The Garden City Telegram
Email this story | Add Your Comment
| Read (1) Comments
Hurtful term
Published 2/4/2010 in Commentary : Editorial
Fueling campaign against 'R-word'
Words can hurt.That's particularly true with one labeled the "R-word" by advocacy groups that represent people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
People too often use the word "retarded" in reference to something or someone they consider undesirable or stupid -- a poor choice of words that only insults people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and a term we shouldn't hear from anyone in a position of leadership.
Yet we received as much from White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who in a strategy session months ago reportedly used the phrase "retarded" in reference to an idea from liberal activists. Emanuel's careless remark became more of a story when former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin caught wind of it and called for his firing.
While Palin, a conservative Republican and former vice presidential candidate, no doubt saw an opportunity to capitalize on Emanuel's verbal blunder, she also can speak from experience as the mother of a child with Down syndrome.
"Just as we'd be appalled if any public figure of Rahm's stature ever used the 'N-word' or other such inappropriate language, Rahm's slur on all God's children with cognitive and developmental disabilities -- and the people who love them -- is unacceptable, and it's heartbreaking," Palin wrote.
Her take was a bit melodramatic. But for Palin, who was roundly criticized -- and rightly so -- for her marginal understanding of issues as she campaigned alongside presidential candidate John McCain, her anger on this matter was understandable.
Emanuel apologized to representatives of the Special Olympics and American Association of People with Disabilities. While that was in order, it's safe to say Emanuel didn't intend to offend anyone. He was careless.
He and others who would use the "R-word" should know that more than six million people with intellectual disabilities make meaningful, powerful contributions every day in the United States. They and their families recognize when someone ignores or insults them.
It's impossible to take back hurtful words. Perhaps Emanuel's miscue at least does something positive in encouraging more people to think before they speak, especially when it comes to words that only belittle others.
Found 1 comment(s)!
Hurtful term
Why did Palin not chastize Rush when he used the same term????
That is because republicans think they are ABOVE the law!!!!!!
Come-on, Sarah, do to Rush what you did to Rahm.
This shows that Palin is a hypocrite!!!!!!S24FW
Posted by: Sharon Edwards on 2/5/2010
Twitter Updates
