Shriver to Emanuel: Let’s work together to end ‘R-word’
January 27th, 2010
In the wake of a news report that the White House chief of staff used the words “f–g retarded” in a strategy session, Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver called on Rahm Emanuel to join his campaign to stamp out the “R-word.”
Shriver’s letter to Emanuel, released today, said the terms “retard” and “retarded” perpetuate stereotypes and stigma against people with intellectual disabilities, and are “just as painful as any number of racial or ethnic slurs, jokes or taunts that society has committed to eradicating from our lexicon.”
“Of course, I have no way of knowing if this expression was actually used by you or anyone else,” Shriver wrote. “Regardless of whether the term was actually used or not, I would ask you to join us in this important fight.”
He called on Emanuel to take the pledge at www.r-word.org to avoid using the terms, and to help “change the conversation and raise awareness about the power of language and the hurtful nature of the R-word.”
“I know that private political discourse can sometimes include profanity,” Shriver said. “But at the same time, our community cannot accept the idea that they will remain the butt of jokes and taunts.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that Emanuel used the epithet in a meeting when told about a plan by liberal Democrats and White House staffers to attack conservative Democrats on health care
The Special Olympics serves more than 2.5 million athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 180 countries.
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February 4th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Mr. Emanuel needs to be fired. Period. Apology not accepted. My son has been made fun of all of his life.
Mr. Emanuel used this vicious comment that came from his heart. Now that this has become public and an embarrassment to our President a public apology will be issued, but will it be from the heart?
Mr. Emanuel needs to come and visit my son and walk a mile in his shoes. Maybe there will be a real change of heart.
It is a shame that a public figure of this magnitude cannot control his mouth. People who cannot control their mouth, do not need the responsibility such as Chief of Staff!
Ann Smith
Mom to Daniel who experiences Autism
Milton, Florida
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:12 pm
As supportive as I am of NOT using the R Word, and having respect for all, this R Word policing is becoming sadly obsessive and rather self defeating. You should keep your attention on the big issues.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:57 am
I am an Obama supporter. But cutting Emanuel loose would be a clear message to the world that there is no room anymore for disablism.
If Emanuel had used a slur against blacks, Sharpton and Jackson would be expressing outrage. They would demand Emanuel’s resignation.
If Emanual had used a slur against Jews, the ADL would be expressing outrage. They would demand Emanuel’s resignation.
Where is the outrage from the disability community?? Why isn’t anyone (aside from Sarah Palin) demanding Emanuel’s resignation?
I think that the disability community should come together with one voice and make it clear that this has to stop. An apology is not enough. Obama should let Emanuel go.
Gene Emmer
January 31st, 2010 at 12:12 am
I know I won’t be popular but there have been so many opportunities that Mr. Shriver could have responded to and maybe he has but we seem to only hear about the high profile situations like these. I wonder who is using who to get into the news. These days it seems any news is just a publicity stunt. To get into the news for offending the “retarded” is a easy mark without many repurcussions. I personally am getting so tired of this…. Don Imus was fired for his comments – when are we going to get serious? When are we going to demand true equality? I am tired of the empty apologies.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Guess I was wrong. Good to see Mr. Shriver’s quick response.
Also, I did get a return call from Special Olympics – they indicated that there was a conversation between Emanuel and Shriver, and Emanuel apologized. And apparently, there will be some sort of formal public apology by Emanuel at the White House, I am told.
Thanks again, Patricia, for all you do.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Again…….