Do you think calling a "mentally ill" person "retarded" is offensive?

Question

Last year in high school (my senior year) my english teacher taught us all to say "retarded" instead of "mentally ill"... then he criticized and made fun of all people that say "mentally ill" or "mentally challenged".. he said the word is "retarded", it's not intended to be offensive but people just think it is.

He also used the word "ni**er" instead of calling it the n-word (he was white)... I guess he felt that saying the actual word made more sense. But he only used the word when he was trying to teach us about a book based on racism or a movie or something. There were a lot of black students in the calss and they didn't mind it.

Is he right?

Angelcat, I highly disagree with your last paragraph because I do think that it is all too necessary to bring up the n-word in a discussion about racism. Since that word is probably considered the most racist word there is. And it incited much violence in the past years..

Also, my teacher didn't actually "drill" it in their brains like you're trying to say. He usually used it to make a good point, not in a racist way.

Most of you will agree that "retarded" is actually a fitting word to describe people of limited brain function. However, because of the way it is often used it's considered offensive.

Because there's a difference between saying, "My best friend is unfortunately retarded" and "HEY retard!! WTF are you doing?!"

The way my teacher was using the word was the first way. He was serious and I doubt he was trying to put a bad thought in our mind. However I understand that because these words are used in an offensive way often, it's best not to use them.

Answer 1

He is right. More and more the PC police are restricting how and what people say. For hundreds of years brain damaged people were considered mentally retarded. The word "retarded" meaning limited or restricted in ability. People who were physically restricted were considered crippled.

Now for some odd reason, these perfectly accurate words have been demonized. Now, there have always been odd people who enjoy making fun of mentally retarded or crippled people. That is whom should be addressed.

My friend who is unable to walk do to paralysis caused by an accident said it best. He said call me physically challenged if you wish but it doesn't make me any less crippled.... or sexy!

.

Answer 2

Yes, that is very offensive. There are people with various mental illnesses that are very intelligent and that is because the certain mental disability they have doesn't effect their brains to that point. My best friend has Schizophrenia and takes medication and sees her therapist on a regular basis yet you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at her that she is ill. She went to college and is a very smart person. So the term "retarded" is not only offensive it is also very not true in many cases.

You would probably be surprised to find that the person standing next to you is mentally ill. You know why? Because they look normal, talk normal, and act normal. They can be as normal as apple pie in every way except for that illness and each mental illness is not always visible.

So no he is not right. And saying the n**er word is just as bad. Even though those children didn't seem to mind, him continually saying it is being drummed into their brains. Even though they may hear it at home they don't need to hear it from a teacher. Coming from a person of authority they will probably learn that it is alright and normal to say that and it isn't rignt. That word does not have to be used when teaching children about racism.

Answer 3

First off, mentally ill and retarded are two different things. Your teacher was mistaken. Secondly, just because a small group of people don't mind the use of a certain word does not make it okay to use.

So no its not offensive - its wrong.
No he's not right - he's in the wrong profession.

Answer 4

"Developmentally disabled" might be more politically correct. The word "retarded" is still used in some contexts, but is considered rude by many. "Mentally ill" would include a lot of other types of symptoms beyond what you are referring to.

I'm sorry, but I didn't completely understand your second point or the context in which it occurred.

Answer 5

My sister-in-law's sister is bi-polar. She has been called "retarded" but pretty often the name used as a "joke". She doesn't think so. Personally, I think that's unnecessary.

I don't throw up my hands at the N world. I realize it's used to provoke reactions, so therefore, I don't let it get to me. I've seen and heard more shocking things than that.

Answer 6

No Brit is not offensive at all , plenty of times abroad I have been called a Brit and they are right its only short for British - no biggie

Answer 7

Well. I guess it depends on whether the person means it to be offensive. I mean, being retarded means your slow which IS what mentally handicapped people are.... usually.

Answer 8

The question is do you think you could say that and not be labelled a racist or fascist? the answer is probably not so dont say it even if you cant see why not!!

Answer 9

i think it is very offensive and i try to never use the word retarted even as a joke

Answer 10

maybe to the retard.....you never know, they might be offended by the "politically correct" mentally ill. huh, mentally ill.....sounds like a disease.