offensive word

[almburr]

the word handicap means hand in cap or holding hand in cap to beg for $$ because they will not be able to survive without handouts.


I work of an educational group that handles anything from severe birth defects to high intelligence. But the main part is learning delayed.

Terms have changed over the years and some people are still trying to catch up. they way you describe someone is instead of "that is the Downs Baby Joey" it should be "this is Joey who has Downs Syndrome" you put the person first not the condition. If someone say that that person over there is ******** dont jump down their throat they may not know the new term. But when they say it in a demeaning way then go ahead and correct the.

My MIL is amazing when that thier DD was born there was some amount of trauma. They did not know she was mentally ******** (1946) MIL & FIL found out in middle school ( was high funcioning level of a 13-14yrold) MIL & FIL begin Special Education in our school they a children come from all over to learn at the school, they even lived at peoples houses to attend because driving them 3hrs one way was not going to happen, they went home on weekends. Then MIL becomes a founding member of DSNWKS (developmental services of Northwest Kansas) they push for grants, lobby government to raise awarness of physical and mental disabilities. Even now with Her daughter gone and FIl gone she still pushes on and at 81yrs old. Also she has a hard time what to say. It went from mentally ******** to mentally handicaped to mentally challenged to mentally disabled. there will be times when she says mentally retared the then hem&ha on trying to correst herself she says there are to many terms.

I hate the word retard yes I said it when I was little and my great uncle Alvin had Downs Syndrome, but that was the early 80's.

DH's family the word Retard was never used it was demeaning, and he will go off if the kids say it(they dont anymore).

It sad when people make fun of someone with a disability they are unable to change it it is a small part of them. I say 'small part' because the disability does not make them who they are.

Hope i didnt go off to long

 

[melancholywings]

I'm a teacher, and I hear this word over and over again. If I hear any one of my students use the word, it is an after school detention. We always talk about why the word is hurtful and offensive, and I tell them the consequences if they use the word. I explain to the parents before any detentions are handed out, and they have always supported me. Last year one student had to stay after school, and I never heard the word again from my class. I'm sure some still used it, but hopefully not as many and not as often.

Do you do the same with all name calling? Fat, stupid, dumb etc? If DD used the word at the teacher came to me about it I'd appriciate it. But if she used the word in response to being called a name herself I'd be livid at the double standard.

 

[Octoberbabiesrus]

Octoberbabiesrus,
I'm curious, do you use the word retard around your son? If so why? Would you like to hear people say "you are such an Ashley" as a put down?

I never said I use the word. I have no use for it. I'm sorry did I miss where I said that I used the words? I know I said I dont take offense, but I dont recall saying I used the words freely.

ACTUALLY, considering I graduated at the top of my class, recieved a 30 on my ACT, recieved a FULL scholarship to Northwestern University, and to Olivet Nazarene University. Not to mention other achivements, that if someone were to use such a phrase, it would be a compliment.

 

[wife5080]

I didn't say you used the word, I ASKED if you used it. Perhaps you should read MY post closer.

 

[Teacher03]

Do you do the same with all name calling? Fat, stupid, dumb etc? If DD used the word at the teacher came to me about it I'd appriciate it. But if she used the word in response to being called a name herself I'd be livid at the double standard.

No, I don't. Those words are hurtful, but not as offensive. They do receive consequences for using those words, just not detention. And in all my years of teaching, I have never had a parent "livid" at me for this reason. They actually all appreciate it and back me up 100%. Even the few who have had to stay. I don't address it until it becomes a problem, then we discuss it as a class, we come to an understanding, and I inform the parents of the consequences if it is used again.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

ACTUALLY, considering I graduated at the top of my class, recieved a 30 on my ACT, recieved a FULL scholarship to Northwestern University, and to Olivet Nazarene University. Not to mention other achivements, that if someone were to use such a phrase, it would be a compliment.

 

[Teacher03]

ACTUALLY, considering I graduated at the top of my class, recieved a 30 on my ACT, recieved a FULL scholarship to Northwestern University, and to Olivet Nazarene University. Not to mention other achivements, that if someone were to use such a phrase, it would be a compliment.

You spelled received wrong. Remember, I before E except after C. Also, achievements is spelled incorrectly.
Just thought I would point that out.

