What is the R-word?

This is the first paper I wrote to pledge not to use the r-word:

The r-word is is a word commonly used like profanity. It is a word people use to degrade those with a disability. The word “retard” and “retarded” are usually paired with the word “dumb” or “stupid”. People use stereotypes to hurt those with actually disabilities and make them feel like they are less than they really are. “Retard” is slang for mentally retarded. Doctors and Psychologist made this word for those with a mental impaired problem. There are organizations that support the mentally impaired. "Everyone has a gift and the world would be better off if we recognized it."

- Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics.

This is this years pledge I had taken to defend those against the r-word:

The word retarded is a word meant to classify a type of mental illness. This word at times is twisted and used to belittle those with or even without these disabilities. There are so many people that use this word in an act that is disrespectful for those who suffer in these cases. It is not right to cause deprivation and feelings of anguish and despair. This disability is not something that can be directly helped. When you use this word in a derogatory state, it is then being used as a form of mockery. It is truly inspiring to hear the stories of many people, who like I myself banned together to stop the use of the “r-word.” Kailey DeLucry is one of the many people that is helping to stop the use of this word in a deprecating way. DeLucry has a brother with a form of a mental retardation called down syndrome. She is one of the many that work to spread the word on why not to use the word retard or retarded in a bad sense. DeLucry said “Throughout my elementary and middle school years I vehemently scolded one and all for use of the word.” This is so inspiring to see young kids that are in and or are around my age group standing up against this word. It is time that all people stand up for this. Retarded is not something that is meant to hurt a person with a disability. This is why I am proud to say, I stand against the use of this word and to formally protect those who are affected by this term. I pledge to not use the r-word in a derogatory sense and to protect others from this term.

I PLEDGE TO NOT USE THE R-WORD www.r-word.org