Stop Saying the "R" Word


November 14, 2017
I was recently watching a movie from the 1980s, The Wizard. It is about a kid who is seemingly autistic and plays video games really well. He is so good in fact, that he goes to the video game championship. Of course he wins and they live happily ever after. (Sorry if you haven't seen it)

Then, I got thinking, this movie was made in the 1980s. It is appalling to watch... several times the movie called the kid the "R" word or people asked "What's wrong with him?" Nowadays, no one (especially in a movie) would say something like that!

We as a society have come a long way and it is reflected in the language of our culture. Political correctness has certainly done a service to those with disabilities. Words like handicapped, crippled, or the "R" word are no longer acceptable norms in our culture. Even those who are not directly affected by a disability are stepping up to change the conversations and words where disabilities are concerned. In the end, ALL people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes those with disabilities.

Above all,
BE KIND!

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