Drop The "R" Word

I'm tired of people using this word in a negative way.

"That's so retarded!"

To you it seems like a 'normal' word
that people use out of anger,
to be funny,
or by accident
Never realizing what those words really mean
to someone in that predicament
Somebody else takes it offensively,
of course you don't say it to be mean
but only to get your point across,
 no matter what you think
you're still hurting another human being
You shouldn't put individuals down
to fit in with today's word choices
it's not fair to them...

SO LETS JUST...

DROP THE "R" WORD!!

Author's Note

I know this may not be my best piece but I am tired of people using the word retarded. It really bugs me because there are really people this way and they just use it for no reason.

A couple of months ago my school did a "Spread the word, to end the word" for the word, and I think more schools and business should use this...

Reviews

[Ayumu♥]

Absolutely! Every time you say something is "retarded" you offend every person who is truly defined under that word.

re·tard·ed (r-tärdd)
adj.
1. Often Offensive Affected with mental retardation.
2. Occurring or developing later than desired or expected; delayed.

Is that what people mean when they say "thats retarded". Most of the time no, but if they cant repect others and know exactly what they are saying they shouldnt say it at all. Outstanding poem :) 10/10

[Vanny]

This is true, I have often found myself using this word and thinking the same things. Well thought out, and expressed. Agree 100% -S...

[Sarah Morgan]

I hear this word a lot. I get aggravated by it considering a family member of mine suffers from retardation. I don't think it's funny, but people today are backwards. We have people who get mad at the fact that people throw around the 'n' word and yet rappers glorify it and think it's okay. It's not alright for people to use these words. I'm glad to see someone vent about this subject.. more people need to. Bravo!

[Rossen]

I have a good friend hurt by this word every day,
The IQ's of those who misuse this word, must be only slighly higher.
This could be remedied by changing the " R " IQ from 80 to 100
These shameless people are also hurtful to the smarter folks too.
You have done well, my new friend,

Rossen

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Well said, a true, relative piece that demands respect.

[Arizona Sky]

I totally agree with that. I stiffen and sicken every time someone uses that word. I a have a friend who uses it often and every time I feel hurt myself, even though I am not in the medical condition it's self.
I have another good friend who does have mental issues, but that doesn't make her any less amazing.
I highly, highly despise that word.

Excellent poem too. Needs to be posted and shared to send the message.

[Veronica Chandler]

Wonderful sensitivity Ta'shandra this message needs to be spread far and wide for sometimes we think that our words don't hurt, but they do. It is important to be aware of the true impact of what we say. Down with the "R" word and all other words we toss about carelessly with no thought to who might be hurt in the end. Words are powerful and when the discriptors are tossed without care, even if no insult was intendend, they can bite really hard. Well done!

[Wallflower]

I once wrote a paper for a disability studies class on this exact problem, picking at the meanings behind language and words can sometimes reveal very absurd ideas and truths. Great work! Your mind is asking all the right questions :)

[MoriartyMesa]

This poem has sadly invoked a name, he was a great man and wordsmith of his time, i do not quote is name our of any disagreement, but more out of two sides of the coin.

Voltaire

[GlamGirl]

I try not to say that word. If you say it at our school, you get a detention. It doesn't matter how good the piece is, as long as you get the message across.
Great work!

[Valentine]

I went to college and am a licensed worker with disabled and mentally challenged childrena nd adults..Some of them are brains in music or art but can't make a clear sentence..it is best not to judge anyone...Nice point..Kathie