 

[melancholywings]

No, I don't. Those words are hurtful, but not as offensive. They do receive consequences for using those words, just not detention. And in all my years of teaching, I have never had a parent "livid" at me for this reason. They actually all appreciate it and back me up 100%. Even the few who have had to stay. I don't address it until it becomes a problem, then we discuss it as a class, we come to an understanding, and I inform the parents of the consequences if it is used again.

I don't understand your logic. A child calling another child 'fat' can be just as emotionally harmful as calling them 'retard'. Child suicide rates are climbing, self esteem is a huge issue and children are starting to develope eating disorders earlier and earlier. By enforcing one but not the other equally you're proactively protecting the disabled who may or may not be in your class while dismissing the potential and serious pain and self esteem issues of the children who are right in front of you as being a lesser issue.
That's why I'd be livid.

 

[Teacher03]

I don't understand your logic. A child calling another child 'fat' can be just as emotionally harmful as calling them 'retard'. Child suicide rates are climbing, self esteem is a huge issue and children are starting to develope eating disorders earlier and earlier. By enforcing one but not the other equally you're proactively protecting the disabled who may or may not be in your class while dismissing the potential and serious pain and self esteem issues of the children who are right in front of you as being a lesser issue.
That's why I'd be livid.

I do not allow bullying of any kind in my classroom. Where did I say that I was dismissing other put downs? I have heard kids use stupid, etc. (to be honest, I don't think I have ever heard anyone call anyone fat, I teach third grade and it has never been an issue. Probably more so in the upper grades), and if you reread my post, there are consequences for using any of those words. But the word in question is the one that I hear over and over until I make the consequence severe enough that it is stopped. Let me try to explain it this way. We all know there are swear words, some stronger than others. Would the consequence be the same if a child said s*** as if he or she used another, stronger, swear word (I don't want to write it, but I'm sure you can use your imagination)? There would still be consequences, but the consequences would be different.

 

[melancholywings]

I do not allow bullying of any kind in my classroom. Where did I say that I was dismissing other put downs? I have heard kids use stupid, etc. (to be honest, I don't think I have ever heard anyone call anyone fat, I teach third grade and it has never been an issue. Probably more so in the upper grades), and if you reread my post, there are consequences for using any of those words. But the word in question is the one that I hear over and over until I make the consequence severe enough that it is stopped. Let me try to explain it this way. We all know there are swear words, some stronger than others. Would the consequence be the same if a child said s*** as if he or she used another, stronger, swear word (I don't want to write it, but I'm sure you can use your imagination)? There would still be consequences, but the consequences would be different.

Any time a child uses a word with hatred behind it, or uses those words to make another feel inferior because they are different (whether they are or not) is wrong. It doesn't matter what word they are using to do it. Punishing for the use of one word while giving lesser (or no) consequences for a different word isn't addressing the core of the behavior; it's making it more tolerable to you and allowing the root of the behavior to continue.
You're policing them for a term that you find objectionable, while ignoring other just as potentionally harmful terms. There's no way to consistently measure the impact an insult will have on a child, and instead of treating all insults equally, you're giving one insult preferential treatment.

In other words, whether the word is "retard" or "s**t" or "fat" or ANYTHING potentially disparaging, I would expect any teacher of my child to be able to set aside their own personal feelings and be able to educate my child and her classmates on the proper avoidance of ALL such objectionable words.

But most importantly, it's not just the words that bother me, as it's the prejudicial emotions which are usually projected through them.

50 years ago, they called people of darker skin "boy" or "negro", but that word changed. Now, the term "african american" is used, but the prejudices that separate people simply because of the color of their skin remains. Policing a word is not as important as educating people to the reality that all people are different - but those differences should be enjoyed, not feared or hated.

 

[Belle4mygrl]

No way am I encouraging the use of offensive or slang words but doesn't anyone ever get tired of being SO politically correct? I can't keep up with today's society of terms to use and not to use. It is tiring just reading this post.

I wish we could know the words to use and be done with and never have to change but then again some ignorant (and I am using that as unknowing) person would mess it up.

 

[Teacher03]

Any time a child uses a word with hatred behind it, or uses those words to make another feel inferior because they are different (whether they are or not) is wrong. It doesn't matter what word they are using to do it. Punishing for the use of one word while giving lesser (or no) consequences for a different word isn't addressing the core of the behavior; it's making it more tolerable to you and allowing the root of the behavior to continue.
You're policing them for a term that you find objectionable, while ignoring other just as potentionally harmful terms. There's no way to consistently measure the impact an insult will have on a child, and instead of treating all insults equally, you're giving one insult preferential treatment.

