BBCHS Students Say Too Much Power In 'R-word'
By DENNIS YOHNKA
The Daily Journal
dyohnka@daily-journal.com
815-937-3384
Society has lost a number of poisonous words -- deeming them socially unacceptable -- but, according to a group of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School students, there are still a few that people use without thinking.
To make a difference in the language used at their school, those students targeted the "r-word" and chose to be part of a national movement to end the use of the word "retard."
"We have all heard the word 'retard' said with the intent to hurt someone," said Shari Domont, the president of the BBCHS Best Buddies Club and the main organizer for the "End the R-word" campaign at her school.
The club, now in its fifth year, matches volunteer students with special education students to better integrate them into the student body.
The special education students make new friends who help them see the more social side of high school. The club members get lessons in diversity, a chance to see past the wheelchair and the opportunity to meet the person who uses it.
The 200-plus members manage a schedule that includes: Movie and bowling nights, parade participation, a fall cookout and a spring talent show.
"It's a very active group, but Shari took on this extra work for herself," said teacher-sponsor Becky Heddins. "She worked with the national campaign people, and she got the support of administration."
The plan was to bring attention to the painful degradation that takes place when the "r-word" is used, Heddins said.
"Have you ever considered what it feels like for a parent whose child clinically fits the definition of 'retarded' (who) hears another human being referred to as a 'retard?'" Shari asked. "As the sister of one of those kids, I can tell you it is hurtful."
To reduce the use of the word, the club members are selling "End The R-Word" T-shirts and asking the shirt buyers to sign a pledge not to use the "r-word" in conversations. The students and staff members are also asked to wear their shirts on March 3, the national day of observation for the movement.
"We hoped to sell 50 shirts, but so far we have sold over 300," Heddins said.
"That's great, but the important thing is that these students are signing that pledge."
Shari is pleased with the sales so far, but dreams even bigger.
"Wouldn't it be great if everyone at BBCHS wore one of those shirts on March 3?" she said, reflecting the sense of the pride she has in her brother.
"Wouldn't it be great if everyone stood up for the dignity of this special population?"
SOURCE:
http://daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=452420 |
|
|
.jpg)
