Poll: use of the word 'retarded'

[Mr.Pandah]

I don't like the overuse of any word. If someone is related to someone who is retarded, then yeah, I'll feel bad. But in all honesty, its a word, nothing more.

 

[Fightgarr]

I don't ever associate the word retarded with mental illness. Its not something I do. I say the word without thinking about that. I guess it is terrible of me to say on a certain level, but I felt that it had taken on a different definition.

Anyway, I realize that to some people with mental disabilities or mental differences, the word can be offensive. When I use it, I use it interchangeably with ludicrous and ridiculous, and while I realize completely that those words are not in any way synonymous with retarded I do not at all associate it with mental health. I will try and stop saying it, and I will definitely stop saying it if I ever refer to someone's mental health using that term.

 

[Pseudonym2]

I know enough retarded people that I get annoyed when people use it negatively. I never understood the "it's just a word" argument. Of course it's a word. Words have meaning and power behind them and "retarded" reflects the speaker's apathy towards people with mental disabilities.

 

[elricik]

Sadly Ive been saying a lot lately. I'm trying to break myself of it though. Not because its not politically correct. But you have to mix your insults a little bit, otherwise they won't hurt peoples feelings.

 

[Lazzi]

I get vexxed when its over used but i to take offense to from the actula word. Its more like when people say "uh" inbetween every other word.

 

[hypothetical fact]

Until everyone realises that being politically correct is for politicians I'll say retard as much as I like. However I get pissed at people saying poop because no matter how much you try to kidify a subject you are still taking about shit and it is not funny or cute. I also hate people that spell lose as loose on the internet. By typing loose you lose all credibility.

 

[qbert4ever]

To steal a quote, you should never use the word "retarded" to describe somebody that is, in fact, retarded. You should use it to describe non-retarded people when they themselves act retarded.

And by the way, a very good friend of mine is retarded. Hell of a guy, in fact. And he knows that I, and my friends, call people retarded when they do something stupid and is fine with it. So the people that use the "you must not know any actually retarded people if you use that word" argument can hop off their high-horse and into a lake.

Drinking game: Have a beer (or other drink) everytime you see the word "retarded" pop up in this thread.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Only in reference to my girlfriends parents dog or in using it when the word is supposed to be used (i.e. Retarded Growth etc)

 

[Markness]

Snipped

When I recounted this story to my mother I mentioned she must have been retarded. Is this an inappropriate use or not?

Naw, not really. That's using it in the context it's made for.

I thought it was the actual word used to describe the 'handicapped.' I mean mentally retarded means stunted mental capabilities right, and retarded is short for mentally retarded so shouldn't it be the appropriate word to describe the retarded?

Where I come from it's just another word for stupid, maybe very stupid. I don't see what's wrong with using it in that context. If your going to stop people saying retarded you may as well stop them saying stupid too.

Oh, and above the post Im quoting you were indeed being very hypocritical. Just because you say your being hypocritical doesn't mean it's ok to be hypocritical.

I know enough retarded people that I get annoyed when people use it negatively. I never understood the "it's just a word" argument. Of course it's a word. Words have meaning and power behind them and "retarded" reflects the speaker's apathy towards people with mental disabilities.

In my opinion using the word 'retarded' or 'gay' doesn't reflect anything about the users opinion towards those groups of people. How could calling the weather for example be interpreted as lack of respect for the mentally handicapped.

i it's referring to an inanimate object then it's no good but if it's referring to something like a decision that is obviously stupid then fair enough.

Do you mean animate object. Inanimate objects do not moves ie trees and rocks. If you do have a problem with using retarded to describe curtains and swingsets and are ok with me using it on people please explain.

Sorry for the wordilicious post, it's like people who I think are wrong are a constant pain at the back of the mind.

 

[Higurashi]

I was hoping this would just die out already, but, I guess that was a little hopeful (and pessimistic). It's been around since I was in grade school.

Am I the only one who doesn't like hearing or using the word 'retarded' to describe anything stupid?
It's probably because I've been around my dad's cousin. He's blind, paralyzed, and has a horrible impediment on his speech.

But regardless of that. Am I accomplishing nothing but being a tight ass, should I just leave the whole thing alone?

~edit~
Okay, edit. I know my dad's cousin isn't retarded, but seeing him in such a paralyzed state made me think about it.

Yes, it is only moronic to misuse such a word, and is brought on by what's popular and/or lack of vocabulary. When used in excess around me, I tend to smite with righteous fury.

 

[XxFear ItselfxX]

It doesn't bother me as much as it used to but this area seems to be stuck using vocabulary from the mid-90s. Retarded is used often in my school. I use stupid because it's not everywhere. Jew seems to be taking retarded's place though...

 

[dieseldub]

It occurred to me how words have changed and how we have changed with the word retarded and others. When I was a kid you would say someone was retarded or slow, then it became special education, and now it is special needs. Same with terms for races, social groups, and many other words. Roll with it...things and words change over time, and just try to be as respectful to others that are differant then you. You would expect the same from them wouldn't you? I guess the golden rule is the rule.

 

[Graustein]

How is calling a stupid person retarded politically incorrect?
I mean really, it's no worse than calling them a moron, idiot, imbecile, dumbass, fool, ignoramus and a multitude of other words that fail to spring to mind right now.

I really would like someone to explain to me how implying that someone has mental retardation, seriously or no, is worse than calling them stupid, which is pretty much another way to say the same thing.

 

[Anarchemitis]

re·tard 1
(r-tärd)
v. re·tard·ed, re·tard·ing, re·tards v.tr.
To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede. v.intr.
To be delayed. n.
1. A slowing down or hindering of progress; a delay.
2. Music A slackening of tempo.
3. Used as a disparaging term for a mentally retarded person.
4. [Pejorative] A person considered to be foolish or socially inept.

Hmm.. 1/4 definitions say it's an insult. Which means at least 3/4s of the time its use is abuse of the word.

 

[Isaac Dodgson]

Meh...

I know in New England at least the word is used as common as any other adjective. though it's normally pronounced "Re-Tahd"