Something important needs said.
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of Spread the Word to End the Word. I blogged about it last year. And once again, I'm blogging about it.
Do you realize how often the word is used? If not, click here. And that is just for today. Pretty sickening huh? And there are people out there who are using the word in a hateful, derogatory way. On purpose. To be mean.
I'm not joking. Throughout Facebook land, there are GROUPS that are promoting the use of the word in hateful, violent ways. Just search and you'll see what I'm talking about. Sadly, as soon as one gets shut down, another one pops up in it's place. It's like a bad rash. And one that no amount of cream is going to control. Sadly, other groups have had to step up and take the "policing of Facebook" to rid the social networking site of these hate groups. The good thing is that there are more families who have a member with an intellectual challenge than these "fanpages" have fans. Several thousand voices are heard and Facebook does eventually remove the group. But like I said, another pops up within minutes of one being shut down.
All it takes to stop the word from being thrown out there like a pair of dirty underwear is a conscious effort. Those who use the word in a derogatory way are scared of something. I'm not really sure what. There is nothing to be afraid of. Really there isn't.
It's a term used to describe those who have a harder time grasping a cognitive idea. They still grasp it. It just takes longer. You know, like those who CHOOSE to misuse the word.
This year, I encourage you to make the conscious effort. Take the pledge. The State of Oklahoma took the pledge.
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