The R-Word Campaign…
July 8, 2009 | Updates
I’m sure you’ve heard of it by now - the R-Word Campaign. Everyone seems to have their own take on it. Some think it’s ridiculous to request that everyone stop using a word that they claim is only meant as a joke. Others feel a deep prick to their hearts every time they hear it. Honestly, I don’t think it’s just about a word. I think it’s about something much, much bigger. I think it’s about how we, as a people, view those in our nation who are disabled. I think it’s about RESPECT for the incredible souls that live inside “imperfect” bodies.
I’m writing this post in response to an article recently written by Erik Sean Nelson in response to Governor Sarah Palin’s resignation speech where she tried to express her feelings for her disabled son, Trig, and the hurt that it causes her family when he is used by others (adults, mind you) as the butt of their jokes. Mr. Nelson’s response to her words, I am sure, will appall you:
“In Sarah Palin’s resignation announcement she complained about the treatment of her son Trig who always teaches her life lessons. She said that the “world needs more Trigs, not fewer.” That’s a presidential campaign promise we can all get behind. She will be the first politician to actually try to increase the population of retarded people. To me, it’s kinda like saying the world needs more cancer patients because they teach us such personal lessons.
Her first act as President: To introduce a Pre-K lunch buffet that includes lead paint chips. Sort of a Large HEAD-START Program.
She will then encourage women to hold off on pregnancies until their 40’s just to mix up some chromosomes.
Her policies will increase jobs because Wal-Mart is building new stores each day and someone has to be the greeter.”
Mr. Nelson has since retracted his post and apologized saying that it was meant to be ironic and he didn’t realize it was offensive until “loved ones of the retarded” emailed him stating so. Mr. Nelson, I have to say, that although your post does not sound ironic to me, your apology does. You still don’t seem to understand that “the retarded” you are addressing are actually people – with feelings, might I add.
Sadly enough, Mr. Nelson is not alone in his views. There was a similar post at the Paliban Daily that included these words:
“That’s right. Palin is about to embark on a career of causing babies to be born retarded. Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, crack addiction, or a good old-fashioned kick to the pregnant tummy, it doesn’t matter to Palin. She wants the world to have more Trigs.
Other than fueling a greater need for social services, think how this could benefit Palin politically. She already tests well with the Retarded demographic, and also the Retarded Sympathizer demographic.
Imagine the world Palin is trying to create, in which instead of a superior race, Palin breeds a stupider race. 20 years from now, she’ll only be in her late 60s. She’ll be able to run for President on the Retard ticket . . . no doubt with full support of Retardeds, Retarded Sympathizers, and the Politically-Correct.
Next time around, when Palin is told “Your platform is completely retarded”, she will be able to say, “You betcha! That’s just what my constituents want!”
In addition, there was a post at Wordsmoker that charged: “”To be honest, it’s hard to decipher what she’s on about, or on, so the most pressing question is this — did Trig Palin write this speech for her?”
Now, I could really work myself up over this and I could go on and on about how I feel when people see my son for who he is and how I feel when they don’t. I could also try to tell you why I agree with Sarah Palin and how deeply I love my son. But, truly, nothing I have ever read has stated the way I feel better than the speech given by Soeren Palumbo, a high school senior, in 2007. You can read the whole text or view the video here. But I think he sums up the way I feel as he talks of his disabled sister in the following segments:
“I’m doing this so that each and every one of you, student or teacher, thinks before the next time you use the word “retard”, before the next time you shrug off someone else’s use of the word “retard”. Think of the people you hurt, both the mentally handicapped and those who love them.
If you have to, think of my sister. Think about how she can find more happiness in the blowing of a bubble and watching it float away than most of us will in our entire lives. Think about how she will always love everyone unconditionally. Think about how she will never hate. Then think about which one of you is “retarded.”
I want to leave you with one last thought. I didn’t ask to have a mentally handicapped sister. She didn’t choose to be mentally handicapped. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have learned infinitely more from her simple words and love than I have from any classroom of “higher education”. I only hope that, one-day, each of you will open your hearts enough to experience true unconditional love, because that is all any of them want to give. I hope that, someday, someone will love you as much as Olivia loves me. I hope that, someday, you will love somebody as much as I love her. I love you, Olivia.”
Maybe Sarah Palin needed to state her opinion in a simpler way. Maybe it would have been clearer if she had said that what this world needs is LESS Erik Sean Nelsons who care so little for the feelings of those who cannot defend themselves and who could obviously use a few personal lessons of his own. And what we need MORE of is people who love unconditionally, judge less and endure all – despite the circumstances they have been dealt.
It is from THOSE people that we learn the depth and breadth of the human spirit. And it is those people who deserve our RESPECT. Respect enough to stop degrading them – in any way. It seems like the least we could do. And maybe the best place to start IS with one little word. Is it really so much to ask?
To join the R-Word Campaign, click here.
Love,
Teresa and her greatest hero, Samuel
RSS feed for comments on this post.
TrackBack URI
July 8th, 2009 at 6:26 pm, Sylvia Ripley Says:
You made me cry….that was so beautiful. I am a Special Education Director and love all my students because of who they are, the world’s most beautiful people!!!
July 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm, Gramma Jewkes Says:
Beautifully put, Teresa! I too, have learned many important things from my mentally handicapped brother, and now from my precious grandson, Samuel. I believe that they are here in this life, not to learn and grow thru their experiences, like we are, but they are here to teach us. If we don’t learn from them, we are missing one of the most important experiences we could have.
Lots of love,
Mom
P.S. Thanks for being the wonderful, proactive mother you are!
July 8th, 2009 at 6:37 pm, Robert S Sharp Says:
There is no such thing as a “retarded person”. There are only “Other Abled Persons”. My father taught me that EVERY person can teach us something. Its up to us to take the time to learn.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:43 pm, Tom Webb Says:
“and a little child will lead them”
July 8th, 2009 at 8:21 pm, Natalie Says:
Wow. That was so beautifully put! When I think of little Samuel or Brea being on the receiving end of that word in it’s rudest definition, I just cry. It is a way different perspective for those of us who actually have a chance to love a person as special as our children are. Thanks for sharing this. I hadn’t heard of this idiots article. That pic of you and Samuel is so precious. I love it!
July 9th, 2009 at 6:43 am, Erin Says:
I love it! The picture the post everything! Love it love it love it. You are much better at expressing things that I am when it comes to stuff like this. I just get mad.
There’s a new support group on the 2nd wednesday of each month at LRH for parents of kids with disabilities. If you want more info let me know. Also have you seen this www.taoswalker.com? I’m trying to get one for Colby but they need two people before they will open a state up for a new distributor. I’m passing it on to everyone I can think of. talk to you soon
Erin
July 14th, 2009 at 12:48 am, Suzi Searles Says:
Wow, what a great post, well said my friend. I absolutely love the picture of you and Samuel. It’s so good to have you updating again. I have been thinking about you often as I realize Samuel’s birthday is coming up soon. Are birthday’s hard for you? I know that they can be for me sometimes, especially when I slow down and think about all the things that Luke is not doing, that’s dangerous, don’t try to go there often.
Well just wanted to let you know that I so enjoyed getting to know you, thank you for making my time in Atlanta so special. Also to let you know you’ve been in my prayers lately.
Love in Christ,
Suzi