I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Toronto Marathon of Sport. Organized by Motionball, this event supports the Special Olympics. During lunch one inspiring Special Olympian spoke of his youth, which involved countless episodes of bullying, with both emotional and physical abuse by other children.
One word reigned supreme: the “R” word. Not surprisingly, it brought much shame and his self-confidence plummeted. Luckily, he was introduced to the Special Olympics later in life and is a completely new person. However, the R-word still is still in existence and he argued that it should be eliminated from the English language.
This fall, Motionball is introducing a #YELLOWCARD campaign to end the R-word.
But why wait until then?
On a piece of paper, write it down and say it aloud. Then, rip the paper and promise never to say it again.
Seems simple right? Better yet, if you hear it mentioned among friends, don’t be afraid to say that the word is inappropriate.
A news conference during the recent NBA playoffs was a prime example of carelessness in answering a question. When responding to defending Miami Heat star Lebron James, Indiana Pacer Roy Hibbert used a gay slur (and was subsequently fined $75,000).
Regardless of celebrity status, and even if you’re not trying to purposely offend, words carry meaning.
Are you using your words to describe, or change, the situation? To help, or to hurt, others?
There are thousands of words to select from. Why not use yours to inspire?
*If you’re interested in becoming a #YELLOWCARD ambassador you can register here! *
