Slurs are harmful words that target specific groups of people, and understanding their impact is crucial for promoting inclusivity. According to a Kantar Social Listening study, the “R-word,” also known as the R-slur, remains prevalent throughout social media. The research highlights that when social media users discuss individuals with intellectual disabilities, 7 out of 10 posts are negative, and 6 out of 10 contain a slur. This underscores the urgent need to address and eradicate the use of such offensive language.
Defining the R-Word: A Form of Hate Speech
The R-word is a derogatory term standing for “retard,” “retarded,” or other offensive words ending in “-tard.” Initially introduced as a medical term (“mental retardation”) in 1961 to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, it has since been weaponized and transformed into a common insult. The casual use of the R-word often disregards the pain and exclusion it inflicts on people with intellectual disabilities.
Rosa’s Law: A Step Towards Respectful Language
In 2010, President Barack Obama signed Rosa’s Law, a landmark legislative achievement that changed “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability” in U.S. federal law. This law was inspired by nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino and served as a key component in the growing advocacy efforts that promoted inclusive, people-first language for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Rosa’s Law marked a significant milestone in advocating for respectful language and challenging the stigma associated with intellectual disabilities.
The Prevalence of the R-Word Online
Kantar’s study, which reviewed nearly 50 million social media posts in the U.S. over two years, revealed alarming statistics about the use of the R-word online. The study found that over two-thirds of posts about people with intellectual disabilities were negative, and nearly 29 million contained slurs such as “retard(ed)” or other words combined with “-tard.”
These findings highlight the pervasive nature of the R-word and the urgent need for action to combat its use and promote more inclusive language in online spaces.
The R-Word as Bullying
Spreading the R-word is a form of bullying that perpetuates harm against people with intellectual disabilities. Using the R-word is akin to using any slur against a minority group. Eliminating this word is a crucial step toward fostering respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Spread the Word: Inclusion Campaign
To combat the exclusion caused by the R-word, everyone is encouraged to participate in the Spread the Word: Inclusion campaign. This initiative, launched in 2009, engages schools, organizations, and communities, urging young people worldwide to take a stand and help change the conversation around intellectual disabilities. The campaign sheds light on the damaging effects of the R-word on millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families and communities.
“As all conversation increasingly migrates online, social media channels should be a safe space for people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and friends, free of social abuse and stigma. But the alarming usage of slurs and negative posts shows us our efforts have really just begun.”
Soeren Palumbo, Co-founder, Spread the Word: Inclusion Campaign
The campaign includes a simple call-to-action: to spread the word to end the word. As of September 2020, over 820,000 people worldwide had pledged online to end the use of the R-word, and millions more had signed banners and petitions.
Taking Action for Inclusion
You can help people with intellectual disabilities feel included, accepted, and valued for who they are. By challenging the use of slurs and promoting respectful language, you can help others see the person instead of the disability and create a more compassionate, accepting world. Make your pledge for inclusion today! By taking a stand against the R-word, you contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society where everyone is treated with dignity and compassion.
