Spread the Word to End the Word
It’s deeply disheartening and troubling to see derogatory language, intended to diminish and devalue others, regaining popularity and social acceptance.
This New York Times piece goes in-depth to explain the harmful effects this resurgence has on people with disabilities, and shows why we can, and must, do better.
The article features three people connected to The Arc of the United States: advocates Jill Eglé and Nicole LeBlanc, and CEO Katy Neas. Katy is clear: it is “language used by bullies to bully.” Jill shared what it was like to be targeted: “They all called me the R-word, and I tried to be nice, but it was hurtful.” Nicole described the harm: “It makes me want to run, hide, and curl up into a ball.”
We’ve fought for decades to push this word out of laws and everyday life. Seeing it return is heartbreaking, and it’s a warning sign about how we as a society value respect and inclusion.
Please read and share. Then do one simple thing today: don’t repeat it, and don’t laugh it off when someone else does.