STOP using the word "retard".

[Sparklysilversequins]

This has been done many times before and I can't think why I am needing to do it again, except I have seen it used twice on here this morning already .

It's offensive. It's not JUST a word. It's no less offensive if you prefix it with "emotional" or use it to describe some silly thing you or a friend did, or some bloke you saw with his trousers half way down his backside as young men sometimes choose to do.

It may be that some believe that the use of this word is considered acceptable in other countries (ie the US) and this often trotted out as a reason for its use but that is not actually true here. As of 2014 the American Psychiatric Association plans to replace the term 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual development disorder'" in the 2013 edition of their manual.

most offensive terms used in relation to disability.

HTH.

I totally agree OP, having spent most of my childhood being called this and many other similar terms, it is saddening to see them still in existence.

I do wonder though if somebody does have an undiagnosed spld, what terms should be used.
For instance in my case I was very slow, now I know its dyslexia but nobody knew 40 years ago. My teachers used to say things like the light is on but nobodies home, I still here this today.

Hear, not here.

Times change thankfully Branleuse. Along with autistic children no longer being removed from "refrigerator mothers" practises and terminology change, hopefully for the better and terms such as retard were coined when we have less knowledge than we do now. Insisting on your right to continue to use irrelevant and derogatory terms, that are insulting to many affected makes you sound rather poorly informed, ignorant and limited IMO. It's not about freedom more about you not wanting to improve your own knowledge base, seemingly preferring to remain in less enlightened times which is to me.

YANBU. That's a horrible word. I heard some fud use the word "mongol" recently to describe a wee boy with Downs too I can't believe people these days think either word is acceptable!

LRD, I dont understand what youre saying. Im not trying to shut down any discussion. I just think while deleting people off facebook, or confronting people in RL about a word.

The words Stupid, and Idiot, are also out of date words that were originally descriptions of learning difficulties or disabilities.
They have lost their original meaning over time. These are words we all use. I amm struggling to see the difference, and to make a big thing about it, is patronising and a waste of time.

but ofc, if it makes you feel like youre doing something, and better about your compassion in general compared to others, then thats very sweet, iof misguided

I also agree.

I was sympathetic to a poster's predicament until she used that word and now I am not interested in trying to help her.

Yes..and please don't say people look or are "special". Mind you last time I objected to that I got called PC brigade and smartarses started saying I wanted the programme "Something Special" banned

I have american friends who detest this work so I don't think it's acceptable in the US.

*word

fwiw, i dont even remember when i last used the word. Im not campaigning for anyone to keep it in useage. Idgaf, but dont kid yourself that youre helping people by your superior non offensive insult choices.

If its a negative adjective, it is more than likely derived from something hideously offensive historically

What a weird attitude. Don't kid myself I am helping anyone, by objecting to a nasty casual insult that relates to them?

bran suggests that this is a matter of smug and futile political correctness, unrelated to any real compassion or action for the disabled. Unlikely, Bran, given how many of us posting here have disabled DC.

Could it possibly be that we actually know what we are talking about, and you are just wrong?

"I can't remember when I last used the word". Well, that's big of you. I have never used that word.

I hear it at work (secondary teacher). My DS2 has low functioning autism. Every time I hear it, it crushes me

i have 2 boys with learning disablitities BOB, if you read back.
I probably know more about issues relating to people with LD than a lot of people. I think this is irrelevent to my feelings about language evolution and slang

YANBU

how can anyone defend the use of the word. I am glad to see people on here being pulled about it

of course some will cry its the pc brigade moaning again

oh BoB youre so much better than me. I bow down to you! well done

I actually found your last post quite confusing Branleuse

"Superior non offensive insult choices"

Surely ALL insults are intended to be offensive? that's the point.

Not helping people by objecting to the word "retard"?

Well I am affected by that word and have two children with autism and it helps ME and them to resist that word so that's three of us already and I am quite clearly not alone, given the response to this thread.

Bran

Thankfully times have changed and your dc who have sn are not subjected to the same sort of constant verbal abuse that my generation were. At Least I hope they aren't.

I don't think many of my peers at school knew my name really. Perhaps a slight exageration there but even though I found the names offensive they were common place and people were defined by them, whather they were applicable or not.
Words I hate: stupid, thick, moron, imbecile, dumb, retard, and phrases like oh your in the window lickers group.

People just think what you are saying, thats all. Just stop and think.
I am a strong person but to hear these terms fills me with sickness and awful memories. No, it doesn't leave you and it is awful to think another generation could still be affected, after everything we have learned.

To illustrate point about "special" as an insult..o bought my DD a birthday card yesterday with "to my special little girl" on it.

I wouldn't buy one with "special" little girl on it

The main point is Bran doesnt use it I suppose.

Newfavourite I'm epileptic and have always hated the name "Tegretol Retard" even though I realise that it's referring to the slow release of medicine.

Fortunately the manufacturers must have had this discussion and the boxes I get are now "Tegretol Prolonged Release Tablets". I'm very glad about it.

Oh yes "special" is another one "You're so 'special'" I hear that all the time. Am glad its now 'additional educational needs' and not SN.

Well we both have the same number of LD kids then, Bran, and I am baffled by your attitude frankly. We will have to agree to differ, but you might to pay attention to the fact that I am by no means the only person who disagrees with you.