Recently, a friend of mine shared her dismay over a comment on social media. I was taken aback when I read the forwarded message: “Sorry your kid is slow, but God works in mysterious ways. 🙂 Enjoy.” My heart sank, and I was reminded of the first time I encountered such a derogatory term.
I recalled a moment from my childhood when a boy named Tommy stood isolated beneath the jungle gym, being targeted by a group of children who hurled insults at him. The chant of “Slow, Slow” reverberated around the playground. At just six years old, I didn’t truly grasp the implications of what I was witnessing. I returned home cheerfully chanting, “Slow, Slow. Tommy is slow.” My usually kind mother responded with palpable frustration. “What did you just say?” she demanded.
Confused, I replied, “Slow. There was a slow kid on the playground.”
“Don’t use that word. It’s hurtful,” she said, kneeling to meet my gaze. I squirmed under her intense look. “He’s a person with a name. It’s Tommy.”
As I reflected on my mother’s words, I envisioned the beautiful child of my friend, Sarah, in a similar predicament. With his tousled brown hair and bright green eyes filled with tears, would he be subjected to the same cruelty from others?
Sarah’s son has a name. His name is Noah, and he is five years old. Noah has autism, but he is so much more than his diagnosis. He has a passion for building intricate structures with his blocks and a talent for solving puzzles. He notices when his mother is feeling down and expresses his love in the sweetest ways.
Noah. His name is Noah.
Those who resort to using derogatory terms often defend their language by claiming “free speech.” They may argue, “What’s the issue? It’s just a word. Slow. Don’t be so sensitive. It was a joke.” But there is nothing humorous about the child who stands alone, surrounded by taunts, feeling dehumanized and rejected. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially not a child, and certainly not by an adult who should know better.
I refuse to stand by and let Noah or any other child endure such experiences because they are different. While I didn’t help Tommy back then, I can make a difference today. Each of us has the power to choose our words thoughtfully and to act rather than remain passive observers.
The R-Word Initiative
There is an initiative called “R-Word: Spread the Word to End the Word,” which aims to eliminate derogatory language for important reasons:
- The R-word ISOLATES individuals with cognitive differences, suggesting they don’t belong with others due to their uniqueness. This is simply unfounded.
- The R-word DEHUMANIZES people, making it easier to bully those who lack a respected identity. Cruelty often thrives in anonymity.
- The R-word HURTS individuals, implying that anyone with cognitive disabilities lacks intelligence or value, which is utterly ridiculous.
The R-word site invites visitors to make a pledge: “I support the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
My choice is clear. I choose Noah and Tommy. I made this pledge after completing this article. What will you choose?
March 2 marks the awareness day for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. For more information, visit www.r-word.org to take a stand against the R-word.
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In summary, it is crucial to recognize the impact of our words and to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Language matters, and by making conscious choices about how we speak, we can contribute to a more inclusive society.
Keyphrase: The Importance of Words in Advocacy
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