Retarded Does Not Mean Stupid

Paula and I (Homecoming '10)

My neighbor, Paula, has cerebral palsy. At a first glance, one would think she is mentally retarded due to her facial features, her need to "play" dress up with her Barbie’s, and her slow development- her lack of ability to do anything on her own. Paula is made fun of, and called a "monster". However, when people get to know her, they learn that she is the kindest person on this planet. A woman who has difficulties doing things, but can always do them if she tries hard enough. A woman who "plays" with Babies to work on her mobility therapy for her hands. A woman who knows every word to every Elvis Presley song, or movie. A woman who is far from stupid, and if someone would take the time and learned about her they would she that she has more knowledge than someone without a mental illness, and someone who is far from mentally retarded. A woman who suffers from cerebral palsy and not mental retardation, yet is judged but her appearances. A woman judged on an illness she had no control over.

What comes to mind when you hear the word retarded? Do you picture someone acting like a dork, someone being stupid or making stupid statements? Do you picture your idiot friends doing something that would possibly get him/her hurt or put in jail? Do you picture someone who suffers from mental retardation?

Athlete who won 4 events
in one event meet.

Track athlete for the Special
Olympics

The definition of "retard", according to Dictionary.com, is "to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. “This does not mean, stupid, or dumb, or a dork. Mental retardation is a serious diagnosis, not a disease that can be caught like mono, or swine flu. Retardation is passed down through your DNA, not by acting like an idiot. A mentally challenged individual has slow motor skills, like talking or walking, and failure to adapt to situations they aren't use to being in. (This website here gives some more information on mental retardation.) Someone who suffers from Mental Retardation is only that...slow. They can do many of the same things that a human without mental illnesses. They can read, write; even participate in sports such as swimming, and skiing. These talented athletes can dribble a ball down a court or ski down a mountain of snow. Those challenged with mental retardation can do anything they set their minds to, even winning four metals at one event. They are strong athletes, and will push to do the same things people who aren't challenged with mental retardation can do.

The definition of an idiot is " an utterly foolish or senseless person". The definition of stupid is "lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull." Neither of these definitions means "to make slow" or to slow development. Yes, one could say, "but stupid sounds a lot like retard", however Mental Retardation is a serious mental illness. Stupidity is not. Why is society using the word "retarded" to mean stupid or an idiot? People acting like that of an idiot aren't retarded. They are just that- an idiot. Anyone who makes a stupid statement are just making stupid statements. Neither of the two are retarded. Why can't we just call it like it is, either stupid or idiotic.

The word "retard" or "retarded" should be treated just the same as the "N" word. The N word is not acceptable to use due the emotional harm it causes to the members of the Black community. The word cracker offends Caucasian whites, beaners offend the Mexican community, and the word fag offends homosexuals, so why is the word retard allowed to be used out of context to describe someone who is acting like an idiot? The word hurts those who suffer from the illness and those who love them. You may think to yourself "they don't know what I'm saying" but they do. Do you think a Black citizen would know what you meant if you said the N word? The answer is yes.

Being mentally retarded doesn't make you stupid. Albert Einstein was considered to be "retarded" and today society sees him as the smartest man who had ever lived. Here is a link to help pledge to "Spread The Word To End The Word". Mental retardation is a disease, not a virus that can be caught. These human beings, living people on this Earth, can hear everything that you say- they comprehend the names you call them, and they way you treat them. Don't believe it, go talk to a man or a woman who is mentally retarded. You might just be shocked at how bright they truly are.