Ending the "R" Word

Many times, either in school or outside of school, you hear someone say the word "retarded." This word can be very hurtful to those with mental disabilities or special needs. It is not a word you should just throw around and say all the time because it can cause a person with special needs or someone who knows someone with special needs to feel horrible about themselves or the person they know. 

I know people who have mental disabilities or special needs and they are some of the kindest, most loving people I have ever met. Just because they don't look or sound like you, does not mean that they are any different than you. I can imagine life is already hard with a disability and by saying they are retarded, just makes them feel worse and makes life harder. They did not choose to be born the way they were and people should not judge them for something they cannot control. 

I do not think that the "R" word should be banned however I do think that people need to be more conscious of what they say. People should stop judging others and start worrying about more important things. Those with mental disabilities can accomplish just as much as you or I can and they are no different than we are.