Respect Is The New R Word

Respect is the NEW R word 

As I scroll through social media  and see how disrespectfully we talk about others, especially those with developmental differences I feel the need to speak out, to educate those that may not actually know someone with a developmental difference in hopes of making progress with regards to acceptance, inclusion and to change the way we speak about others.

In the last couple of years people with Down syndrome have been targeted by comedians, cruel memes, and those who are trying to call others down and it needs to stop. We need to find another way to get a point across instead of marginalizing people who deserve to be treated with Respect. 

Respect, is the new R word. 

I truly believe that if the people making these comments knew someone with Down syndrome or would keep an open mind and heart when others shout their worth, they would know what incredible people they are and how hard their families work to advocate for acceptance and inclusion for them and others with developmental differences, that this prejudice and hate speech would end.

People with Down syndrome are worthy, able, hard working, intelligent, and beautiful human beings. They spread love and kindness to all who know them. 

Last week an article was written on a Facebook page called Thunder Bay Courthouse - Inside Edition about a member of our police service with the extremely derogatory and uneducated comment that “the Director of Down syndrome is famous for his laziness.” Many people responded to the post with respectful and educated responses and asked him to remove this reference. I, and many others tried to educate instead of retaliating in negativity and most of our comments were deleted. These references have to stop, we need to be and speak respectfully about others.

People aren’t punchlines! 

Hope Manduca, image retrieved via Kate Manduca

This sweet girl (pictured) is one of many people in our city who happens to have Down syndrome, she radiates love and kindness everywhere so goes, she is smart and beautiful and is not deserving of the prejudiced comments spoken. 

In a world where you can be anything, be kind!