VOICEBOX with David Coury

Words Matter

February 4th, 2010

I teach it’s not just what words you use but how you use them. But before context, words on their own can have an impact, can have power. Words matter. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel’s used the word “retarded” back in August in a private political strategy meeting. This was reported and Rahm apologized. Yesterday he met with Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics, and apologized — again. Rahm was asked to join the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign as Shriver and other advocates for Americans with disabilities are committed to having the R word removed out of everyday speech. Sarah Palin has now lashed out at Rahm for using the R word and called on Obama to fire Rahm. Does she think R-bomber Rush Limbaugh should be fired as well? As hurtful and insulting as the R word is to anyone with a disability and those who love them, I’d ask everyone to consider the impact of Rahm’s use of the S word — “sorry.” Or does the word “sorry” not matter? The R word carries more weight because…? Here it is: it doesn’t all come down to authenticity and intention and context/circumstance. Was Rahm calling someone with a disability “r—-?” No. Was he sincerely sorry if he hurt anyone by the use of the word? Perhaps. Still, a word’s power is not only as lethal as the intention behind it. Take the word “gay” or the N word? These are hot button words on their own, no matter the intention behind their use. With certain words, it’s not about the speaker but the ears that these words fall on that count. So the question begs, what about free speech? Yes, what about it? And at what price? More than words, human beings matter.

Entry Filed under: DC's Washington, The Hill