The R-Word

Today I read the letter from John Franklin Stephens, of The Special Olympics, to Ann Coulter.  It was a response to her use of the R-word in reference to President Barack Obama.  The students (overall) seemed very moved by his letter, and impressed with his ability to express himself so powerfully.  After reading the letter I asked students to write their thoughts about our society's tendency to use specific words (that describe a group of people) as insults.  Is it a big deal to use the R-word?  Is it not a big deal because everyone knows what you mean? Some of their responses are shown below...

• I believe that it's unfair and rude to do because if you say that's so 'g**' or that's 'r*******' instead of saying that's stupid you obviously mean it in a rude way.  It makes people who are gay or have disabilities feel like they are bad people and are stupid when they aren't. I just don't think it's necessary, if you mean 'stupid' then say it.  People shouldn't put down a specific group of people when they really just mean 'stupid'. 

• I do use the word but I don't really think about it.  I have a mentally disabled Aunt and have a cousin with Autism.  I do realize that it is bad and I don't like using it but I just don't think about it.  From now on I have decided not to use it and respect the people with that disability by not using it.  Even though I'm nice to all of them already I don't think it's right to use that word as an insult.

• My thoughts about this is the lady has a right to speak her mind, this is a country of freedom and I also think it was okay for this guy to stand up to this lady since he is also speaking his mind in a correct way.  Not too many have the courage to speak their minds clearly and loudly.

• I know most people know what we mean when we call someone the r-word but if it's offensive then why can't we just say what we mean instead of using the r-word. 

• I feel using retard as an insult is highly offensive.  I feel like a hypocrite because I use retard as an insult.  I don't mean anything by it I just grew up in a place where it was used and accepted.

• Using that word is not funny, cool, intelligent or kind.  It is hurtful and mean.  I wish I could take back all they times I have said the R-word. From now on I promise to try and never use that work again.  Because it is not an insult.  It's just a word used by someone who is not intellectual or understanding.

•  Use of a term used to describe a group of people as an insult is a confusing thing.  Usually it is derived from misconceptions by people who focus on the negative qualities of that group of people.  It is also based on the instinctual human need for some kind of superiority... 

• The actual definition of the word "retard" simply means slow and decreased in speed.  "Retardando" is a musical term used to slow down the tempo of a song.  Just because this song has been slowed down, does that make it any less beautiful?

• I think that the R-word isn't that big of a deal.  When used people aren't trying to insult mentally challenged people.  Any insult will offend some group of people but when they're used people are not trying to make fun of those groups of people.

What do you think?