The "R" Word

   I think maybe I haven't explained in enough detail about why I hate the "R" word. So I figured I would write about it. I'm not trying to point fingers or make people angry. I just need to get this out, for me.

   I have an awesome Uncle. He is the kindest man I have ever met. He would do anything for anyone. Literally! Even people who don't deserve it. He would even do anything for you after you made fun of him, because he probably wouldn't catch on. I realized he was different when I was around 11 or 12, I think. He has a mental handicap. But his soul is far more wonderful than a lot of people I talk to on a daily basis.

   My mother and her other brother grew up defending my uncle. People can be very cruel. My family is amazing. They have taught me so much about life and respect and kindness.The "R" word was never allowed in our house. I will admit I used to use it to indicate something "stupid" when I got older. It became a habit. But as I grew up (and by that I mean within the past few years) I realized that just because everyone else says something, it doesn't mean it's ok. Just like using the word "gay" in a negative way. I broke the habit really fast! Everyone should.

   I know that there is a new fad about NOT being politically correct. But there is a difference between being politically correct and respecting someone. Yeah, I get that we have freedom of speech. But why not just be nice? The cashier you made fun of at the grocery store probably didn't even notice because he was too busy busting his ass more than anyone else so he could keep his job (and he didn't stop smiling the whole time). But I noticed. The stock guy that tells you the dog food is good for your dog because the package says it "has vegetables in it." was probably told that by some mean teenagers who thought it would be funny because he couldn't read. Don't laugh. The little girl with down syndrome who is smiling and quietly "petting" your hand isn't contagious. She is expressing herself probably in the only way she can. Smile back at her! Don't jerk your hand away. The little boy with Autism who is scared of you every time you see him might finally warm up if you play Thomas the Train with him. (Miss you Dilly!) These people I described are human beings. How do I know? Because I have met them all at some point in my life. And my life (sometimes from just the few moments I spent with them) has changed for the better.

   So the next time you call something or someone "retarded" or make an obnoxious gesture indicating the word in my presence, just remember what I have written. I try not to judge, and I may not say anything, but a small piece of my heart breaks every time. To me, you are making fun of my Uncle, or the little boy that took me days to get through to, or the cashier who was so nice to me, or the little girl who only wanted a smile at the mall. It's not right. It's not funny. It's not cool. It's just mean. It says a lot about your character. Yes, this applies to some of my friends. I try not to make a big deal about it when it happens, but it's time I stood up. People fearing retaliation is the reason it's still acceptable.

   Think about it this way...The "N" word is considered taboo these days (as it should be!) so why can't we do the same for the "R" word? Is it really so much to ask?