What should we say instead?

Language is a powerful thing. I sometimes object to other people's choice of words. They sometimes object to mine. We let words impact us and give them power they may or may not have earned. There are words that cut like a knife and words so powerful and so objectionable that they really shouldn't be used. Yet they are thrown around lightly. Nazi is one. Retard is another.

March 3rd was National Anti R-Word Day. My friend Ellen, who previously wrote a guest post here called How you should treat my child with special needs, wrote about it in her post One of the most awful words on the planet. The discussion in the comments was interesting and one commenter asked how replacing the word "retarded" with another one was going to do anything. Ellen replied that no one is suggesting the r-word be replaced with anything else.  She is right, but at the same time the word retarded has become such a huge part of so many people's vocabulary, that I think they do need something to replace it.

So, I wrote an epic comment outlining exactly what I thought the r-word should be replaced with. Ellen turned it into a guest post on her blog. I hope you'll take a moment to read it:

On alternatives to the r-word

I hope you'll read it and comment over on Ellen's blog if you have something to add to the conversation.

Comments

[janet@janetlansbury.com]

Annie,
What you say about the power of language is so true. And yet, a word that disrespects a vulnerable section of society has become widely used and accepted. Has no one ever thought to question "babywearing?" This term objectifies babies beyond belief. I've just written a post: "Babywearing (I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Baby)" on my site, and would love to hear your thoughts. I have come to admire and appreciate your forthright intelligence and thoroughness.
- Janet