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

[Handbag Lady]

It doesn't offend me and I miss being able to use it in reference to myself as I've done for 40 + years.

 

[aprilgail2]

No it is not offensive at all!

 

[minniebeth]

Well, Imzadi has one point that I agree somewhat with, is that there will always be offensive words to take the place of a politically incorrect word. Like when the word "gay" was no longer acceptable, "queer" took it's place in my area. Same thing...

My youngest DD's class is not allowed to use the word "stupid"...not that it's a nice word, but demerrit worthy? Let's move onto bigger issues in 3rd grade please. (As long as someone is not namecalling with it.)

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you are teasing a special needs child and calling the child "retard" in an effort to belittle then yes it is offensive.

Other than that it is just another word that people say to describe something dumb.

I guess we could debate "Jesus Christ" and other phrases in the same way.

 

[Art 1]

Yes.

 

[Wishing on a star]

NO, I find very very very few 'words' to be offensive....

The offense is in the intent.
And, I saw no intent to offend.
I don't feel that there is any collateral offense warranted either.

Society can be WAY to pc these days.

 

[drag n' fly]

Lol is this some sort of trick poll? Assuming the context you are referring to? Offensive, insensitive, utterly and completely redneck imo

 

[Imzadi]

Lol is this some sort of trick poll? Assuming the context you are referring to? Offensive, insensitive, utterly and completely redneck imo

Now, why isn't the word redneck an offensive word?

Is it because people who are truly redneck don't realize they are redneck, to be offended by the word?

 

[drag n' fly]

Now, why isn't the word redneck an offensive word?

Is it because people who are truly redneck don't realize they are redneck, to be offended by the word?

good point

 

[Sparx]

Now, why isn't the word redneck an offensive word?

Is it because people who are truly redneck don't realize they are redneck, to be offended by the word?

I know you were joking, but I think it is meant to be offensive. If I call something "redneck" its not a compliment.

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you. Obviously, I don't find it offensive.

If only it was that simple. Words have far more power to hurt, in a lasting way, than for which you are giving them credit. Words have been used to encourage genocide, oppression, and to inflict pain on people for thousands of years. It's disingenuous to say they do not hurt, because if they cannot hurt, then they also cannot create any other feeling, such as love, envy, anger or passion.

Would I be offended if somebody used that word to describe me? Probably not, because I am the antithesis, but it's a word that is too often aimed at those who are vulnerable, it is a word used by verbal bullies, and I find it to be an ugly word.

 

[Cooky]

.

 

[Imzadi]

I know you were joking, but I think it is meant to be offensive. If I call something "redneck" its not a compliment.

Yes, but I don't think there is a movement to wipe the word off the planet. Nor the word, "trailer trash," or saying someone's actions are very "ghetto."

Are these types of people just less "sensitive?" It's a big, big world out there. Wouldn't be better to prepare the special needs child for the road?

I said earlier, someone taught them it is an offensive word. Instead, they should be taught it is the person who is offensive. If that person doesn't get a rise out of using the word "********" they will use a barage of other words until they find one that does upset the child. I've never met a person who used the word ******** in a derogatory way to NOT use other derogatory words as well. We can't cut out the whole English language.

 

[tinatark]

I'm not offended by it, but I also understand it's not "nice"...politically correct, etc... we try not to use words such as ********, stupid, shut up, etc.

I have quite a few teenaged facebook friends... it's HILARIOUS when they say something is "retarted"... LOL

 

[pattiteach]

Some words are not needed. It is not a medical condition, and therefore is ONLY used in a negative way.

 

[kirstenb1]

If you are teasing a special needs child and calling the child "retard" in an effort to belittle then yes it is offensive.

Other than that it is just another word that people say to describe something dumb.

I guess we could debate "Jesus Christ" and other phrases in the same way.

This is the way I feel too. We used it all the time as kids to each other, interchangeably with stupid,etc. None of us would have ever used it on a special needs kid. I'm not trying to justify, just explain my experience with it.

 

[tvguy]

Didn't Dr. Laura Schlessinger just get in big trouble for that argument??

I'll have to take your word on that.

 

[shelly3girls]

Although the word does not personally offend me, I never use it. I really don't care about being PC but I do care about showing respect to other human beings. I try to teach my children to be thoughtful, caring and respectful to others. Name calling and the use of derogatory words in any form is just wrong.

 

[lizlovesdisney]

Some words are not needed. It is not a medical condition, and therefore is ONLY used in a negative way.

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.

 

[Mermaid02]

I don't find it offensive, but I know a lot of people find it hurtful and offensive so it is not a word we use here.