motionball's annual #NoGoodWay movement campaigns to end the use of the R-word, as new study shows half of Canadians use it regularly
Study: 48% of Canadians use or hear the word "retarded" at least once per week
TORONTO, March 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, national not-for-profit motionball will call on all Canadians to stop using the R-word or "retarded", as part of its annual #NoGoodWay campaign. This year's movement will launch with a series of online videos driven by the results of a new study that surveyed Canadians about their use of and feelings toward the R-word.
"Historically the R-word has been used to belittle those living with an intellectual disability, so it was jarring to learn that 48% of Canadians still use or hear it weekly. But we also learned that most Canadians are willing to change that — and that is powerful," said Mike Mills, motionball board member and creator of this year's #NoGoodWay videos.
Commissioned by motionball and conducted by Leger, the national R-word study surveyed 1,555 Canadians and revealed that:
- 68% of Canadians wouldn't hire a job candidate if they used the word "retarded" in an interview
- 64% of Canadians would be embarrassed if their partner used the R-word in front of their parents
- 50% of Canadians wouldn't go on a second date with someone who used the R-word
- 48% of Canadians believe that it is never acceptable to use the R-word
- 40% of Canadians wouldn't have sex with a partner if they used the R-word
The study also showed that 86% of Canadians are open to changing the words they use if they are offensive to others — yet 25% said they use the term "retarded" casually because it's not a big deal.
The survey was completed between November 23 to 26, 2018, using Leger's online panel. The margin of error for this study was +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90%.
The videos can be viewed or downloaded here:
30s - https://on.frame.io/JymrTadG
15s - https://on.frame.io/Og-qXklR
About the #NoGoodWay campaign:
Canadians from coast to coast are asked to show their support of the #NoGoodWay movement on March 27th by using the hashtag and sharing the video on their social networks. Launched in 2012 with support from Special Olympics Canada and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the #NoGoodWay campaign educates Canadians that there's #NoGoodWay to use the R-word.
For more information, please visit motionball.com/NoGoodWay and fb.com/NoGoodWay
About motionball:
motionball is a national non-profit organization founded by three best friends who happen to be brothers. With a mission to get the next generation involved in giving and integrating supporters and the athletes they support, Mark, Sean and Paul Etherington brought motionball to life in 2002. Today, motionball sees more than 9,000 supporters and Special Olympics athletes participate in more than 30 annual events nationwide and has raised over $11-million to date.
SOURCE motionball for Special Olympics
Jennifer Love | T: 416-271-5477, E: [email protected]
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