Commentary: The word 'retarded' is hurtful and needs to be cut from our vocabulary
By Becky Pings / Teen Press Corps
http://www.fresnobee.com/lifestyle/teens/v-printerfriendly/story/1014430.html
'Once upon a time ... there was a retard."
You think that's funny?
I don't.
Neither do the millions of Americans who are joining the growing movement to eradicate the word "retarded" from the modern vocabulary.
Simply defined, "retarded" means "delayed." While it was once a clinical term used to describe individuals with developmental disabilities, it is now an archaic term, a part of modern slang which equates to anything substandard or "stupid."
The word in its modern sense dates back to the 1950s, an insult thrown on school campuses and in sandlots across the nation. It was never as widely used as it is today, however, where one can hardly walk down a street without hearing it or seeing its impact.
I would know.
My brother has autism and Down syndrome. He loves the simple things: baseball, swimming, books and music. And just like every other person, he has feelings. When he hears the word "retard," even if it's not meant as a direct insult, it's not only a slap in the face to him, but to all disabled persons everywhere.
The fact remains that the word "retard" and all its derivatives is a hate word which, even in the most benign context, belittles and segregates the disabled. It promotes bigotry and intolerance in a society that claims "all men are created equal."
The argument to this has been heard time and time again: "But you know I didn't mean it like that. Stop being so sensitive." It is not the intent of a word, but rather its effect and connotation, that has the greatest effect.
Ben Stiller's blockbuster "Tropic Thunder" is a poignant example of the effects of the "R" word versus intention: Moviemakers claimed the liberal use of "retard" jokes was satire, while critics called the humor tasteless and offensive. Because the "satirical" humor didn't stay in context, the word found new popularity, thereby perpetuating discrimination.
Innocent humor. Satire. Whatever you call it, the word "retarded" is a hate word and should be regarded as such.
Just ask my brother, the retard.
Doesn't quite have the same ring that it did in the movie, does it?
Becky Pings attends Edison High School.
***This could very well be Ethan in 10 years or less. I am so sick of people, who should love Ethan the most, putting up the most fight to this issue. This is an issue! This is a very important issue. And, YOU, as someone who loves Ethan should be standing right behind me in this fight.***
Monday, December 08, 2008
For those who tell me I am just too sensitive- here ya go!
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This is GREAT! I think I'm going to use it for my next MMFDS! I'll link to you, of course! :)
ReplyDeleteI for one fully understand your quest, child. I've been for several years working with the federal government in ridding all maps and signs and places with derogetory and inflamitory terms. You live close to DC and this place can't even get rid of the ugly term of 'Redskins' from the NFL. I've succeeded in ridding the term of 'squaw' from our forest maps, but it took me 4 years to even convince the local tribes to the true ugliness of it. Because you didn't jump on that battle with me didn't mean to me that you didn't love me. Even your own grandparents said squaws were only good for being barefoot and pregnant. For you to question our love for Ethan only keeps to pushing us away. Everyone blasted me for being 'overly sensitive' to this issue, also. It wasn't only the white's who said it, the tribes who don't want to alienate their money prospects also stew in silence. Yeh, I know this as a fact. Ethan's world will only know the only ones who matter. That is the ones who truly love him unconditionally! Every parent shrouds their children from ugly people, and you will be no different. Ethan has a whole internet of people who love him, as well as his family. We will continue to love him even if you don't think we do.
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