Stop stop stop stop saying this word!!!!!

[Cassie 8]

I HATE HATE HATE HATE it when people use the word "retarded" or various variations of such. :angry:

It's derogatory and unnecessary. Use another word!!!!!!!

/end mini rant.

[MissStacey 1]

I call myself a computard because I am not a computer whiz.

Are you mad at me?

[SteveLaura 0]

I HATE HATE HATE HATE it when people use the word "retarded" or various variations of such. :angry:

It's derogatory and unnecessary. Use another word!!!!!!!

/end mini rant.

I agree. I was surprised at how often the word is bandied about when I first came to this country. I find it offensive.

[BJZags 17]

It's derogatory and unnecessary. Use another word!!!!!!!

Isn't that the point of using that word? It is SUPPOSED to be derogatory or insulting? When people use it, I would expect them to WANT to get that rise out of you. NO?

[Cassie 8]

It's derogatory and unnecessary. Use another word!!!!!!!

Isn't that the point of using that word? It is SUPPOSED to be derogatory or insulting? When people use it, I would expect them to WANT to get that rise out of you. NO?

No. it's offensive. It makes a mockery of people who have mental disabilities, IMHO. My sister-in-law has a precious precious niece who was born with Down's Syndrome, and her sweet face flashes in my mind whenever I see that word.

Edited October 16, 2007 by Cassie

[chri'stina 190]

I agree Cassie.

[LaL 418]

/sigh - I agree Cassie.

[Cassie 8]

I call myself a computard because I am not a computer whiz.

Are you mad at me?

It may be splitting hairs, and I may be labeled as a hypocrite, but I have to be honest and say it doesn't as much as using the original whole word.

[NavarreMan 10]

Never buy a really old car. You would have to adjust or retard the spark to get it to run. I assume you are refering to the context in which the word is used and not necessarily the word itself?

[Cassie 8]

Never buy a really old car. You would have to adjust or retard the spark to get it to run. I assume you are refering to the context in which the word is used and not necessarily the word itself?

There is a difference between the verb "retard" (ie. to slow down, hinder, etc) as opposed to using it as an adjective (normally as an insult), yes.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

I too was amazed at how easy people use that word here in the US.... I had not heard that word since I was a little girl.... I too find it offensive and dont understand who it seems to be acceptable to call someone with learning difficulties a retard....

Kez

[Jenn! 918]

I think many people say it without even thinking of how it could be offensive. It's used so much, I don't even know if people relate it to mentally handicapped people anymore. I'm not excusing it because I do think it's offensive. But I think that usually the intent is not malicious.

[NavarreMan 10]

Keeping in mind that the word defines the condition, should we include stupid, moronic, idiotic and a host of others. We really need to just concentrate on being respectful of others. As difficult as that may be sometimes.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think it's the new 'stupid' as in "Don't be so retarded." Not the connotation necessarily of being born with a mental disability.

I am careful about saying a lot of words in public that others might take out of context or find offensive. When I'm at a restaurant, I try not to cuss out loud. I've noticed that some people do so without any hesitation. To be mindful of what you are saying within earshot of others, IMO, is understanding social etiquette, not being PC.

Whatever words we have that are considered taboo will be used by some because they are taboo. There will always be bad manners - I'd just point it out to that person what a social f##ktard they are.

Edited October 16, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[almaty 19]

i started out in the field working 5 years with developmentally disabled kids in a speical behavioral school..some of the most honest sweetest kids i ever worked with..and i also, agree...with sister cassie