In other words, whether the word is "retard" or "s**t" or "fat" or ANYTHING potentially disparaging, I would expect any teacher of my child to be able to set aside their own personal feelings and be able to educate my child and her classmates on the proper avoidance of ALL such objectionable words.

But most importantly, it's not just the words that bother me, as it's the prejudicial emotions which are usually projected through them.

50 years ago, they called people of darker skin "boy" or "negro", but that word changed. Now, the term "african american" is used, but the prejudices that separate people simply because of the color of their skin remains. Policing a word is not as important as educating people to the reality that all people are different - but those differences should be enjoyed, not feared or hated.

I agree with you...but what you are not understanding is the word retard is a problem that I have noticed in my class. Not just in name calling, but using it as a slang term. In fact, it is more often used as a slang word than name calling. The other words haven't been a problem. I think the strongest word anyone has used in my classroom, other than ********, is probably "stupid." And I stand by my belief that using the word retard is more offensive than stupid. When name calling or bullying occurs, I handle it with whatever I have to do to solve the problem. I am very lucky that I teach in a small private school with very involved and supportive parents. In my setting, in my classroom, the use of the word retard was offensive. When we actually discuss it as a class, and I explain why the word is not appropriate, they begin to understand.(Once again, I realize that there are many different offensive words, and we also talk about those, and the consequences of using them, when the need arises.) Anyways, thank you for your input, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on this subject. But the one thing I think we do agree on is the word retard or ******** should not be used in the way the OP commented on.

 

[proteus]

I don't understand your logic. A child calling another child 'fat' can be just as emotionally harmful as calling them 'retard'. Child suicide rates are climbing, self esteem is a huge issue and children are starting to develope eating disorders earlier and earlier. By enforcing one but not the other equally you're proactively protecting the disabled who may or may not be in your class while dismissing the potential and serious pain and self esteem issues of the children who are right in front of you as being a lesser issue.
That's why I'd be livid.

I don't agree with calling someone a "retard", it reflects very poorly on the person doing so. I do think children are over sensitized however by parents who blow everything out of scale. I saw the start of this in my late childhood when everyone had to "win" a competition and parents lavished praise upon their kids at every turn. My father taught me at an early age to rely on myself instead of running to him everytime I had a problem. I developed a thick skin early on and insults were completely ineffective. In 7th grade a bully made a joke about my height (late bloomer), I took the wind right out of his sails when I laughed and joked right back, he never bothered me again. DD had the same problem until she grew last year and kids made comments about her height as well, didn't bother her in the least. Contrast that with her closest friend (very overprotective parents) who cries at the least provocation and is much less mature.

We have to be careful about going too far, children also need to develop mental toughness because they will need it later in life. If you over protect a child they will not grow or have the means to face the world as an adult, they become emotionally crippled. I have witnessed this first hand as a helicopter father "managed" his daughter's life well into adulthood. He is no longer able to do so and she is completely lost and now has panic attacks.

My pet peeve is cussing in classes. Everyone is so worried about not offending people but kids cussing a blue streak in 6th grade with every imaginable cuss word is ok? The teachers hear it every day and do nothing about it. You probably think this is an inner city school in a bad neighborhood, but it is an excellent public school in one of the wealthiest counties in the USA.

Ten years ago when I was at my heaviest an angry co-worker called me "fat boy". I rubbed my belly and said "well in the gypsy culture that is a sign of wealth". Suddenly he started laughing, rolled his eyes and said I was crazy, since then we got along just fine. Doesn't mean he was right but I turned the tables on him.

 

[PrincessPAC]

As a close family member of someone with Down's syndrome, I have to say that I am disappointed with some of the responses on this thread. I'm sure that I'll probably be slammed for this, but I am somewhat confused (though I did get almost a 30 on my ACT, and I also have a Master's degree -- so it's not for lack of intelligence ).

I understand that calling people "fat" or "stupid," for example, can be offensive. Personally, as someone who is more overweight than I would like to be, in addition to also being blonde, I often find myself in situations where I can be easily offended. However, I am able to defend myself (if I so choose).

