![President Obama's chief of staff has apologized for his use of the word "retarded."](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/f9/d7/f9d7c03a3d9705d154a452fba694d7b1.jpg "President Obama's chief of staff has apologized for his use of the word "retarded."")
This past week, there was a high profile flap over the use of the 'R' word. Rahm Emanuel, well known for his talent with profanity, used the phrase "%&*@#@! retarded" to refer to a group of democrats. Sarah Palin came out and blasted the use saying she was offended.
Is it offensive? Um...yes...
For a moment, I am going to express the viewpoint of a parent, rather than a journalist. From the perspective of a parent with a special needs child, I believe it is politically incorrect. I believe that a great deal of hurt can be associated with this word in a way that is deeply personal, and when I hear people use the term 'retarded' it makes me cringe. Having said that, I have never taken anyone to task over the slang use of the word.
Technically speaking...
According to the web site Dictionary.com:
retarded 1. adjective-characterized by retardation: a retarded child.
2. noun mentally retarded persons collectively (usually prec. by the): new schools for the retarded.
In the English language, there are many adjectives and adverbs that can be used (with or without profanity), that will not provoke special needs parents. As a matter of fact, people who use the word 'retarded' as a slang word are simple-minded, and woefully grammatically dim-witted.
Comments
You know, I struggle with this. I have a family member with Fragile X so I understand the reaction to hearing it used is a hurtful manner.
That being said, I hate that it is ruined because it was a good word to describe things that had nothing to do with people. An example is when speaking about animals. Admittedly I'm not great with words but when speaking about the "r word" growth of a reptile egg or baby hamster.. what would you use? Stunted maybe?
I value other's feelings more than a word so I try to use alternative words. Good article!
I'm @morgan2dope on twitter, I found this from there. (=
And Rush Limbaugh led the way with his use of the word this week.
I have a mentally challenged sister and the word completely sets me in a rage. As a matter of fact, the way I found this article was by googling "the word retarded and political correctness" after getting in a debate on facebook over a status that featured the word. This is a good article, and I think the last statement is especially true.
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