The Use of the R-Word and Why it is Damaging

From when I was young, my mom always taught me how words can truly impact others. It’s always wise to be cautious with what words you use, as you never know who could be around and what they or someone they know are facing. Being childhood friends with a group of goofy, careless teenage boys during high school sometimes became shameful for me. They tended to throw the r-word around mindlessly, even though they knew how much I cared about the use of the word. They thought it was funny, and would use it as a way to call each other dumb. The r-word is an exclusive term that furthers negative stereotypes about people with disabilities. It can be hurtful whether it is directed towards a person with a disability or when used as a synonym for “dumb” or “stupid”. When used in this way it is equivalent to saying people with disabilities are stupid. I would try to explain to them the true damage that the word holds and why it should be completely rid from their vocabularies. Some of them listened, while others continued to use the word with little regard for those around, which is why I am not friends with those others today.