My family member, however, is not capable of speaking up for or defending herself. Although, from what I gather from some of these posts, this is just fine. We loved ones are only making things worse for her by trying to protect her from being hurt by thoughtless people who use her genetic abnormality as a way of insulting others.

Seriously?

Please don't insult this sweet girl even more by placing her on the same level as a s***. I agree that the "r" word and the "s" word can both be considered offensive, and the usage of both (specifically in the classroom) should be dealt with APPROPRIATELY, but not necessarily EQUALLY. Can you seriously tell me that my family member's GIVEN way of life equates with the CHOSEN way of life of another?

I'm sorry (not really), but my family member did not "decide" to become "********" sick: I cringe at the sight/sound of this word). On the other hand, a s*** was not born that way -- (s)he made decisions that made her/him to become considered in that way. Plus, I assume that just because someone acts promiscuously at some point in their life, they are not confined to a life of promiscuity. Likewise, people who are overweight (or even blonde) have the opportunity to change themselves if they feel so inclined.

Though the use of each of these "conditions" as a means to insult could be potentially disparaging, they are not equal. If I discovered that a teacher did NOT give preferential treatment towards the emotional impact of such insults on my family member (or any other person with an unavoidable "condition"), THEN I would be livid!

Yes, teachers should instruct their students on the inappropriateness of such words, but please don't punish them equally.

BTW - Since this was also mentioned previously, I suppose that I should mention that I do realize that race is not a chosen way of life as well, but I can't say that I have ever seen racial slurs being thrown around in such an (apparently) accepted manner as the "r" word. Neither of these are appropriate!

So, please, don't approve of someone insulting my family member by using the "r" word to insult others. By accepting this, you are just as guilty as doing it.

Oh, and I'm sorry if any s***s were offended by my post. You made the decision to live this way (whether you are happy or not), but you also have the potential to change -- a luxury my family member does not have.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

As a close family member of someone with Down's syndrome, I have to say that I am disappointed with some of the responses on this thread. I'm sure that I'll probably be slammed for this, but I am somewhat confused (though I did get almost a 30 on my ACT, and I also have a Master's degree -- so it's not for lack of intelligence ).

Oh, but did you get a FULL Scholarship?

 

[perkinsrose]

the word handicap means hand in cap or holding hand in cap to beg for $$ because they will not be able to survive without handouts.

I work of an educational group that handles anything from severe birth defects to high intelligence. But the main part is learning delayed.

Terms have changed over the years and some people are still trying to catch up. they way you describe someone is instead of "that is the Downs Baby Joey" it should be "this is Joey who has Downs Syndrome" you put the person first not the condition. If someone say that that person over there is ******** dont jump down their throat they may not know the new term. But when they say it in a demeaning way then go ahead and correct the.

My MIL is amazing when that thier DD was born there was some amount of trauma. They did not know she was mentally ******** (1946) MIL & FIL found out in middle school ( was high funcioning level of a 13-14yrold) MIL & FIL begin Special Education in our school they a children come from all over to learn at the school, they even lived at peoples houses to attend because driving them 3hrs one way was not going to happen, they went home on weekends. Then MIL becomes a founding member of DSNWKS (developmental services of Northwest Kansas) they push for grants, lobby government to raise awarness of physical and mental disabilities. Even now with Her daughter gone and FIl gone she still pushes on and at 81yrs old. Also she has a hard time what to say. It went from mentally ******** to mentally handicaped to mentally challenged to mentally disabled. there will be times when she says mentally retared the then hem&ha on trying to correst herself she says there are to many terms.

I hate the word retard yes I said it when I was little and my great uncle Alvin had Downs Syndrome, but that was the early 80's.

DH's family the word Retard was never used it was demeaning, and he will go off if the kids say it(they dont anymore).

It sad when people make fun of someone with a disability they are unable to change it it is a small part of them. I say 'small part' because the disability does not make them who they are.

Hope i didnt go off to long

Always curious about word origins--thanks for info
I found this too

http://www.snopes.com/language/offense/handicap.asp

 

[melancholywings]

As a close family member of someone with Down's syndrome, I have to say that I am disappointed with some of the responses on this thread. I'm sure that I'll probably be slammed for this, but I am somewhat confused (though I did get almost a 30 on my ACT, and I also have a Master's degree -- so it's not for lack of intelligence ).

