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The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign is pleased to announce the release of a new hard-hitting public service announcement (PSA) called "Not Acceptable."
This 30-second television PSA gives voice to a variety of diverse communities, each of whom expresses that it is not acceptable to call them by what were once common words, but are now recognized as offensive slurs. It culminates in actress and self-advocate Lauren Potter from “Glee” stating that it is not acceptable to use the word ‘retard.’ She and “Glee” co-star Jane Lynch make a call to action to stop using the R-word and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One constant challenge with raising awareness about the hurtful nature of the R-word is that most people do not view it to be as hurtful as other common epithets that our society has consensually removed from our lexicon. The PSA “Not Acceptable” tackles that challenge head on in a hard-hitting and impactful way in an effort to educate our society that for people with intellectual disabilities and those that love them, the R-word is just as hurtful as any other slur. You can make a difference today by taking the pledge to stop using the word 'retard' and replace it with a new R-word: Respect.
“Not Acceptable” has been previewed by and received support from multiple advocacy organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, Special Olympics, GLAAD, Best Buddies, Hispanic Federation, National Puerto Rican Coalition, Asian American Federation, AbilityPath.org and the NAACP. See the statements of support.
To date, multiple networks have committed to airing this powerful and compelling PSA including Fox and a majority of their cable channels and regional sports networks, CBS, MTV, USA Network, and Turner networks including TNT, TBS, truTV and CNN.
"Not Acceptable" was executive produced by Jim Serpico and Tom Sellitti of New York based Apostle, and shot, produced and directed by Spot On from City Island, NY.
Watch the PSA, "Not Acceptable," and share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
Statements of Support
Spread the Word to End the Word
One constant challenge we face with raising awareness about the hurtful nature of the R-word is that most people do not view it to be as hurtful as other common epithets that our society has consensually removed from our lexicon. We believe the public service announcement “Not Acceptable” tackles that challenge head on in a hard-hitting and impactful way in an effort to educate our society that for people with intellectual disabilities and those that love them, the R-word is just as hurtful as any other slur. We hope everyone who sees this public service announcement will go to www.r-word.org and take our pledge to stop using the word 'retard' and replace it with a new R-word: Respect.
Anti-Defamation League
"This PSA compellingly and succinctly reminds us that words have power. When they are used to denigrate any group of people, including people with intellectual disabilities, people and institutions have the responsibility to communicate that such behavior is unacceptable. ADL is proud to endorse this PSA." David Waren, Director, Education Division
GLAAD
"We applaud your campaign, "THE R-WORD," and the impactful public service announcement. The slurs used in the PSA are words most Americans do not want to hear. Unfortunately, these damaging words are said every day, but this message reminds us all that we must choose our words carefully and always remember that words are powerful and can potentially hurt others." Jarrett T. Barrios, President
NAACP
“In 2006, the NAACP buried the use of the ‘N’ word with the goal of removing this derogatory word from modern usage. Although we wish to register our concern for the use of this and other historically racist speech, we support the spirit of your Public Service Announcement regarding the ‘R’ word.” Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman
AbilityPath.org
"This PSA is a powerful step forward in our quest for respect and equality for people with disabilities. Language and dismissive remarks of someone’s worth, in this case those with varying abilities, is often the precursor to bullying. As one of the largest online communities for families of children of and professionals serving children and youth with disabilities, AbilityPath.org endorses without reservation, your PSA featuring Lauren Potter and Jane Lynch. Thank you again for your tireless efforts in creating champions and for being one for people with intellectual disabilities." Sheryl Young, CEO
Special Olympics
"This PSA puts forth critical messages that words have tremendous power to hurt or to heal, that language can evolve and we all have a responsibility to speak out against injustice in any form. Equating people with intellectual disabilities to all other minorities is an important first step to make in the minds of many people as they choose the words they use in their everyday lives. This PSA brings that equality to the forefront in a way that cannot be ignored. Special Olympics proudly endorses the PSA." Tim Shriver, Chairman & CEO
Best Buddies
"This innovative PSA drives home the messaging that Best Buddies and Special Olympics have been trying to convey through our Spread the Word to End the Word campaign: words can hurt, especially when used in a derisive fashion. Hopefully this PSA will help others learn to see people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the same way we at Best Buddies do – as classmates, as colleagues, as friends, and most importantly, as equals." Anthony Shriver, Founder & Chairman
Susan Senator
"This spot is a new approach to spreading the word, and it kept me watching because of its directness, its in-your-face honesty. This clear and inclusive PSA, as well as the ethnically inclusive content of the ad, succeeds in sending the message far and wide, and should really open some eyes and minds." Susan Senator,