So, what’s so bad about the ‘r’ word?

4 December 2009

So, what’s so bad about the ‘r’ word?

by Philippa Sellens, IHC

Paul Henry’s labelling of Susan Boyle as ‘retarded’ has created discussion around the world, thanks to blogs and twittering, about the use of the word ‘retarded’.

While most callers and correspondents to IHC have expressed their disgust at Paul Henry’s comments and particularly his mocking style, there have been some people who have said that IHC is being too PC.

For 60 years IHC has existed to advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disability to lead ordinary lives in the community. If IHC isn’t PC, then no one will be.

However, this is more than a case of being politically correct. This is a case of labelling a group of people using a word that is so offensive that it causes people to feel excluded, bullied and denigrated. The word also creates fear.

“My flatmates and I – sometimes it’s better just to stay at home. The school kids call us names and we don’t like it,” says one person with an intellectual disability.

Robert Martin, MNZM, is a man with an intellectual disability. He says that bullying isn’t just about physical abuse, but also name calling and teasing.

“The things that come out of someone’s mouth can be just as bad as hitting a person. These things run deep, can make us depressed and can take a long time to get over.”

Paul Henry and his employer, should be aware of the impact of their words on people. People with intellectual disabilities have come from a background of segregation, of living in institutions away from communities. It’s time to put the segregation and discrimination behind us and start working together.

IHC hopes that TVNZ thinks about this as it considers whether any action should be taken against Paul Henry for his comments.

“The wrong message is being heard if society says it’s ok to tease people, call them names and laugh at them. It is not our disability that makes it worse for us, but the values and attitudes of others,” says Robert Martin.

ENDS