Season 2: Episode 13 (Spread the Word to End the Word)
Posted by: Mr. Poluk in Uncategorizedspread-the-word-to-end-the-word5 As part of our Making a Difference program, we recorded this episode to pledge our support for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. This campaign is organized by the Special Olympics, and its goal is to raise awareness and ultimately put an end to the hurtful and unacceptable use of the “R” word (retard). With this podcast we are also supporting Laura Stockman’s blog carnival as she leads the way in attempting to raise awareness for this campaign. It is through Laura’s selflessness that we became inspired to become involved with Spread the Word to End the Word. A highlight for us was getting the entire school involved by holding an assembly and signing a banner to draw attention to this issue. As a matter of fact you can hear the collective voices of our entire school population at the end of the podcast (turn your volume down because this part is quite loud!). We hope that you enjoy!
Music used in this episode: Chameleon by Jana Mashonee and Dirty Water by Fifty Nine Violets (Podsafe Music Network)
Entries (RSS)
May 6th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Hello,
I agree with the purpose of the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. However, I absolutely disagree with “never saying the r-word ever again.” There are non-offensive words that actually have the r-word within them. For example, fire-retarded, it means fire-proof. You shouldn’t say that whenever you say the r-word, you are using it offensively. If you are talking about someone’s disability respectfully, then you may say that they are mentally retarded which explains their disability. It can, however, be offensive and I think that it is true that we should never use the word offensively again. Please consider what I have said and next time, please think of what you are saying before you say it. I agree with your message and your purpose so keep up the good work!
May 6th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Dear Mike Poluk’s class,
I thought your podcast on the “r” word was very well thought out and very true. However some words, mentioned in Jonathan comment, use retard in a non-offensive way. I think that pledging to never say retard is a good idea, but maybe you should pledge to never say the “r” word in an offensive way ever again. I believe that you did a very good job outlining how retard hurts. I think that you have amazing ideas, and did a very good job with your podcast.
Anna