The State of Missouri is trying to pass two bills this spring that deal with the changing of the names of a Department. Missouri is only one of seven States that still use the term Mental Retardation. The two bills are SB 756 and Legislative bill 576. Both bills deal with changing the names of State Institutions.
The term “mental retardation” is a medical term that came into use a lot in the early 1970’s. There are two lines of thought that have to be given consideration when changing a name. The first one deals with a deemphasis-emphasis of the problem that challenges many Americans. A lot of individuals believe that by changing the name, could take away a mechanism for allocating funds to a very needy area. The other line of thought is that of individual dignity and respect.
The problem is finding the correct (politically) words to use. By eliminating the words mental and retardation, you are drifting away from the true definition of the phrase.
Many individuals fought hard to bring attention to those individuals that are mentally challenged. They feel that by getting rid of the term shifts the importance of helping these individuals. They feel that a change will be a way for society to forget the importance of looking out for this group of Americans.
In recent years our society has placed a very strong importance on using the right language in many areas. Language has been changed to give dignity and respect to people of race, color, religion, positions (jobs), and those that are physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged. Regardless how you look at it, it is a form of labeling.
Individuals that use these type of slang expressions are corrected by their peers or individuals around them. These expressions are used both verbally and in written form.
Is being politically correct getting away from the true meaning of a challenged area? Let’s take a look at another area. The area of the Physically Handicapped. Many physically handicapped individuals don’t like the label of being handicapped. They are productive citizens in both the work place and society. Still there are many Americans that depend on the term physically handicapped. They use it when they park their car, use an elevator, get into a line, use special doors, restrooms, and many common courtesy’s that other individuals bestow on them.
I have tried to assist physically handicapped individuals and have been thanked as well as chastised for my effort. Each individual is different, Many are appreciative of my help. Still there are others that get upset with me. “They can do it themselves.”
Mentally challenged individuals are the same way in their attitudes towards others. Some like to be helped and count on it and others want to be left alone.
This is a problem that our society has had for some time when it comes to handicapped individuals. Over all, I think that our society has done a very good job of handling the challenge of dealing with handicapped individuals. There is a strong awareness of what handicapped individuals are faced with and we are always looking for ways to help them out. Whether it is ramps for wheelchairs, parking areas, are changing terms to be politically correct, our society is making a strong conscious effort to help those individuals out without attacking their dignity and respect.
I am sure that the people in Missouri will find an amiable way to do the same.
