"retard"?
I know many people throw it around as an insult but mental retardation is a serious medical condition, not a term meant for slander. People with cognitive disabilities are stigmatized enough, wouldn't it be nice if people stopped using the word in this way? Will you make a commitment to stop using it in a negative way? It would mean a lot to many individuals and families.
2007-08-22 08:27:25 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
I work with mentally challenged individuals. All I can say is thank you. It's nice that you bring attention to this subject.
May your journey in life be amazingly sweet.
2007-08-22 08:47:06 · answer #1 · answered by poetic journey 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have a mentally retarded uncle, and I use the "r" word. When I say, "you retarded" I'm not making fun of mentally challenged people, I'm making fun of the person I'm talking to. Today I don't think retarded is used to describe people with disabilities, but more for stupid (non disabled) person. I don't think I'm going to stop saying it, but I might think more about it next time.
2007-08-22 15:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by Shelbi =) 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I totally agree with you, and I am so glad that you wrote this question. That word is insensitive, offensive, and every time you use it, you are essentially making fun of people with mental disabilities.
2007-08-22 15:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by Gummybear 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only time I use the word is when the actual definition is being used. I do not use it in a derogatory sense.
2007-08-22 15:44:32 · answer #4 · answered by Erin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no i do not.....recently (in the last year) i had to start reprimanding my 15 year old daughters for using that word...it is not something i take lightly...it is cruel and insensitve to show such a lack of disrespect for someone who has no control over their mental ability by using such a word to insult someone who is not disabled mentally
2007-08-22 15:36:10 · answer #5 · answered by cookiesmom 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, "retard" is terrible. I hate when people say it! I prefer "window licker".
Also, for the most part...."retard" isn't thrown around as an insult to someone who is, indeed, retarded. It is, rather, thrown around as an insult for someone of "normal" mental faculties that perhaps isn't using them to the best of their abilities.
2007-08-22 15:36:19 · answer #6 · answered by whydewyouask@sbcglobal.net 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
No!
I am a teacher, and I consider that the "R Word" as well. My class knows they better not say it.
2007-08-22 15:31:44 · answer #7 · answered by Matt s 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, I do not use that word and often suggest others don't either.
2007-08-22 16:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by Green Eyes 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I use the word at times. Joking among friends, I might say "don't be a retard." I also say "don't be gay." It's called a sense of humor. Look into it.
2007-08-22 16:02:38 · answer #9 · answered by A Plague on your houses 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋
I only use it if I'm quoting someone verbatim. And even then I cringe.
2007-08-22 15:36:57 · answer #10 · answered by ennie 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