Not Just Another Absurd Change in Society: The Term Retarded Must Go

 

Rosa Marcellino, a 9 year old girl with down syndrome, was the inspiration around Rosa's Law

It has been thirteen years since the term “Retarded” was replaced by “Intellectual Disability.” In the modern America we live in today it is difficult to keep up with all the things that are changing. Fake news and ridiculous changes have taken over our society’s focus. Images on well know products, such as syrups and butters, are deemed derogatory towards a minority group. Terminology and words are being replaced since they are not thought of as politically correct. The changes happening in this world are becoming unavoidable and that is the kind of America we live in today.    

While those absurd implements of change get the mainstream attention, the changes that should be discussed are dismissed. The change that happened little over a decade ago fell through the cracks, and no one really knows. It’s a disturbing fact that as a society we must face. Even more now it is important to publicize a topic that only promotes a positive outcome for a minority group. Absurd topics should not longer overlook substantial topics any longer.

One of the necessary topics that needs be addressed is the one that helps the autistic or special needs community. It was brought to light by someone who has first-hand experience with those certain individuals. Nina Marcellino was a shocked and a concerned mom when she found out that her daughter was being labeled as retarded in her school. Her daughter Rosa has down syndrome. This caused inspiration and led to Rosa's Law being implemented by Barack Obama when he signed the bill on October 5, 2010. The law removed the terminology “mentally retarded” from federal education, health, and labor laws. It was then replaced with “intellectual disability” to give them the “Respect, value, and dignity...,” said Dr.Timothy P. Shriver, the Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics.

Despite having concrete information and a law being signed, some may have a different view regarding not changing the terminology. They may take the stance that the term mentally retarded is deemed okay to say to those either with or without intellectual disabilities. This stems from the fact that mentally retarded was used as a medical term when diagnosing those with special needs or autism. Many still see it as just medically defining someone, so they don’t take the stance that it is offensive. They have the perception that they are just calling those individuals what professionals call them. Individuals don’t see the harm the term is doing to those with intellectual disabilities when they classify them in the category of mentally retarded. Surely enough if you heard someone classifying your grandchild or child in a way that way derogatory you wouldn't just let it happen. It should make you distraught enough to try and make a change. That is what should happen when the word retarded is heard. 

Retarded is still a common term used in daily conversations. This terminology can be heard just about everywhere still. Younger generations have developed a new language that consists of slang and hip words to say to seem cool.  It’s astonishing to hear the language and vocabulary that they use, such as swears and slurs. One of those vocabulary words is retarded. They can say it in statements such as “you’re a f**king retard” or “that is so retarded.” Even older generations use the word when explaining why someone looks and acts different to their children or grandkids. Not only can it be heard, but it can also be seen. Now with technology being such a big aspect of society everything posted can be seen on all social media platforms. In a Kantar Study finding, 70% of social media posts are negative towards people was an intellectual disability and 60% of those negative posts contain an R-Slur. Retarded is stated everywhere. As a result, it is going to be deemed as okay to say, but in reality it isn't. 

The terminology retarded is a form of bullying and an extreme insult towards this minority group. A stigma has been created around this term that makes those with intellectual disabilities perceived in a way they shouldn’t. Retardation is used as a synonym for "dumb" or "stupid" when describing someone or something. This can form a stereotype that those with intellectual disabilities are stupid or considered less of a person because of their condition. The person saying retardation to describe something that they deem fit as stupid may not even know that what they are saying is considered derogatory or a slur. Abby Lefebvre, a PhD Student at Boston University, said that “Many people, when I’ve told them I am upset by the use of this word, do not even realize that they are being offensive.” However, instead of educating people, we as a community are overlooking this.

 In return people most likely don’t know the stereotypes or perceptions they have about those with intellectual disabilities. This lack of knowledge can have a detrimental impact on the peer interaction between those with and without intellectual disabilities. Peer interaction is already a challenge in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Debra Jacobs, an occupational therapist, wrote in her book titled, "Safety and Consent for Kids and Teens with Autism or Special Needs", "For Children along the spectrum of special needs, however, friendship is a very sensitive and often difficult issue, and children with special needs require help to develop relationships." This fierce impact that the term retardation is having on the intellectual disability community shows no signs of going away. Using retarded in daily vocabulary is affecting those without intellectual disabilities as well. It is puzzling to think that slur towards those with intellectual disabilities can negatively affect those without one.

"At Last-- Empirical Proof That the "R-Word" Really Must Go: The Influence of Terminology on Tolerance" explored and measured the tolerance levels that undergraduate students have towards people with intellectual disabilities. 259 undergraduate students were randomly divided and received different versions of a survey, Version A included the term “mentally retarded” and Version B included the term “Intellectual Disability” (ID). As stated under the results, "language and terminology had a significant effect on tolerance toward people with ID." Those who received Version A showed results in lower levels of tolerance even though the definition for the terms on the survey were the same. This supports the idea that the word holds a negative stigma. It makes those without intellectual disabilities think about those with them, or act towards them in a hostile way. That shouldn't be the way those without intellectual disabilities react to those with the condition.  

Those in our professional fields are starting to realize how offensive the terminology mentally retarded is. As a result, people are finally understanding the negative connotation the word holds. “The R-Word is More Than Hate Speech: Difference in Counselors’ Level of Tolerance Based on Language and Labels” explored and measured the tolerance levels that counselors have towards people with intellectual disabilities. 211 professional counselors were recruited at the American Counseling Association 2017 Conference and Expo. They received different versions of surveys where they had to answer questions regarding intellectual disabilities. Version A used to term “mentally retarded” and Version B included the term “intellectual disabilities.” It was found that those who received Version A “were more empowering and less sheltering toward individuals with intellectual disabilities” Version B didn’t have this same result as it was stated that “the use of the term mentally retarded was so jarring to counselors… that they felt a sense of outrage and advocacy both on behalf of and in collaboration with, the population this survey was about.”  This proving that even professionals are adjusting to this improved terminology. They no longer see this word as acceptable or respectful. So why can't we as a country adjust our thinking? It needs to be understood that mentally retarded is no longer as acceptable medical term. In addition, it is now a slur that shouldn't be used by anyone anymore. 

Special Olympics in Michigan posted this tweet on Spread the Word Awareness Day to promote the new R-Word

Intellectual disability isn't just the solution for changing the terminology, it is the new way of living and perceiving things. The R-slur shouldn't be used in any situation; it does nothing but degrade this minority group. Next time you hear someone use retarded in a statement, explain how the term is outdated. Make people think how they would feel if someone called their loved one a slur. Have a discussion with your kids and grandkids how they should instead say intellectual disabilities. Take the time to make this absurd world we live in today go in the right direction for once. Americans must make the change happen.