I understand that calling people "fat" or "stupid," for example, can be offensive. Personally, as someone who is more overweight than I would like to be, in addition to also being blonde, I often find myself in situations where I can be easily offended. However, I am able to defend myself (if I so choose).

My family member, however, is not capable of speaking up for or defending herself. Although, from what I gather from some of these posts, this is just fine. We loved ones are only making things worse for her by trying to protect her from being hurt by thoughtless people who use her genetic abnormality as a way of insulting others.

Seriously?

Please don't insult this sweet girl even more by placing her on the same level as a s***. I agree that the "r" word and the "s" word can both be considered offensive, and the usage of both (specifically in the classroom) should be dealt with APPROPRIATELY, but not necessarily EQUALLY. Can you seriously tell me that my family member's GIVEN way of life equates with the CHOSEN way of life of another?

I'm sorry (not really), but my family member did not "decide" to become "********" sick: I cringe at the sight/sound of this word). On the other hand, a s*** was not born that way -- (s)he made decisions that made her/him to become considered in that way. Plus, I assume that just because someone acts promiscuously at some point in their life, they are not confined to a life of promiscuity. Likewise, people who are overweight (or even blonde) have the opportunity to change themselves if they feel so inclined.

Though the use of each of these "conditions" as a means to insult could be potentially disparaging, they are not equal. If I discovered that a teacher did NOT give preferential treatment towards the emotional impact of such insults on my family member (or any other person with an unavoidable "condition"), THEN I would be livid!

Yes, teachers should instruct their students on the inappropriateness of such words, but please don't punish them equally.

BTW - Since this was also mentioned previously, I suppose that I should mention that I do realize that race is not a chosen way of life as well, but I can't say that I have ever seen racial slurs being thrown around in such an (apparently) accepted manner as the "r" word. Neither of these are appropriate!

So, please, don't approve of someone insulting my family member by using the "r" word to insult others. By accepting this, you are just as guilty as doing it.

Oh, and I'm sorry if any s***s were offended by my post. You made the decision to live this way (whether you are happy or not), but you also have the potential to change -- a luxury my family member does not have.

What's with the whole ACT thing? Brandishing scores doesn't validate anyone's opinion.

I don't understand how can you ask others to be sensitive to your family while being insensitive and ignorant to the very real self esteem issues of other people and children. And the impact that hate words have to the health and self image of these kids. It's self centered to claim that anyone who hurts your family member should be punshed more severely than the person who who hurts another child. And to dismiss the pain of other people (and children), when you have no way of knowing how hurt they are, or the impact of those words - continues to enable the problem.
Just because those words don't impact you personally doesn't mean they don't influence the health of others. Child suicide, self-esteem, childhood depression, eating disorders, and the early sexualization of our girls are very important and real issues. And all children deserve the same rights in the classroom, even if those children are able bodied.

 

[mgilmer]

FWIW, the movie seems to be doing quite well at the box office:

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/tropic-thunder-82m-clone-wars-65m-friday/

One has to wonder if a movie was made that used the N word in such a manner would do as well.

 

[PrincessPAC]

What's with the whole ACT thing? Brandishing scores doesn't validate anyone's opinion.

I'm well aware of that. Just trying to use a little bit of humor and irony. Apparently, you didn't get it.


I don't understand how can you ask others to be sensitive to your family while being insensitive and ignorant to the very real self esteem issues of other people and children. And the impact that hate words have to the health and self image of these kids. It's self centered to claim that anyone who hurts your family member should be punshed more severely than the person who who hurts another child. And to dismiss the pain of other people (and children), when you have no way of knowing how hurt they are, or the impact of those words - continues to enable the problem.
Just because those words don't impact you personally doesn't mean they don't influence the health of others. Child suicide, self-esteem, childhood depression, eating disorders, and the early sexualization of our girls are very important and real issues. And all children deserve the same rights in the classroom, even if those children are able bodied.

First of all, I find it completely amusing that you use the words "insensitive" and "ignorant" to describe me -- I mean, you are the one saying that we should be more empathetic with promiscuous individuals who put themselves in their position, yet you don't have much empathy yourself when it comes to mentally-challenged people (the ones who did NOT choose to put themselves in their position and cannot defend themselves)! Just the fact that you equate their struggles with those whose actions have caused their own troubles shows this.

