re Offensive terminology

[DoJo]

I will confess from the off that this is kind of a thread about a thread, but really didn't want to de-rail/feed the troll depending on how you view it. However, it was mentioned a few times that 'moron' was an offensive term, and as I had never come across someone offended by it, I turn to the mighty google to research its origins. Whilst it turns out that the term was coined by Henry H Goddard to (and I'm quoting directly from wikipedia here)
"denote mild mental retardation" and "to describe a person with a mental age in adulthood of between 8 and 12 on the Binet scale".

'Fair enough' I think to myself, glad I know this as I wouldn't want to use a term which anyone would find offensive. However, the article goes on to describe the other terms used by Goddard on the same scale which include 'idiot' 'imbecile' and 'stupid'. Now, I am pretty sure that I have never seen anyone lambasted for using any of those terms on here, and also reasonably convinced that their move into everyday terminology has softened their impact significantly. So why is moron still considered (by some at least) more offensive than those other terms?

Disclaimer - genuinely not trying to start a bun fight. I just find the origins of words interesting and would be interested to know why some provoke a stronger reaction than others.

I ABSOLUTELY agree that some words are offensive.
I think you missed my point, which was that any word can be found offensive by someone for whom it resonates.
A thread on here recently was from an OP with a spectacular line in invective, aimed at the "scumbag" addict whom had stolen her sons tractor. Many many post followed in the same tone, referring to said addict as " a waste of space" " a stain on humanity" etc and that he should be " shot" " strung up by the balls" etc etc. My brother is an alcoholic, an addict, a "waste of space"??
Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Well, fair enough, merry, then I won't use it when I notice you're around.

demented - yes, of course, any word can be found offensive. That's in the nature of words.

What I don't get is why this is a problem. I can understand why some people were really horribly upset by the way that poster described addicts. I can also of course understand that she may have posted in the heat of the moment, but that doesn't remove those people's hurt, does it?

No LRD, it doesn't.

Are you ok?

Sorry, I don't know if I said the wrong thing there. If I did, I'm really sorry.

I don't think I agree actually merrymarigold .
One can describe someone as 'demented with grief' without it being in any way insulting. Demented can describe a state of distress or excess of emotion without ever being intended insultingly.

No, you were the only one who seemed to understand d what I was saying

i agree with dementedma, I have seen people on this thread swear blind some words on are not offensive (even when other posters say they are) which most certainly are offensive, whereas others apparently are offensive according to this thread, but you can find them batted around on quite a number of other MN threads, so clearly that view is not shared by all on MN, never mind outside the MN bubble.

I think it describes a state of being out of control or beyond 'self', so when it is occasionally used to describe emotion that it is what it means but it's still not a positive connotation.

I guess there is a scale - not some words should be banned from use and some are ok, but some are more acceptable than others.

I agree, pag.

I also don't think the doctor calling my grandmother 'demented' was being offensive - it's factual. The word has a pretty long history of meaning 'mad' or 'distracted' (eg with grief) long before it had a specific medical application, though.

But it is personal, isn't it? If someone does feel upset by that term, I'd just not use it around them.

It's like, I don't especially buy the etymology of 'paddy' (ie., a tantrum) being related to being Irish. But I don't have an issue with not using the word because lots of people do buy it.

Cross post.

Whew, glad you're ok de.

Take care lovey.

I don't think any words should be banned.
I just think using words which you know cause vulnerable groups offence makes you a twat.

Spot on.

De
I understand what you meant now you have explained it. Thank you.

At the time of your post it read to me As if you were saying 'god, some idiot out there always wants to take offence'

I am pleased to have been wrong and I am glad you are fine too

The only issue with that, Pag, is that if it isn't challenged people think it's ok, and it really is not ok.

I challenge it Lougle. Not banning is not the same as not challenging.
Banning words is very dodgy territory IMHO

Ah, misunderstood you

no problem.

Goodnight

'banned' is offensive?

God, that is so depressing, Maryz.

Dementedma, sorry if i misunderstood your post

I too thought you were saying it in a, 'good lord, is there nothing we can say without someone getting upset anymore', 'it's pc gorn crazy' kind of way.

Pagwatch sums it up for me (much more succinctly than I can!)

I don't think any words should be banned.
I just think using words which you know cause vulnerable groups offence makes you a twat.

That is awful Maryz
It is quite amazing for me to hear that, as I do not have a SN child, and in our town there are 2 places for SN adults, they are regularly in town, and I have never heard a bad comment said to them, or never seen anything untoward.

Can I just ask,to those with SN relatives, is abuse hurled at them or you on a literally daily basis?

With my DS2, he has ASD and so looks NT, at least in the short term, until he speaks or moves! So I don't get many comments just a few stares when he behaves in a way they wouldn't expect for a 13 yo. It is getting worse as he gets older, though and is no longer a cute child and his behaviour is more noticeably different to his peers and the recognised norm. He gets a lot of abuse on the school bus home from other children, according to his brother.

One of my friends whose DC has Downs syndrome, gets a lot of unpleasant comments, though.

A little over the top on smilies, there.

'Can I just ask,to those with SN relatives, is abuse hurled at them or you on a literally daily basis?'

As Maryz said. ds is now 10. quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and cannot move or speak. But he drools, flails and makes 'noises' So we get it every single time we go out and its got worse nowhe's no longer a 'cute toddler'. He understands ever single word and the pain in his eyes kills me. He cant control the movements or noises as he has no control over his body but at home using his communication device he has begged for drugs to stop the drooling despite the horrendous side effects (we've done botox into his glands and will have them removed next year. For cosmetic reasons because people cant keep their gobs shut)
I get the abuse hurled at me, especially on buses if I dare to ask for the wheelchair space. 'You shouldnt be out with a fucking retard like that' and other such gems. Or school kids tittering and pointing.
Sometimes i hate people.