to those who are actually retarded? Today I saw a question directed at Christians in the R&S section, asking: "Retardians, how much did your cult cost you today?". The questioner's intent was to insult Christians & assumed incorrectly that churches are only after money. I've heard the word "retarded" used many times in a derogatory way to say that a person is stupid. Retarded people are not stupid. They are mentally disabled. Big difference. Stupidity comes from a lack of basic common sense & implies foolishness. Those who are retarded truly can't help their condition. My brother was retarded (Down's Syndrome) & he had more class, good character & couth than many people I know. He accepted everyone who accepted him. He didn't care how a person believed, what they looked like, or anything else - only how they treated him. He is dead & it offends me when others use his condition to insult someone. Just wondering if others disapprove of such a blatant misuse of a word.
2007-05-27 15:24:07 · 12 answers · asked by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
To Dust in the Wind (Peg), thank you for your answer. Yes, I did love him very much. He died suddenly 2 years ago. He was quite a guy and all who knew him couldn't help but to love and appreciate him. Thank you all for your answers, and to the teenagers answering, it gives me hope that our youth today recognize that words have power to hurt & offend & know that this word is offensive. Thanks!!
2007-05-27 15:40:38 · update #1
Bless you Ladyofadc !! Thank you for your answer.
2007-05-27 16:05:12 · update #2
as a 13 year old girl, i must say...that many teenagers and kids use it these days. i will not say i have never used it....cuz i used it all the time with my friends when i was being sarcastic. but ive recently stopped...and i have tried to control myself..because i know it is offensive to people who really are retarded. but thanks for sharing this post....its nice to see im not the only one who doesnt use it.
2007-05-27 15:28:30 · answer #1 · answered by Teenager 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am a social work senior and took a developmental disabilities course and yes, the use of the term "retarded" is now looked down upon. It implies stupidity and having lesser value. And as you so wonderfully described, your brother was a beautiful person despite his syndrome. The terms developmentally disabled or mentally challenged is preferred. If you want more information on awareness, look up an organization called Best Buddies. I am a member of this and it matches students up with developmentally disabled adults in the community. It's an AWESOME experience! The link is bestbuddies.org
2007-05-27 16:01:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Saying thet someone is "retarded" simply implies mental retardation. Calling someone that suffers from this condition a "retard" would be derogatory.
Being "stupid" or a "fool" implies that person has a normal capacity to have an average IQ but wastes it. That would be worse than having a condition you could not control.
2007-05-27 15:32:35 · answer #3 · answered by khanoldfriend 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree hun, when it is used to insult it is very disrespectful of those who, through no fault of their own, have been labeled as retarded. I try to remind people, with little success, that insults are the tools of losers and anyone who must stoop to such a thing loses. Still, I know I have done it myself...though not with that word.
Thank you for sharing about your brother, you must have loved him very much.
The Ol' Hippie Jesus Freak
Grace, Peace and Love in Christ
Peg
2007-05-27 15:29:36 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i think it is direspectful and that people should start saying less. I say sometimes because these things happen and words slip out. Though I know most people dont mean in a disrespectful way.
2007-05-27 15:28:01 · answer #5 · answered by beautifulxxlies. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't have a problem with the use of any word directed at someone who is not even close to the word used...but in your example, i would not call a retarded person a 'retard'...that IS disrespectful...get my drift?...
2007-05-27 15:28:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Definitely disrespectful.
2007-05-27 15:26:42 · answer #7 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I feel is a bad thing to say in any society
2007-05-27 15:27:23 · answer #8 · answered by sockspaw7 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This word is greatly offensive
It kills me when people my age let that word fly in every other sentence they say (even if it's "jokingly"). I often say, "reword it" if I hear someone near me say it.
:(
2007-05-27 15:29:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a word that uneducated fools hide behind. =)
2007-05-27 15:27:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