Erasing the R-word

The r-word has always been a part of the English language but has taken on a derogatory meaning. This word is a hateful insult not only to a group of people, but is a form of bullying. To combat the common use of this word, Cats for a Cause, a campus club that is aimed to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, teamed up with the Special Olympics last Wednesday on the mall to help raise awareness of the R-word —  and why we should erase this hurtful word from our vocabulary.

While the table was small, the message was big. Students walking through the mall had the opportunity to go up to the table and sign it. With this signature, students took a pledge to not use the r-word in their vocabulary and received a rubber bracelet with the hashtag #ChooseToInclude. Judging by the amount of signatures on the table and the lack of bracelets available, it seems like the r-word should soon approach non-existence at MSU. Students also had the opportunity to enter in a raffle to win great prizes from local Bozeman companies. The prizes included gift cards to Town and Country and various coffee shops around town. Rachel Levinson, a member of Cats for a Cause, said that the main drive of the table was not only to raise awareness about the Special Olympics, but to “erase the r-word” from the language we use.

The Special Olympics was created to include the mentally handicapped in events that they normally would not have the chance to compete in. The Special Olympics takes place in two seasons: summer and winter. Athletes can compete in numerous events like track and field, bocce, equestrian, powerlifting and others during the summer games. In the winter, ski slalom and cross-country skiing are just a few of the events available for athletes to compete in.

Even if we all didn’t get to sign the pledge on campus, we all should be aware of how hurtful the r-word can be, not only to mentally disabled people but to anyone. So let’s all choose to include, and erase the r-word from our vocabularies. If you want to make a bigger difference, the Special Olympics of Montana is always looking for volunteers and coaches to help with events. To get involved, visit www.somt.org.