Dear Kidrock,
I watched with great concern your recent appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters, where you said you would be a “retard” for Halloween. The R-word deeply demeans and harms people with intellectual disabilities. I am writing to you personally with an urgent request: please acknowledge the pain caused and use this moment to stand with us in rejecting that word and the prejudice it represents.
You have a powerful voice and a huge platform, and the world is watching. As an artist and cultural figure who influences millions of people, you can shape conversations and attitudes in this country. People with intellectual disabilities, one of the largest groups of people with disabilities in the world, have suffered discrimination and humiliation for generations. In the 21st century, we continue to fight for the simplest form of justice: the recognition of our full humanity, a recognition that you undermine when you use the word retarded.
Language plays a crucial role in that struggle. Words like “retarded” and “retarded” have a long, painful history of being used to belittle and dehumanize. When someone, especially someone in the public eye, uses them, it reopens the wounds that so many of us have worked so hard to heal.
Through our “Spread the Word campaignSpecial Olympics and Best Buddies have joined hundreds of thousands of advocates around the world to end the casual use of the R-word and replace it with something much more powerful respect. We’ve made great progress, but every public use of that word sets us back and reinforces the stigma we’re trying to overcome.
I know this pain personally. Growing up, I heard that word used against me over and over again. It hurt a lot then, and it still hurts. But I have also learned that every moment of pain can become a moment to teach, grow, and move forward together. I believe this could be one of those moments.
You have the opportunity to turn this incident into a statement of strength, acknowledge the harm, stand with people with intellectual disabilities and help guide the conversation toward greater understanding and respect.
I would be honored to speak with you and share more about the movement for inclusion and respect that has changed so many lives, including mine. Together we can use this moment to build a world where every person is valued and respected.
With hope and sincerity,
Loretta Claiborne
Chief Inspiration Officer, Special Olympics
#open #letter #Kid #Rock #words #matter