What does the word retarded mean to you?

Question

I work with people who are Mentally Retarded and I am sick of people saying I shouldn't use the word retarded in my daily language because it's not socially appropriate or politically correct. The clients I have are my equals on this planet, I have the utmost respect for people of all abilities. But I also do not feel that things should be sugar coated to make people more comforatable. I am straight forward and do not hold my clients hands through life. We all have things to over come and if we pretend they don't exist we never over come them. People have forgotten that retarded is a word that can be used for a lot of different things and it is not degrading, but descriptive. It means to be stunted, underdeveloped, or immature. Why should I not call someone who is clinically "Mentally Retarded" (diagnosis in thier medical files), exactly what they are? There is no medical diagnosis or mental health services that can be attained if someones labeled "a little slow".

Answer 1

Mentaly challenged.

Answer 2

I don't think this is the kind of issue where you should put too much energy into making a stand.
Sometimes, it's wiser to go with the flow. Do you want to gain a reputation for being stubborn because of semantics.
And if it makes the patient and their family feel more comfortable why not say the politically correct thing. Also you should clarify wether it is part of your job description to make the patient and family feel better about their situation and the care the patient is receiving.
I would understand your point better if we were talking about consumption v.s. cancer, in which case call a spade a spade, but this is just you being cranky. No offense though, I once lost an acting gig, because I refused to pronounce the word fiery as FIREY, I kept saying Feary. And I was sooo very wrong there. But I'd heard it pronounced feary in a shakespearean play and would not back down, so they booted me.
It truly was not worth it.

Answer 3

Dear, whatever label you choose is going to insult someone. The mere fact that individuals can be grouped under a variety of labels is offensive to some oversensitive busybodies. Your best bet is to choose the least offensive label you can and use that...and consider the source when someone pitches a &itch.

Anything wrong in your mind with the terms "mentally disabled" or "developmentally disabled"?

Answer 4

I see what you mean to a point. Honesty of course but brutal honesty is another thing. Correct somebody but always leave them with a leg to stand on. I can be a joker. Sometimes one who is slow takes it to heart and I have to say I was only kidding.
I get embarrassed and annoyed with myself and say "Boys I have to be careful.

Answer 5

Yes Retarded is legitimate , but ppl also use it in a 'funny' way, not that it is funny.

My kids call me retarded.. but not to make fun of the real retarded,

Answer 6

I really don't care if it offends you, because in my opinion, you don't have the right to. I don't hold grudge against mentally retarded people and respect them, but I still use the word retard as an insult, in a very, very different context. As in, so stupid they should get locked up.

Answer 7

Finally, a sensible humanbeing, it have been too long since logic was used in language. Do not fret it some find it offensive it is only narutal for people to fear truth.

Answer 8

its like, u dont have to be gay to be called the a f@g, but somehow people that are gay or han ou with gay people take offence. I think youre trippin cause you work with retards

Answer 9

You. Now do the dance.
Honest to God, get with the 21st century

Answer 10

Retarded to me means, any member of or who votes republican.