Why You Should Take the Pledge to End the R-Word

What should young people do when they hear the R-word?

Since the R-word is a commonly used phrase, especially among young people, we feel that those who use it do not understand how hurtful it is for many people. When someone uses the word, whoever is around should correct the individual, and remind them that it can be offensive for others to say it. It can be frightening to stand up to someone that is unaware of the true meaning
behind the R-word, but for the phrase to end, people must be reminded that the word is a harmful way to describe a group of people. It is important to remain calm and not lash out in anger at the individual that said the R-word.

Commonly, it is said to call someone dumb but that is not what it means. The R-word is truthfully defined as a delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment. It was originally used as a medical term a long time ago, but once people started using it in a derogatory fashion, the meaning changed. It is no longer OK to use the R-word in anyway, but we cannot stop the R-word from being used without educating our peers!

People say it and it hurts others feelings to hear it. When it is commonly used, it is used incorrectly. This needs to stop. Ending the R-word will help many will feel more equal. The R-word is directly and indirectly used to bully and put others down. When it is heard, those who hear it must condemn it.

Written by Jaxon White and Sam Phillips from Central Valley High School in Beaver, PA.