E arlier this year, Anna Ollinger and the organization “Best Buddies” began UNC’s contribution to the nationwide movement known as “Spread the Word to End the Word.” The campaign seeks to end the usage of the word “retard,” hoping to eliminate its usage as an epithet — or at the very least reduce its popularity.
The campaign gained the attention of the Internet last week with the release of a Huffington Post article called, “Here’s When It’s OK To Use The ‘R-Word’ In 1 Nifty Chart.” The flow chart directs potential users of “retarded” to find a different word.
This is because the flippant use of the word “retard” is simply disrespectful and often occurs outside of its limited appropriate context. A test isn’t retarded, a book isn’t retarded and your buddy isn’t retarded because he tripped on the sidewalk. The word “retard” contains an incredibly negative connotation and reinforces negative stereotypes about mental ability.
Objections to the campaign might include, “This isn’t necessary,” “What if the usage is appropriate?” or “It’s just a joke.”
But if we as a society have acknowledged that the word is ultimately harmful to people, it’s not asking too much to find more creative ways to express our displeasure.
UNC’s chapter of Best Buddies should be commended for its worthwhile campaign to spread the word to end the word, and it deserves the conscious support of this campus.
