Do you find the word "retard(ed)" offensive?

[Sanchez]

I agree. This word is just not needed. I have 2 children with Down syndrome, and I do find it offensive regardless of the context in which it is used. You don't have to be politically correct, just sensitive and respectful. You never know if the person you're talking to has a family member with special needs and may find the word terribly hurtful.

When used as a verb there does not appear to be a negative connotation. Are you saying that there is no circumstance in which the word should be used?


re·tard   /rɪˈtɑrd, for 1–3, 5; ˈritɑrd for 4/ Show Spelled[ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4] Show IPA
–verb (used with object)
1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
–verb (used without object)
2. to be delayed.
–noun
3. a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
4. Slang: Disparaging .
a. a mentally ******** person.
b. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.
5. Automotive, Machinery . an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle.

 

[lizlovesdisney]

When used as a verb there does not appear to be a negative connotation. Are you saying that there is no circumstance in which the word should be used?


re·tard   /rɪˈtɑrd, for 1–3, 5; ˈritɑrd for 4/ Show Spelled[ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4] Show IPA
–verb (used with object)
1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
–verb (used without object)
2. to be delayed.
–noun
3. a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
4. Slang: Disparaging .
a. a mentally ******** person.
b. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.
5. Automotive, Machinery . an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle.

I'm not going to start an argument, so this will be my last comment. But yes, I find it offensive, always. Mostly because when it's used, it's mean to be demeaning, regardless of whether the comment is referring to a person with special needs or not. It's just not a nice word. If you have or know of someone who has a child with special needs, it may be easier to understand the sentiment behind my words.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Maybe we could look at this from a different perspective, rather than just whether you personally are offended or not. According to the poll only 37.16% (CURRENTLY) weren't offended by the word at all and 45.51% were offended completely. So, maybe people should try to avoid the word since there is a greater chance that someone will be offended by it, rather than not.

 

[136368]

Depends on the context. I work with some ******** people in my shop and they are charming! Calling them ******** is fine IMHO. However, using the term as an insult isn't cool.

 

[ChicagoFitnessClub]

Prompted by

It's not a word we seem to use here. The word "spastic" used to be widely used...now I hated that term.

Ehhh not particularly. If my brother called me a retard I honestly wouldn't think much about it and I certainly wouldn't scold him and say "how dare you use that word."

 

[Mermaid02]

I really don't worry so much about offending someone as I do about using a word they find hurtful.

 

[bettymae1121]

I don't find it offensive, but I know others do (and I understand why, and that's cool). It's not a word I use in any case, I always use "stupid" when describing something (you're stupid, he's stupid, that's stupid). Not a conscious choice, just what I've always said for some reason.

 

[Holly]

Yes.


It's right up there beside "that's so gay".

 

[shortbun]

I voted other - when used properly and in the correct context I have no issue. Honestly I am tired of "special needs" its too broad and really doesn't get to what the problem could be. If a child is ******** to say they are special needs IMO doesn't give them the recognition they deserve.

'correct context' like what? 'use ice to retard the heating of the water?' 'Special needs' is a perfect term for a child with 'special needs'. Their needs are special, unusual, not common to the general population.

 

[scrapquitler]

If used correctly (i.e. NOT as an insult to someone who is acting stupidly), I have no problem with it.

I work in a group home, and the residents of our home ARE ********. That is their diagnosis. So it is fair, reasonable and proper for me to say that IF I am discussing their medical/psychiatric needs with a doctor or other healthcare professional. But it is not appropriate to use 'mentally ********' in terms depersonifying them (does that make sense? - we are not supposed to equate their diagnosis with their 'being' but it IS a part of who they are), but if we are talking about their problems and diagnoses, it IS appropriate. But it is not appropriate for me to tell them that they are 'acting ********'

When my daughter tells my son, "You are such a retard for touching my ipod", NO that's not cool.

But I'm not offended. I think way too many people spend too much time being offended by things that people say without thinking or meaning in a bad way.

 

[goofyernmost]

I didn't have the time to read through the entire thread so I will just give my opinion.

I do not believe that any word, by itself, is offensive. Someone sat down or stood up and decided that the word ******** was evil. Why? I don't know. It means set back, not up in front. It is a word that was originally coined because it best described the situation with few words .