Trust me -- I am very sensitive to the emotional needs of all children, and I am well aware of all types of issues that concern different children at different stages in their lives. I in no way dismiss their pain. I work with children like this -- which is why I know (and believe me -- they do too) that because of the actions that THEY have done, they will most likely suffer some consequences (either physical or emotionally - which is where I come in).

I work with children to overcome certain difficulties. Yes, they are hurting, and when people make fun of them, their pain intensifies. However, it is part of my job to help encourage them to become strong enough to overcome these difficulties (or at least be able to deal with them in a healthy manner).

I know that you may not want to believe this, but there are many differences with children, which need to be dealt with in different manners. There are so many variables that cause self-esteem issues, and it is ridiculous to suggest that EVERY insult that might hurt someone should be dealt with in exactly the same manner.

For most special needs students, the hardest part about being mainstreamed, or even partially mainstreamed, into the classroom is having to deal with the ridicule of their regular-education classmates. No matter how hard they work or how much time or money their parents, teachers, etc. spend on trying to improve their intelligence, there is only so much that they can do -- because of a little thing called "genetics." The pain caused by making fun of them is intensified because of the fact that many of them know that there is nothing that they can do to become equals with peers on an intelligence-level (and I am only referring to students like my cousin and others in similar situations).

On the other hand, students with other difficulties (the ones brought on by their own behaviors, including promiscuity amongst other possible reasons for negative reputations), though still easily hurt by ridicule, know that if they are willing to work on things, they can overcome their negative stereotypes. Believe me, I know they hurt. These kids are the reason I chose the profession that I have. I worry for them, cry for them, and even advocate for them when necessary.

However, my argument is: students making fun of them should be cause for punishment (even somewhat severe punishment) -- but not as severely as making fun of students like my family member. Why? Because she is aware that people are making fun of her, but she doesn't know why. All she knows is that there must be something wrong with her.

If you want to call me selfish -- then do it. Although it is rude to call people names (I think we're both arguing this issue), and calling me names could possibly lead to self-esteem issues with me, I don't expect you to be punished for it.

I will say this -- I'll just use an example of a student that I worked with last year to illustrate my argument: This girl went to a party one weekend, and slept with 3 boys in one night. When she returned to school on Monday, people were calling her names (mostly behind her back). Although I knew that there were other self-esteem issues that helped fuel her destructive behavior, she and I both knew that SHE made those decisions. When teachers heard other students calling her these names, they disciplined the offenders. Some just gave warnings (not very effective), while others used some more severe forms of punishment (detention, etc.).

Now, here's where I'm going to be even more selfish -- If one of these students used the "r" word (implying an insult to someone based on their impression of people like my family member), and they were punished in the same manner as the students who used the "s" word, then I would be absolutely furious!

I truly hope you are able to see the reasoning behind the need for NOT EQUAL punishment in these situations. If not, then you are just another example as to why the ridiculing of mentally-challenged individuals is becoming more and more acceptable.

So, in response to another of your comments: these hate-filled words DO impact me personally. Maybe because I work with and care about people on both sides of our disagreement, I am able to understand the differences more clearly? Then again, maybe I am being self-centered by speaking up for my family member and others like her -- since they cannot.

If this is the case, then I am proud to be called self-centered.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

You may be able to say whatever, but what about the child who is getting this called to their face in a negative way? Do they deserve this? No way.My nine year old daughter has Down syndrome. She knows people are making fun of her, she does not understand why.I don't understand why.Why do people think it's funny to make other people feel bad is beyond me.
The other issue is it's not just the R word being used once or twice.It's used 16 times in one scene! It's now a slogan posted all over t shirts.It's not just about the word.It's about having respect for people.

I haven't gone thru all the responses...but just my 2 cents...
Yes...I think it's a negative word that is said without care. If anyone said it PERSONALLY to someone with a mental disability, I would think it wrong 100%. But, that said...when someone says "This movie is so ********".. I don't find it offensive, because they weren't trying to make a PERSON feel bad, they were just making a statement.
And...no, fortunately, I have no children with a mental handicap (my youngest DS is only 5 months, God Forbid I know somethings could still change) but I dont' believe I'd have it out for people who used the word as slang....
And, as far as the movie...haven't seen it.