The "R" word

She's right. Period.

julie b. @ 11:10 AM PDT, Aug 23, 2008

As a parent of a child with a disability & a cofounder of a special-needs advocacy group, I am wondering that if the "R" word is so offensive to Maria Shriver, why isn't she helping to eliminate Mental Retardation as a qualifying descriptor in IEP documents? I agree that it is offensive & I have many parents that fight to have it removed from their child's IEPs. If the "R" word is so offensive, why don't we stop using it every day to describe some children in special ed? Can't we come up with a better descriptor that doesn't include the R word? www.valleysnafu.com

Shirley @ 9:14 AM PDT, Aug 23, 2008

I used to think that Ben Stiller's movies were funny. I guess he is running out of material. How else can you explain such extremely poor judgement on his behalf. Anyone who has a loved one with an intellectual disablity will have a hard time laughing at any of his movies ever again. Shame on all of all those that put this movie together, and never once thought ahead to who it might ultimately harm..

Lisa @ 7:37 AM PDT, Aug 23, 2008

I couldn't agree more and I addressed this issue in my own blog a few months ago. http://kellyswritelife.blogspot.com/search?q=soapbox I can only hope that the "R-word" will soon go the way of many other words now deemed politically incorrect so that those with cognitive delays can have the respect they deserve.

Kelly Klein @ 6:53 AM PDT, Aug 23, 2008

Why not compare the r-word to the n-word? The mentally and physically diabled have been oppressed throughout history. Drilling holes in their heads to let the demons out, murdering babies, court jesters, village idiots, side show freaks,. . and lets not forget the thousands Hitler killed because he considered them a waste of time and money. While there hasn't been slavery in the United States for over a century, my autistic son is still regular fodder for ridicule, many question his human right to be a parent, and I have to fight to get him included in the general education population.

Jeanette (Mama Bear) @ 1:19 AM PDT, Aug 23, 2008

The R-word must be referring to the two presidential candidates of both the Democratic and Republican, not the specially- challenged people. Each has a catalogue of dumb statements despite the thousand of scholars coaching them. I am just wondering that if Ms. Shriver doesn't have a relative who is mentally slow, do you think she would write this "sensitive article?" She should lecture Obama, our next president, on this issue. She and Obama should rewrite our dictionaries.

Mike Ctr @ 11:40 PM PDT, Aug 22, 2008

Our children go through enough problems with medical issues. Let's help them keep their DIGNITY, they deserve our RESPECT, please ban that term, thank you.

James @ 7:33 PM PDT, Aug 22, 2008

I will not watch this disrespectful movie especially after my daughter and my family have worked so hard to reach every goal she has accomplished-only to be laughed at. Thank you Ms. Maria Shriver for respecting our children.

Albert @ 7:25 PM PDT, Aug 22, 2008

Thank you Ms. Shriver for taking a stand with us. I know a lot of people just see that it is just a movie so lighten up. Having a son who has special needs and who understands more than people know, makes me a strong advocate on any usage of offensive language to any persons that might be seen as different.

George @ 7:17 PM PDT, Aug 22, 2008

Thank you Maria for your kind words. We should always take a stand against disrespectful and demeaning language by removing that term from our vocabulary and by not supporting any movie that promotes negative stereotypes of people with DIFFERENT LEARNING ABILITIES!

Thomas @ 7:12 PM PDT, Aug 22, 2008

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