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John here
Last week, The Rock used the R-word (retarded) during a
televised roast of Kevin Hart. He used it to try to be funny.
It was not funny to me. And I needed to say something.
So, I made a video. I spoke directly to The Rock about why
that word hurts, why it hurts people like me every single time it is used. I posted it on Sunday afternoon.
In less than 24 hours, nearly 400,000 people have watched
it.
I did not expect that. But I am grateful. Because I want
everyone to know that we should not use the R-word.
When I was growing up, people stopped using the R-word. Now,
it is coming back on TV, online and in conversations. And that needs to stop.
I have Down syndrome. I have built a business. I have
testified before Congress. I was on Capitol Hill just last week meeting with legislators. I know what people with differing abilities can do.
But words matter. And when people use the r-word, even as a
joke, it tells people like me that we are less than everyone else. That we do not belong. That we are something to laugh at.
We are not.
I am asking you to watch the video on Facebook or YouTube. Please share it. Help me reach more people.
Thank you for your support. When you buy our socks, you make
it possible not only for us to hire people with differing abilities, but for us to stand up and be heard.
John Cronin
Co-Founder & Chief Happiness Officer
John’s Crazy Socks
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