How do you feel about the word retarded?

Question

I was just wondering how people felt about the word. I personally think that it is very unnecessary for this word to be used most of the time, but feel free to say how you feel! =P

Answer 1

I think it is inappropriate to use if used in a negative way - like an insult. However, I hear and sometimes slip myself and call an object like my math curriculum retarded.  I know that calling a person that has special needs retarded is wrong.

Answer 2

It's a mean word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I think it's really g*y. :P

Seriously, I have relatives with MR, and it doesn't bother me that much to hear it.  After all, words like "ignoramus," "idiot," and "feeble-minded" were once medical terms, and "retarded" doesn't sound anywhere as mean.

Answer 4

It's just a word. Haven't really thought about it. But hey, it gives people something to protest, right?

Answer 5

It's retarded.

Answer 6

theres nothing wrong with the word if you call someone thats not autistic or disabled retarded but it is very mean if you call someone that is disabled retarded, remember they cant help it.

Answer 7

It has become a derogatory term in our society...so it shouldn't be used.

Answer 8

I can't stand it...never used to care when I was younger and would use that word all the time, but I'm older now and have actually found some compassion so...

Answer 9

If you are using the word in a clinical setting, it is a perfectly valid word describing limited intellectual functioning.  However, If it is used as an insult it is just as mean as any other relatively innocent word that is being misused to cause pain to others.

Answer 10

i don't understand why people let words bother them so much. i mean, sticks and stones, right? i'm sure people are sick of hearing it, but words really do evolve. sometimes to mean good things sometimes to mean bad. and i don't believe that the evolution of words makes things seem banal... it's just the truth. retarded has multiple meanings. and i'm positive that people who use it playfully have no intentions of insulting mentally disabled folks who my grandma and aunt take care of for a living. if i knew a friend as offended by it, however i would not use it around her.

Answer 11

I think it's a word who's definition has actually (not officially though) changed for the better.

It seems like it used to be a word commonly, and closely, used with people with mental disabilities.  Now, a majority of decent human beings won't call someone with a disability "retarded" but will instead using a more politically correct, and better term.

Plus, the word means a lot more than people might think...it doesn't have to apply directly to people.  There are things like fire retardants too.

"Retarded" has taken on a slang meaning which is less directed toward people with mental impairments.  While it's still an awful word, i think the fact that people use it as slang, and not as a directly derogatory word, is a big improvement.

Answer 12

I join you.

I HATE it.

The majority of my family are disabled and everyone says

"oh her family are all retarded."

The thing is they arn't they are just the same as everyone else.

Nothing different.

People who use that word need to grow up.

Answer 13

pffffft

retarded is a wonderful word.

in fact, by definition, it means slow or inhibited, and can apply to anything, not just people. people have turned it into a word that automatically means mentally impaired.

that's why i think it's not offensive to call someone who isn't retarded, retarded. it's funny. lighten up. :D

Answer 14

I think it's sad that words such as retarded, g*y, and jew are used so often in negative ways. We claim that we don't discriminate against the disabled, sexual orientation or religion, but the fact that these words automatically carry negative connotations shows society's approval. Until we are able to stop using these words in negative ways the elimination of discrimination will be impossible to achieve.