Panel discusses use of word “retarded” Monday

For some people, the “R” word is almost like saying the “N” word — if not just as bad.

That word is “retarded.”

During Monday night’s “Spread the Word to End the “R” Word” in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium, about 150 attendees learned the history of the word and how others feel when they are called that name.

During a slide presentation, statistics showed that 30 million people in the United States and 190 million worldwide have a mental disability.

Panelist Michelle Trombley, a Special Olympics athlete and Alma resident, has experienced this type of hurt before when people say the word, because for her, there is a history behind the name.

“I get mad and upset, because when I was in school kids would pick on me and call me that,” Trombley said.

In high school she began defending herself against people who teased her.

During the question and answer, attendees were asked if their family members or someone they know are affected with a mental disability. Almost everyone in the auditorium raised their hands.

There are also one in six families affected or related to someone with a mental disability, according to a slide show presented at the forum.

Special Olympics Michigan Administrative Assistant Heidi Alexander said she hopes students will think of the Special Olympics athletes on the panel and remember them.

“I’m hoping that students won’t say the “R” word anymore because they realize that this word is a derogatory term and is hurtful,” she said.

The history of the “R” word was also discussed from being used throughout pop culture including cartoons, music and movies being the source of ridicule.

Panelist Carla McNerney, Special Olympic athlete and Mount Pleasant resident, said she hopes people will not use the “R” word.

“Let other people know that it is not right to use this word. It is wrong, we’re the same as everyone else,” McNerney said.

Grand Blanc senior Courtney Bernard was inspired by this event because she learned the panelists’ point of view.

“We really shouldn’t have the “R” word in our vocabulary and stand up and stop others from saying it as well. I try to be an advocate if I hear people say it,” Bernard said.