Spread the Word to End the Word

I am not sure why I have not posted this before now, but it is definitely important to me to get this up on the blog...

The "R-word: Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign works to raise awareness about the harmfulness of the use of the "r-word" (and other derogatory words).  I personally signed my pledge to remove the "r-word" from my everyday vocabulary over four years ago.  The word had become such a part of my everyday speech that I didn't even realize I was using it, nor did I understand the true harm it can create.

I know what people say, "it's just a word.  It only has meaning if you give it meaning."  Well, it may not have meaning to you, but it definitely has meaning to those you encounter on a daily basis.  You may be using it to tell someone how stupid the price tag on a tee shirt is...but to the girl behind the counter, who's brother is intellectually disabled, it is your way of saying that her brother doesn't matter or is inferior to other kids.

You don't know everyone's full story, you don't know their struggles, so please, please, please, do me a favor and think before you speak. You may not mean for your words to be hurtful or hateful, but they can still have that effect.

*For my information on the "R-word: Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign, go to my "Resources and Other Bloggers" tab to the right and click on the "Spread the Word to End the Word" link*