BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
DEC 2014
“SAY NO TO THE ‘R’ WORD.”
By Judy Beckles
M
aya Angelo said
“I’ve learnt that
people will forget what
you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will not forget
how you made them
feel.”
This is said to highlight
the awareness campaign
of “SAY NO TO THE ‘R’
Judy Beckles
WORD.” What is the ‘R’
word? It is the word Retard. In the dictionary there are
several meanings; to make slow, delay, hinder or impede. As a slang when used, a person is considered to
be foolish, stupid, dull, cannot learn or socially inept.
When used correctly the ‘R’ word is just another word
from the dictionary, but when used as slang, it is a
weapon that causes hurt and disrespect.
them.” Please “Spread the word to end the ‘R’ word.”
Instead of Retard consider RESPECT.
Persons with disabilities are asking:
RESPECT US
ENCOURAGE US
SUPPORT US
PLEDGE WITH US
EXPERIENCE WITH US
COOPERATE WITH US
TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Say NO to the R -Word!
SAY NO TO THE R-WORD NOW!
Persons with disabilities are unique and special people
who have overcome the odds and in some instances
have surpassed expectations. They have demonstrated
that once given the opportunity and respect they can
make great contributions to society.
Persons with disabilities have dreams which are real
and which can become realities if they are given a
chance and are empowered. They have feelings just
like everybody, so it is important to remember that and
give them the chance to shine, to feel that they are
worthwhile.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi encouraged. We must not be afraid to ask
people to stop using the ‘R’ word. We must not use
the ‘R’ word, instead there are several other words
which we can use to replace it. For example; radiant,
resilient, reliable, resolute, responsible, remarkable,
respectful, rare and refine.
Dalai Lama says “Our prime purpose in this life is to
help others and if you can’t help them, then don’t hurt
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