Justice

Maria Shriver Thinks We Need to Stop Calling Trump 'Crazy'

August 15th 2016

Many words have been used to describe Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, but perhaps one word comes up more than others: crazy.

But activist and former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, is arguing that "crazy" is one word we shouldn't use to describe the former reality TV show host.

Shriver was inspired by her cousin, politician Patrick Kennedy, who wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post titled "Stop Calling Trump 'Crazy.' It Demeans People with Mental Illness." She wrote her own take for her online publication, "Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper," where she comes to this conclusion:

"[...] He's so right. Words matter. They hurt, they demean, and their effects can last a lifetime.

Who among us hasn't been stung by someone disparaging our bodies, or our minds, or our emotional state? I know I have. In fact, I know so many who have been called 'crazy' and then adopt the description for themselves, about themselves. The title sticks with people. Effects people. Impacts people."

"Mental health is no laughing matter. Neither is name-calling."

It seems as though the words "crazy" and "insane" are the latest terms to get a more thoughtful look. While it's perfectly reasonable to question or criticize Donald Trump on any of his many perplexing positions, Shriver argues that by calling him "crazy," you're stigmatizing mental illness by associating those who suffer from it with Trump's offensive behavior and opinions. 

Shriver argues that doing so could have "devastating consequences to their mental, emotional and/or physical health." She believes that this election has brought out "the worst in many of us" but also believes that we should omit the word "crazy" when describing our loved ones, or exes. 

Why? It can be summed up by Shriver's self-declared favorite quote:

"Be Kind, For Everyone You Meet Is Fighting A Hard Battle"

"The last thing anyone needs," she writes, "is to have their mental health disparaged." 

Share your opinion

Do you think it's wrong to use the word "crazy" to describe someone?

Yes 38%No 62%