From: Miami University
Best Buddies [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rosie
Landau
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 12:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: {spam?} End the R-word Day
It's time to Spread
the Word to End the Word.
Spread the Word to End the Word is a National
Awareness Day to raise awareness of the hurtful effects of
the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using
it. On March 31, 2009, young people across the country will lead local
efforts to raise awareness and collect pledges from peers and the community to
vow not to use the R-word.
Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity
and humanity of people with Intellectual Disabilities. However, much
of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive
effects of the word “retard(ed).” Most people don’t think of
this wordas hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions
of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends.
Using "retard" as a term of derision is just as cruel and
offensive as any other slur.
This is something that is very important to me;
the word "retard(ed)" is very offensive to me.
Therefore, I would like to ask you to please visit http://www.r-word.org/ to learn more
about the campaign to end the r-word and pledge not to use it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask]. Thank you for
your support. Together we can end the use of the r-word and
continue to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Thank you,
Rosie Landau
--
Rosie Landau
Best Buddies-College Buddy Director
[log in to unmask]
c. 847-370-9174