Call you or someone you know a retard? My cousin has rett syndrome. She cannot eat on her own, talk, walk, or anything else for that matter. She has recently started siezing daily. Now, she is only 8. Does she deserve this? Depending on my mood, sometimes it will really offend me if people say someone is retarded.
2006-09-04 14:55:47 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I'll definitely think twice before calling someone a retard now. I'm really sorry, many people say things like this, i think they just think of it as a joke, but now it's not even funny, it's A serious matter, and more people need to know that
2006-09-04 14:58:27 · answer #1 · answered by Nessa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it depends on the person that says it and the context that they are saying it in. If you did something silly or stupid and someone calls you retarded, don't take offence they are just playing.
i think the only time you should be offended to someone call you retarded or anything else for that matter.. is during heated discussions, arguements, etc.. becuase they mean the way they are saying it. They are saying it in a context to hurt another.
but even then...it could just be out of anger.. i'm sure you've said thing out of anger you didn't mean as well.
2006-09-04 15:01:24 · answer #2 · answered by cougardame 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"retard" is a word that is becoming unacceptable for use in the US. It is not PC and its just mean. There are many other descriptive words that people can use if they are describing someone who has some sort of disability. There is no excuse for using it.
I know what you mean about taking somethings personally depending on your mood. Happens to everyone. Sometimes something that offended me once, I dont even notice. I do however, notice when people use language that is rude and unacceptable even if they are not addressing me it upsets me.
2006-09-04 15:05:02 · answer #3 · answered by Am 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have a right to be offended. People still have not come to terms with how deep this offends some people. I work with people with developmental disabilities, many of these people cannot talk or walk or even eat on their own and yet they are so sweet. They are gifts I believe from God. I dont really understand why they were born the way they were, but I think God uses them to touch our lives. I know that sounds really corny and from a hallmark or lifetime movie.... but I have finally come to realize that this is the absolute truth of the matter. I would just try and educate the people who do use that term so loosely... especially friends who say it out of habit and not out of negativity.
2006-09-04 14:59:20 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is just my opinion! YES it offends me especially when they are referring to my relatives in this matter. I have a mentally retarded brother and cousin (who can't talk). I get really upset when people say things that offends me about them. However, I am learning how to pray for these people who does things as this b'cus actually they are the ones that are "retarded" b'cus they have no clue or concept of these Special People...I know how you feel concerning this area...we just have to believe that together that things and people will change....AL~
2006-09-04 15:01:30 · answer #5 · answered by AL~ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Webster's Dictionary definition of retard is to hold back or to delay the progress of. Retarded is slow or limited in intellectual, emotional or academic progress. My husband and I have a son who could be called retarded because he is developmentally delayed. I personally do not like the words retard or retarded because the people who use those words are focusing on a person's disabilities rather than their abilities.
2006-09-05 03:27:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mollywobbles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have friends and coworks that are mentally/physically challenged and it truly does offend me when someone uses the word retarded. It's not the proper use of the word and has a really negative connotation. If someone says it in front of me, all I do is tell them that I find it really offensive and could they please not use it like that. And as an RA in a college dorm, I hear it a lot.
2006-09-04 15:13:28 · answer #7 · answered by Jess B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When people say "That is retarded" or "Oh how retarded". That doesn't bother me. When people are specific and point out, like "You Retard" than that bothers me a little, but I try to take it in stride and also in context.
My brother-in-law is very slow and we see with him people call him a retard all the time. He isn't, but sometimes acts like he is. It makes me mad sometimes that people actually say it. I mean it isn't like he is doing something stupid on purpose.
2006-09-04 15:03:53 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you must understand the word my dear child. Retard is a musical term. It is used when the music must slow down. It was given as a term of endearment to those who are "slow" in everyday life. Your cousin is not retarded...she is mentally impaired. To say your cousin is 'slow' or 'retarded' is a severe understatement. I prefer to call those who do not catch on quickly "dense" like a brick.
2006-09-04 14:59:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use the term special needs person and I stick to my guns with it. Speaking up is not a crime. Just because she isn't like everyone else doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings. If she can hear these comments. and I'm sure at some point in time, she has, then it hurts her. How will she defend herself whether or not she is present when the remark is made?
2006-09-04 15:00:05 · answer #10 · answered by Buttercup_5 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