Author Archives: Leah Honea

I want this project to not only bring to light the hurtful effects of the R-Word, but how in general your words matter. Your words have the power to make someone’s day, or ruin it. If you say the R-Word, it’s not funny, it’s not a joke, it’s a slur. This is about our attitudes towards a group of people that have been extremely hurt and ignored throughout history. They deserve respect, and through removing the R-Word from our everyday speech, it’s just one step we can take toward showing them that respect they deserve. I want this project to prevent the use of the word, and for you, whoever it is reading this, to carry and share this onto your friends and families. Whenever you hear the word said, don’t be afraid to speak out and correct whoever says it. It’s up to you to join in helping to stop the word.

Your words should make people feel good and confident about themselves, rather than uncomfortable and upset. Respectful and inclusive language is extremely important for the well-being of those with disabilities. The R-Word is an example of negative, hateful language, so here are some tips on to help change your words into a positive and uplifting language.

❤️ By using respectful, people-first words

❤️ See the PERSON not the disability

❤️ By making your language reflect an accepting attitude

❤️ Treat everyone as you would like to be treated

❤️ Think before you speak

❤️ Be more inclusive and accepting to those with disabilities

The R-Word, formally know as the word “retard” or “mental retardation,” is a derogatory term or slur used as a synonym for stupid or idiotic. The R-Word is used in common day dialogue, a punch line for jokes, and frequently used in pop culture. The word is exclusive, dehumanizing, and extremely offensive. This term was once medically used to diagnose those disabled and now is inappropriately used as a term for “stupid” or blankly used as a term of abuse for those disabled. Most people do not understand that this word is extremely offensive and a slur. They are not educated on the history and matter of the word. The R-Word is not a word that should ever be used, and it is extremely hurtful.

Statistics show that just out of 50 million social media posts, 29 million contain the word “retard” or “tard.” Now keep in mind that there is around 7 billion people in the world, so just take a minute to imagine how many people around the world in just a day so the word “retard.” Think about how many people throughout the world hear that word, in just a day. Now think about how many of those people who hear that word have friends or family members with a disability. Think about how many people who hear that word have a disability. Now think about how much that word hurts those people. That one word from that one person matters, and it hurts. More Than Just A Word is dedicated to those people. More Than Just A Word is dedicated to the people who hurt from that word, and for the people who have to hear that word daily and live through the hurt. More Than Just A Word is a campaign to bring an end to the R-Word through education on why the word is harmful and bring awareness on why not to say it in order to prevent the use of it. It’s tike to end the word.