The "R" Word

It's got me in a dilemma with this politically correct usage of the word retard. Some will refer to it as hate speech. On the one hand, I would never tolerate someone belittling my special needs kid by using retard in a disparaging way. When it's used in medical terms, it still doesn't sit well with me when doctors will describe her as mentally retarded. It actually makes my skin crawl as they make that diagnosis in a matter-of-factly way. But that's part of their terminology, so would that be offensive too?

March 31 is being billed a "national day of awareness," a call to Americans to recognize and rethink their use of the word "retard," or as the organization would prefer, the "R-word."

"Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends," a statement about the campaign reads. "This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur."

On the other hand, I'm just as guilty of using the word retard jokingly. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't use it lightly with someone who is developmentally delayed. Even in medical terms, I don't care for it.

So I have to wonder...how far can we take this politically correctness thing? To use it in a derogatory way is wrong. It's one thing to call someone who is developmentally delayed, retard. Joking or not. I wouldn't do that. It's another thing to call my sister, who by the way is far from being a retard, however she sometimes will make retarded remarks.

I can understand why some people are sensitive to the word. I know what it's like. I live in a world of the disabled.
But to say, "This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur." To say it in a mean and malicious way, yes it is. Or to make a national day of awareness to recognize and rethink of the use of the word. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and...chill.
We can't always take life too seriously. Sometimes we just need to smile.

~click~