Rejecting the “R” Word

By Ric Bruce View Comments

This is Suzie, my 11 year old sister with Downs Syndrome. I love her very much and the thought of kids at school teasing her or looking at her differently makes my blood boil. An article in the Huffington Post by John C. McGinley (actor on Scrubs) made me realize I owe her an apology.

I know there have been times I have used the “R” word around Suzie without even thinking about it. I’m referring of course to “retard” or “retarded”. Recently the word has become ubiquitous; it’s a common-place synonym for minor annoyances, a regular outburst in public and very hurtful to members of the special needs community.

I’m sorry Suzie. I’m choosing to spread the word to end the word.

Read John McGinley’s article at the Huffington Post

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  • Sarah

    I’ve been against this practice for quite some time. It’s unnecessary to use that language to express one’s feelings.

    Thanks for posting this, Ric. I know you care as much as I do, and I pray and hope that our verbiage can improve.

    (Nice use of the word “ubiquitous” by the way)

  • Chelsea

    I agree with you as well. It pains me to think of what Suzie and so many more people have to deal with. Yet not only the words but the actions of kids at schools. It is cruel and I have seen how it impacts kids with special needs. I am opposed to the R-word and to the mocking of people who have special needs. Who are we to demoralize someone made in God’s image?

    Thanks for posting this, and I hope we all can be more sensitive and aware of how our words and actions affect people.

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