A Second Open Letter To Ann Coulter
Selena Sixtos
“Changing the Words”
Dear Ann Coulter,
On October 5th, 2010, President Obama signed bill S.2781. This bill was introduced by the case of Rosa Marcellino, a nine year old girl with Down Syndrome. The Marcellino Family’s incentive was to remove the use of the term “mental retardation” from federal matters, and instead use terms such as “intellectual disability”. This marked a milestone for the special needs community. By doing this, the U.S. sends a strong message that language is vital to how we treat one another. It comes down to the human connection we all share. Human dignity is a concept that all of us can comprehend because it’s a natural right that we all value. Those with special needs are not an exception. By eliminating the derogatory use of the r-word (retard/retarded), we are not only being respectful of people with disabilities, we are also creating a more accepting environment for everyone.
The term “mental retardation” was originally used as a clinical term. However, over the years its meaning has been taken out of context and used for common insults. It encourages negative stereotypes for people with intellectual disabilities. It’s become a description of something that is flawed or wrong. The fact that it has been used so casually demonstrates a lack of respect for those who have intellectual disabilities, and places shame on individuals who are different. Now, let me explain to you why the term “retard” is offensive. Despite what you may believe, “retard” is not a direct synonym for words used to describe foolishness. People do in fact call people with disabilities the r-word because of instances like this. As a public figure, the way you use any word is crucial to how your audience will perceive definitions. Changing the word absolutely changes the matter of how your message will be interpreted. The point of this advocacy is to spark a consciousness, so that you may also share this sense of humanity with others- a chain reaction. The public has a flawed perception that those who have intellectual disabilities are “dumb” or stupid”, because those are the exact misguided words that are engaged when referring to someone as retarded in today’s society. This ignorance will only worsen if we continue to allow ourselves to redefine terms into something increasingly hurtful and offensive.
Two years after the amendment of bill S.2781, you publicly referred to the same President who signed that bill as a “retard”. In an interview with CNN you mentioned that no disabled people are asking you to stop using this offensive language, however, Special Olympian athlete, John Franklin Stephens, has responded to your comments in an open letter. I want to emphasize one essential part: “You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me was an insult.” This sentence alone contradicts every single negative adjective associated with the term “retard”. See, even when being used as slang, it will always be associated with people who have disabilities, and this is exactly the point. You are preemptively dismissing people with disabilities because you are over looking them entirely. There is no courteous way of excusing your use for the r-word. There is simply no way to justify using derogatory terms. “I was joking” or “I didn’t mean to offend anyone” will NEVER be an acceptable excuse for why we choose to spread hate or dislike.
While it seems that you only contribute hate and spite to society, these individuals share their stories because they want to contribute what you seem to lack- respect for humanity. People with disabilities are some of the most remarkable people I have gotten the pleasure of meeting. Their kindness and love for life, despite their disabilities and challenges they face, gives me the ability to have an incentive to promote human dignity across the world. I challenge you to meet with someone who has disabilities. Ask them what their stand is on the use of the word and soak in their perspective. I promise you that after speaking to one of these amazing persons you will be amazed. You will realize that there in fact is nothing stupid, foolish, or moronic about people with disabilities. I am proudly apart of this “word police”, as you have named it. But instead of depicting us advocates as trolls lurking for the next political figure to object, think of us as just what you have labeled us- police. A police force is in charge of ensuring safety and protection from harm for a community. Well, Mrs. Coulter, our community is every single person with disabilities, and we do not intend to stand by and let our community be attacked and dehumanized by anyone. We want to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects this language has on people. And while you may yell “Screw them!” when referring to the word police, we extend a warm invitation for you to join us at the Special Olympics, where you will see athletes like Mr. Stephens overcome adversity. I’m not asking you for an apology (which you have made very clear you will not make). I’m merely asking you to be more considerate and conscious when it comes to your choice of words.
Sincerely,
Selena Sixtos, aunt to Adrian- a ten year old boy with Down Syndrome.
