Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So are we going to rename the "mute" function on electronic equipment? Totally ban the words "dumb," "stupid," "crazy," and "insane" from our vernacular? What about "blind?" No more references to blind dates, window blinds, blind experiments, or other such references?
When saying "that's retarded," the VAST, overwhelming majority of people aren't using the term in reference to people with intellectual disabilities. Words themselves aren't "bad," but context matters. If you want to start forbidding or shaming people against using certain phrases (that are removed from their original references), then you've got to apply it across the board - with the above terms, and then some.
Yes, when someone says "that's retarded", they are using it as a reference to people with disabilities. And you know because it is almost exclusively used to refer to the actions, behavior,s and opinions of other people.
When the VAST, overwhelming majority of people use it to describe chemical or biological processes, then you will have a point.
Anonymous wrote:So are we going to rename the "mute" function on electronic equipment? Totally ban the words "dumb," "stupid," "crazy," and "insane" from our vernacular? What about "blind?" No more references to blind dates, window blinds, blind experiments, or other such references?
When saying "that's retarded," the VAST, overwhelming majority of people aren't using the term in reference to people with intellectual disabilities. Words themselves aren't "bad," but context matters. If you want to start forbidding or shaming people against using certain phrases (that are removed from their original references), then you've got to apply it across the board - with the above terms, and then some.
Anonymous wrote:I think its overreacting to a word. sticks n stones and all that ...
Anonymous wrote:So are we going to rename the "mute" function on electronic equipment? Totally ban the words "dumb," "stupid," "crazy," and "insane" from our vernacular? What about "blind?" No more references to blind dates, window blinds, blind experiments, or other such references?
When saying "that's retarded," the VAST, overwhelming majority of people aren't using the term in reference to people with intellectual disabilities. Words themselves aren't "bad," but context matters. If you want to start forbidding or shaming people against using certain phrases (that are removed from their original references), then you've got to apply it across the board - with the above terms, and then some. [/quote
Sorry, I don't buy this argument. "That's retarded" in the context you are describing derives its meaning solely from its use as a derogatory term used for people with intellectual disabilities.
Besides, no one is "banning" it - as in the state arresting or fining someone for using it. I'm so tired of hearing people make claims like this when others try to raise awareness of how certain words or phrases can be offensive. People might be judging your lack of judgment in using the term, but they're not sending you to jail.
Anonymous wrote:There are valid uses of the word retard--for example, its use as a verb. The primary problem is people who use it as an insult.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:There are valid uses of the word retard--for example, its use as a verb. The primary problem is people who use it as an insult.
They have street signs saying Slow Children Playing- so what is the difference or am I missing something?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a generational thing and I am struggling to figure out how to teach my kids this. I work with engineers and programmers and at work we call everything retarded or this is retarded and broken. etc... Or dammit Jim who wrote this retarded function.
It's really not hard. First of all you stop using the word. Just put it out of your vocabulary. When opportunities come up to talk about it with your kids, such as when you overhear it or come across it in the media, make your feelings clear. And if your child, or another child in your care, uses it, then react the same way you would if they said "nigger" or "cunt" or "fag". Swiftly and decisively.
I've told kids point blank "You may not use that word in my house. It is offensive to me. I'll let it go this time, because I understand you might not have known, but if I hear it again I will ask you to leave." If they're younger, I give an explanation about why it's hurtful to use someone's description as an insult. A 4 year old can understand.
Wow, I never hear this word in the workplace. That's shocking.
NP here. My cousin uses the word in its derogatory manner and she's a social worker who works with...people with disabilities. I almost fell out of my chair when I hear her say it. Head-shaking, really.
Is she actually using the word in a derogatory manner or stating that someone functions within the range of retardation? There's a big difference.
She'll say, "That's so retarded" to indicate something is stupid or "what a retard." She is not using in a clinically appropriate manner.
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think it's ironic that if the pilot made an error that resulted in the crashing of the plane the last words heard would be "retard, retard"
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:It's a generational thing and I am struggling to figure out how to teach my kids this. I work with engineers and programmers and at work we call everything retarded or this is retarded and broken. etc... Or dammit Jim who wrote this retarded function.
It's really not hard. First of all you stop using the word. Just put it out of your vocabulary. When opportunities come up to talk about it with your kids, such as when you overhear it or come across it in the media, make your feelings clear. And if your child, or another child in your care, uses it, then react the same way you would if they said "nigger" or "cunt" or "fag". Swiftly and decisively.
I've told kids point blank "You may not use that word in my house. It is offensive to me. I'll let it go this time, because I understand you might not have known, but if I hear it again I will ask you to leave." If they're younger, I give an explanation about why it's hurtful to use someone's description as an insult. A 4 year old can understand.
Wow, I never hear this word in the workplace. That's shocking.
NP here. My cousin uses the word in its derogatory manner and she's a social worker who works with...people with disabilities. I almost fell out of my chair when I hear her say it. Head-shaking, really.
Is she actually using the word in a derogatory manner or stating that someone functions within the range of retardation? There's a big difference.