Community > General Discussion

Topic: The R word
Gypsy41 Joined Tue 05/15/07 Posts: 123359	Sat 04/04/09 12:31 AM
I would like to see the "retarded" word elimanated out of peoples vocabulary!! It is a movement that is taking National attention to make people more aware of how demeameaning that word is to some very special people. Here In Nebraska, we have the Special Olympics we are hosting next weekend which I vollenteer every year to help out. They are AMAZING in how much pure love and Joy they have for people and its just not politically correct to do so, its the RIGHT thing to do!!! I remember taking a bus from cali to nevada....and reading a sign on a business called "School for retarded children". I was soooooooooooo shocked!!!! I couldnt believe it. Things like that would never be tolerated here. We call them "mentally challenged".

lilbug Joined Wed 10/10/07 Posts: 14791	Sat 04/04/09 12:31 AM
G'night Dan

Dan99 Joined Sat 08/23/08 Posts: 14941	Sat 04/04/09 12:32 AM
Thanks for the chat, Robbi!

markecephus Joined Sun 10/07/07 Posts: 13831	Sat 04/04/09 12:45 AM
Mark, I understand why you edited my post. Doesn't that exactly make the point here? Or am I free to call anbody I want a retard? There are certain words that are unacceptable. Now, i realize you probably didn't mean it to be. But still..in racial terms...those words are not welcomed. In the case of the word retard/ed... Unless it is directed towards another member, then i have no problem with it...although personally, i find it a bit crass and unbecoming of those who obviously possess the qualities to find more suitable phraseology.

Dan99 Joined Sat 08/23/08 Posts: 14941	Sat 04/04/09 12:57 AM
i find it a bit crass and unbecoming of those who obviously possess the qualities to find more suitable phraseology. Hey Mark! I completely agree with you here. However, i kinda like my crass persona, and its always done me pretty well in my online life. I have never been afraid to come accross as vulgar and obtuse, i just try to make myself laugh, mostly. Sometimes others do too. I might lack tact and common decency, but probably more people appreciate it than get offended by it. Night all!

heathersaysgobucks Joined Sun 01/06/08 Posts: 5306	Sat 04/04/09 03:15 AM
I have informed my 14 yr old that that is not an acceptable term to use in my presence. See, that's the thing right there. All of my real life friends, and most of my internet friends know that you simply don't say it around me. Any kid that comes to my house and says it, gets an ear full about how we could use another word with the correct meaning. It's not too hard to explain to the kids as I have a child with that diagnosis living right in my household. They get it. I'm pretty sure everyone here gets it too, and unfortunately a lot will continue to use just because they can.

prisoner Joined Tue 01/06/09 Posts: 5129	Sat 04/04/09 05:08 AM
First words then books. Farenheit 451 be seeing you

Mikey117 Joined Mon 11/20/06 Posts: 23736	Mon 04/06/09 05:10 PM
Ya know, Mikey is one of the sweetest guys here, he works with the Special Olympics. If he is telling you the word 'retard' or 'retarded' is offensive to those folks, you can pretty much take him at his word. We actually cannot change words, I am not even sure we can change just human decency and compassion, but this is Mikey's effort do so, and while I may think he is fighting a losing batttle in those caught up in freedom of speech and whatever inane aliby they have to justify using inflammatory terms.... I applaud his efforts. thank U Robin, that is very kind of U too say, I think we have to stand up and speak for those that cannot speak for themselves!!!