Use of R-Word as Slur Against People with Disabilities Shows Signs of Resurgence

The R-word has been viewed as a slur against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for several years. Advocacy groups and campaigns have worked to discourage its use due to the harm it causes. Recent observations indicate a resurgence in its application by public figures and on social media platforms.

A woman who has Down syndrome described the impact of hearing the word. She stated that it feels like "having the wind knocked out of you, like you're not visible to them. " People using the word often aim to demean others.

In the 2010s, celebrities including members of the Kardashian family and basketball player LeBron James issued public apologies after using the R-word. Despite these efforts, the word has been used by high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan.

U.S. President Donald Trump used it in a Thanksgiving Day post last year directed at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Paul Etherington, co-founder of the disability awareness non-profit Motionball, reported noticing more frequent use of the slur over the last two to three years. His organization runs the No Good Way campaign to encourage people to stop using the R-word.

Amy Hewitt, director of the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, researches inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

She stated that when leaders use the word, it signals to others that such language is acceptable. Hewitt emphasized the need for ongoing education, as new generations require repeated awareness efforts. Hewitt shared a personal example involving her brother-in-law, who has an intellectual disability.

During a visit to a grocery store, he overheard another customer using the R-word, which visibly distressed him. She questioned why individuals would choose language known to be hurtful despite requests to avoid it.