By Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo
Today March 31st is a very important day globally
in the world of mentally challenged people. Though it was celebrated March 5th this year and now 1st Wednesdays in March, I decided to observe it as I missed the new date.
It is known as the R-Word Day. Though most Nigerians may not be familiar
with it, it is an initiative created by the Special Olympics to deter people
around the globe from using the word ”retarded” loosely as a joke or in any
other way. Mentally challenged people have often been referred to as “mentally
retarded” in medical terms and in social and popular culture many have used the
word “retarded” in a disrespectful and jokingly manner.
The R-word day aims to get people around the world to take
the pledge at the R-Word site and promise that they will never use the term anymore
in a derogatory manner. Celebrities, Sports figures, Media personalities and
many public figures have been very involved in the campaign since its inception
in 2008. My son KJ used the event in 2008 to educate Canadians while living in
Toronto. KJ walked around a mall educating people about the R-Word day and was
featured on several TV and radio stations. His older brother is autistic and
educated people on the disability and why one must not make fun of mentally
challenged people.
KJ requested to interview Dr Timothy Shriver, the Chairman
of the Special Olympics whose mother the late Eunice Shriver founded. Dr.
Shriver is the nephew of late American President John F. Kennedy and niece to
Rose Kennedy, his aunt who suffered mental disability all her life. The
Kennedys and Shrivers have been lifelong advocate for people with mental and
physical disabilities. At the time when my son got involved, President Barack
Obama has just come out of a PR disaster of sorts after he made fun of disabled
people on Jay Leno’s late night comedy show in 2008.
He promptly called Dr Shriver to apologize. Shriver did not
speak to any media outlet and released a statement on behalf of the families of
disabled people as several were hurt by the President’s joke. My son requested
to talk to Shriver through his KJ the Kid Reporter blog (TheKidReporter.net)
and Shriver called my home in Toronto to speak with KJ and the only media
Shriver spoke to. With KJ’s work, the Consul General of the United States Mr.
John Nay gave him a commendation letter thanking him for educating Canadians
and Americans alike. If it takes a child to tell people that the new R word is
RESPECT, so be it. There are several Nigerians who suffer mental disabilities
here at home. Visit www.R-word.org today
and take the pledge.
