I thought this video was a perfect topic for a media blog since it is something I actually see happening today.
The video focuses more on facts about Down Syndrome and how it is a serious illness, rather than the roll the word "retarded" plays in society. Even so, the "R" word and the media are connected.
Today, most of our society seems to think that it is okay to just throw the word retard around. At school I hear it all the time. "You're so retard, you didn't do the second page of the homework." "We have a test on Wednesday, that's so retarded." I even have a few friends who say things like this. It's not okay. Although I'm sure they aren't purposely trying to make fun of people who have Down Syndrome or who are mentally retarded, it just shows how emotionally numb parts of our society have become.
A lot of this "numbness", I believe, comes from the media.
Constantly, I come across pictures and cartoons like this. Many comedy channels, TV shows, and movies do the same thing. Through the use of the word retarded throughout the media, people think that saying things like shown above are okay, and even humorous.
The media can be a great instrument for change, if used correctly. More videos like the documentary posted by Upworthy need to be made and shared. That way we stop being such an extremely rude and hateful society.
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