Kids may have taken the word and made it evil by mocking and using it with a bite and a slight change to "retard". But you know what? If it had been called Rose Bud, they would have said, in a nasty way...hey, Rose Bud or you are such a Rose Bud.

It's a word...it's the way that we humans use it that makes the problem. Does anyone think that by changing the word it will automatically become a gentle thing? Maybe in the beginning but humans will change that. We need to spend less time trying to label or re-label and be more proactive in helping.

 

[MM27]

I didn't have the time to read through the entire thread so I will just give my opinion.

I do not believe that any word, by itself, is offensive. Someone sat down or stood up and decided that the word ******** was evil. Why? I don't know. It means set back, not up in front. It is a word that was originally coined because it best described the situation with few words .

Kids may have taken the word and made it evil by mocking and using it with a bite and a slight change to "retard". But you know what? If it had been called Rose Bud, they would have said, in a nasty way...hey, Rose Bud or you are such a Rose Bud.

It's a word...it's the way that we humans use it that makes the problem. Does anyone think that by changing the word it will automatically become a gentle thing? Maybe in the beginning but humans will change that. We need to spend less time trying to label or re-label and be more proactive in helping.

I agree with this

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I put 'somewhat' because it doesn't offend me at all but I don't use it. People should be allowed to say whatever they want though. I guess technically, I should have said 'no' but I can't go back and change it.

ETA: I do know quite a handful of people to whom the word correctly refers. But I still think freedom of speech should be upheld, I'm not going to call anyone out on using any word. They have to right to, whether they should or should not.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Yes.


It's right up there beside "that's so gay".

Speaking of 'gay' I think it's interesting (and I'm not talking about anyone here but someone I work with) when people think it's OK to term homosexual people as "gays" but they get offended at "retards." Way too double standard for me.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Nah, not offensive.


what about blind as a bat - is that not offensive to blind people?
or deaf as a door - is that not offensive to deaf people?
dumb as a box of rocks

 

[Holly]

Speaking of 'gay' I think it's interesting (and I'm not talking about anyone here but someone I work with) when people think it's OK to term homosexual people as "gays" but they get offended at "retards." Way too double standard for me.

I don't see how it's a double standard at all.

If either is used in a disparative way it's offensive, however, the word gay in itself to describe homosexuals is no longer an offensive term unless it's being used pejoratively to insult people.

Do you find the word gay offensive? Why?

I think there is a huge difference between saying the gay community as opposed to the retard community.

 

[FireDancer]

I don't see how it's a double standard at all.

If either is used in a disparative way it's offensive, however, the word gay in itself to describe homosexuals is no longer an offensive term unless it's being used pejoratively to insult people.

Do you find the word gay offensive? Why?

I think there is a huge difference between saying the gay community as opposed to the retard community.

The exact same thing (the bolded part) could be said about either word thus to say one is acceptable and the other is not is a double standard.

It is this kind of justification for one but not the other that make me say use any word you want, none of them have any more power over you then you choose to give it.

Everyone is something (poor, fat, bald, short, stupid, lazy, gay, ********) that can be used as a negative term when describing something else. If we start banning every word that might be taken as a negative we would have a really small dictionary. Heck, the Yankees (negative term for a northerner), Sooners (slang for land thieves during the land rushes in the Oklahoma territory), and Fighting Irish (negative stereotype) would all have to change their names.

 

[Feralpeg]

Words, in themselves, are not offensive. How people use them can be offensive.

 

[brenalexacamp]

YES!!!!! I have a child with Down Syndrome and when he was born I told my other kids if I EVER hear that word come out of your mouth-you WILL get soap! It is considered the "F" word.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

There was a movie out a couple of years ago, don't remember the name. One of the characters wore a t-shirt that said don't go full retard. It seems it has caught on. I was at the mall this afternoon with my DD15. She has mild to moderate MR with some global difficencies. A couple of guys walked past us. She recognized one of them as someone who goes to the same high school she attends. We heard him say to his friend. ------ is hot. To bad she had to go full retard. They were laughing about it as they walked off. She stoped in her tracks and her face just crumbled. I so badly wanted to say something but it would have embarrased her and would have fallen on deaf ears anyway. But I was fumming all the way home. So yes I find it insulting.