The Meaning in a Word

Instructional assistant and special education teacher, Brannon Burnett, and Yorktown student Lia Tampubolon
Instructional assistant and special education teacher, Brannon Burnett, and Yorktown student Lia Tampubolon
In the fourth installment of our week long Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, instructional assistant and special education teacher Brannon Burnett shares his thoughts on the r-word. Come back tomorrow for two more reflections.
What gives words their meanings? We do. We give words meaning by the context in which we communicate them to one another. So, while the word “retardation” was once used as a medical term, it is no longer. Why? Because it was taken out of the medical context and put to colloquial use in a demeaning way.  Words are powerful in that sense.
The transformation and creation of words ebb and flow with each new generation. Let this generation be the one that puts an end to the r-word by standing up to your peers who lack depth in their vocabulary. Recognize the power held within the vibrations of your voice. Truly understand the words you speak and try in earnest to use only kind words. Ignorance will always play a key role in the battle of good versus evil, but you can join the fight to “spread the word to end the word.”  It is actually quite simple.  Any time you hear someone say the word, you just use this slogan.  No explanation required, but if you find yourself in need of one, I offer you this, mean people suck!

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