




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