Monday, May 7, 2012

True Meaning




My older brother Josh has Asperger’s Syndrome, a part of the autism spectrum. Josh has to be one of my favorite people in the world.  Actually, Josh’s autism is one of my favorite things about him.  It makes him who he is - unique.  I would be a completely different person if I hadn’t been able to learn from Josh.  He taught me to never give up- no matter what people say- and to truly be proud of who you are, despite labels and misunderstandings.  However, some people beg to differ.  I have had personal encounters with “the misuse of “retard” or “retarded”.  Once, a troubled, teenaged boy stated upon being offered help by my mother said, “I don’t need your help.  I’m not one of your retarded kids.” I was shocked by this snide remark pertaining to my brother and others like him.  This was one of the first times I had heard somebody use “retarded” as if it was ambiguous in a hurtful way.  The way my brother handled it, however, was quite interesting.  “Yeah, retarded,” He said, lips pursed, after the boy left.  “Retarded like a fox!” A grin crept across his face as well as my mother’s and mine, laughter slipping out of all of us.
    This instance began opening my eyes to how often this term is incorrectly used.  It isn’t fair that people or things should be labeled this way.  It may be hard to imagine, Reader, but think about it.  What if it was your brother, your sister, your cousin, your parent, your friend, or even yourself?  It is truly hurtful.  People don’t deserve to be hurt like that.  These people that are being called brainless and dumb can be some of the most successful people in the world.  Bill Gates has autism, and so did Albert Einstein.  Those are some of the greatest and most successful minds known to mankind!  My goofy older brother graduated high school, entered the United States Navy and graduated boot camp on track to become a Navy SEAL.  He was deployed, returned, and is now going to come home, enroll in college and study to become a music teacher.
    The step that needs to be taken towards a clarified understanding and lesser amount of misuse of “retard” and “retarded” is simply by informing others.  People need to be informed about the misuse and true definition of these words.  The only way I learned was through growing up with my brother.  If people don’t know the true definition, how will they be able to correctly use the word?  You don’t even have to start big.  Begin with your friends and let the news spread.  Encourage the correct use of the word and politely inform those who misuse it.  If somebody ignores or disagrees with you, move on.  Just a few people are a large enough amount to get something going.  This is the call to action, the time to rise.  Please, help make sure the true meaning is heard and understood.    

HS    

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