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

[Sister Fracas 5]

No need to insult the OP just b/c you disagree.

Not going to get into what words/phrases/opinions bother me on VJ, but this is probably the most important statement in this thread.... how unfortunate some people feel the need to do this.

Oh and P.S., yeah lots of us found our spouses on forums, so I'd guess that means there have been a lot of fantasies fulfilled.... hurrah!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Having grown up with a parent with a mental illness I personally find the word "Nutter" rather more objectionable rather than "retard" (though that's really just a British version of the same thing). I think those words have pretty much the same meaning - but its a different kettle of fish to use them as a general colloquialism than when it is directed at specific people with mental health disorders.

For the same reason that its wrong to point and laugh at someone in a wheelchair its wrong to poke fun at someone with a mental illness.

[Cassie 8]

My point in posting what I did was a simple wish wrapped up in a mini rant. A wish that people would think before they speak. That they consider what words they use, not just because they could be hurtful to others, but how it might reflect on them as the person using them.

Do I expect that everyone on VJ will read this thread and say "Well, because Cassie hates this word and wishes we wouldn't use it, I won't use it" ? Heck no, I'm not that naive. Am I surprised that some think I'm too sensitive, I need to develop a thicker skin, etc etc etc? Nope, not at all.

Do I hope that people read this thread and think about the words that come out of their mouths? Heck yes.

Stina, you are too kind.

[Sister Fracas 5]

My point in posting what I did was a simple wish wrapped up in a mini rant. A wish that people would think before they speak. That they consider what words they use, not just because they could be hurtful to others, but how it might reflect on them as the person using them.

Do I expect that everyone on VJ will read this thread and say "Well, because Cassie hates this word and wishes we wouldn't use it, I won't use it" ? Heck no, I'm not that naive. Am I surprised that some think I'm too sensitive, I need to develop a thicker skin, etc etc etc? Nope, not at all.

Do I hope that people read this thread and think about the words that come out of their mouths? Heck yes.

you RAWK girl!

[Fandango 1,439]

Well I met my man irl, but I found my BFF on an online forum, so Marc, I have to day I disagree with you there!

Re: 'retarded'........I think that it's just a non-malicious meaning word for most people. I don't think there'd be many who would laugh at a handicapped person in a wheelchair.

I think certain words can be sensitive to some because they have a personal connection....like Cassie and her niece.

But I have to say I cringed with the 'don't make me lock this thread down' bit cos I really hate stuff like that.

[DeadPoolX 9]

My point in posting what I did was a simple wish wrapped up in a mini rant. A wish that people would think before they speak. That they consider what words they use, not just because they could be hurtful to others, but how it might reflect on them as the person using them.

Do I expect that everyone on VJ will read this thread and say "Well, because Cassie hates this word and wishes we wouldn't use it, I won't use it" ? Heck no, I'm not that naive. Am I surprised that some think I'm too sensitive, I need to develop a thicker skin, etc etc etc? Nope, not at all.

Do I hope that people read this thread and think about the words that come out of their mouths? Heck yes.

Stina, you are too kind.

I agree. People do need to think before they speak. Although, it can sometimes be difficult if you're in the middle of a heated debate or argument. I think we're all guilty of saying something we didn't mean while angry and then immediately (or at least, soon after) regretting it.

Still, I think words (such as "retard") aren't necessarily bad in of themselves. They are just words. It's the context that shapes the message. If I were to say, "Due to various teratogenic properties that his mother was exposed to while pregnant, the boy was born with a congenital defect that will bring about mental retardation for the remainder of his life." Nothing wrong with the word there. However, if I were to say, "Dude! What's wrong with you? Are you a freakin' retard or something?" Then, in that example, I could certainly see the word being used inappropriately.

So it's really not about the word. It's about the use.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Well on the other side of it - the word is generally pejorative, even if its mean't in a light-hearted way we're still using a word that is used to describe mental dysfunction to describe people in a negative way. Intent does matter - but the basic definition of the word doesn't change.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

This is very true! but to walk thru life trying not to offend someone is utterly lame, it cant be done.

Very true, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't think before you speak. I would never call a mentally handicapped kid retarded, nor would I call a guy in a wheelchair a gimp. I think there are things that offend everyone, and you should try and be sensitive with what you say.

I try to be sensitive on this forum because this isn't quite like the rest of the internet. Everyone is gathered here for a common purpose, and hearing kind words from others have brought a little sunshine to my rainy days.

Aaron, Im very sensitive! Hyper sensitivity,such as posting "I dont like a certain word" is utter non-sense. Trying to be sensitive to this kind of thing, has to be called out.

For Cassie to post this, just means she lacks attention thats all (gonna catch hell I'm sure) "I dont like" applies to alot of things.

Trying to please everyone is crazy! Be yourself and except the consequence.

Looking for a "TRUE" friend, on a forum is at best a fantacy.

You obviously don't know Cassie well at all. She is not one to post just for attention, unlike some others here. So yeah you do get some heck from me, b/c I won't let an insult towards Cassie from someone who gets himself into plenty of heated arguments defending what he believes(politics) go uncommented. Anyway, all people have to do is look at the track record of posters if they really want to know how a poster is or isn't. No need to insult the OP just b/c you disagree.

It was an observation not an insult, sheesh. I think im gonna slip into my ballet shoes.

[Mags 112]

I think im gonna slip into my ballet shoes.

Pics or it didn't happen.

[almaty 19]

I think im gonna slip into my ballet shoes.

Pics or it didn't happen.

i want to see ol' brother marc in those pink slippers too

[Sinergy 3]

I think im gonna slip into my ballet shoes.

Pics or it didn't happen.

i want to see ol' brother marc in those pink slippers too

Oh i so have to see this

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Is there a frilly pink tutu to go along with the shoes?

Probably wouldn't go with the whole biker image...

[eric&gen 0]

I want to see a dance session lol.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I think im gonna slip into my ballet shoes.

Pics or it didn't happen.

[~Chad~ 0]

If I got into that position, I would split my pants, poot, then not be able to get back up!