Apparently the word retarded deeply affects some DU members (reply pulled from GD)

[rustydog]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Kaleva (a host of the The DU Lounge forum).

The definition, for your enlightenment and edification:

re.tard.ed: 1. Affected with mental retardation
2. OCCURRING OR DEVELOPING LATER THAN DESIRED. DELAYED

I was not and do not make fun of the developmentally disabled. Some of you guys are hyper sensitive.

I apologize if I offended some of you, but I WILL STILL USE THE WORD RETARDED because it also means a delay in development...That can be mental,social, ethical, physical. lighten up, ok.

[Tobin S.]

1. Meta is down the hall last door on the left.

We just goof off in here.

[seabeyond]

2. i used it in a totally different manner. never to talk about people with low iq. but... i know

it bothers people who do not get how i am using it so i stopped.

[femmocrat]

3. For your enlightenment and edification....

the R-word is inappropriate. It is no longer used, just like similar insults which also have "other" meanings.

[GoneOffShore]

4. You can use retarded but only if speaking about dough.

I retard the rise on my pizza dough all the time.

[Honeycombe8]

5. "Retarded" is still used as a medical term, too, I believe. nt

[ZombieHorde]

6. I used to use it and think nothing of it.

I used to work in a group home for folks with developmental disabilities, and we were watching a show that used the word the way you use the word, and the look on two of my clients' faces made me rethink my use of the word.

Just today, my daughter was playing Minecraft, and she yelled "fucking retard" at the game, and I told her not to use the "r-word." I couldn't care less about the "f-word."

I don't let my kids say something is "gay" either. The "b-word" and "c-word" are forbidden too, but "fuck" is cool in my house.

[SalviaBlue]

7. I am 57. My Aunt is mentally retarded.

That was the term my Very Polite family (and everyone else for that matter) used. I recently referred to my Aunt as mentally retarded to my neighbor and she corrected me. Her daughter (1year old) has Downs. I was kind of mortified but I think we're good. I appreciate her saying something.

[Separation]

8. I see this definition has been left out

2\ˈrē-ˌtärd\ often offensive : a retarded person; also : a person held to resemble a retarded person in behavior

http://i.word.com/idictionary/retard

If you don't get it, fine. Just know that word is as hurtful as other words here that will get you tombstoned. You don't have to deal with that word on a near daily basis. I don't have to deal with the "nigger", "faggot", or "dyke" word, but I sure as hell know how hateful & hurtful those words are and don't use them.

For the jury, I hope you see that I am not using those words against a person, I don't use them in my daily life, and I sure as hell don't even like putting them down to print either.

[MiddleFingerMom]

9. There ARE multiple definitions for the word "retarded", but knowing that its MAIN and most...

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... frequent usage offends MANY people because of its all-too-common hurtful usage directed
at people they care deeply about and STILL insisting on using it because they should "lighten
up" defines YOU pretty well. That's for YOUR enlightenment and edification.
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The "f-word" can also mean a bundle of sticks -- but usage of it would simply be a not-very-clever
passive-aggressive means of offending someone. Bundle of sticks/kindling would suffice.
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Especially when there are sites like thesaurus.com at your fingertips. If your vocabulary is so
limited that you can't come up with a non-offensive alternative on your own, I highly recommend
it.
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I've got "Mom" in my name. Look the word up.
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http://thesaurus.com/browse/retarded?s=t
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BTW, I stopped using your argument in junior high school... maybe even high school. Your results
may vary.
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[Kaleva]

10. Locking

From the Lounge SOP:

"Our social forum. Relax with your friends and talk about off-topic stuff. The Lounge is supposed to be a friendly, welcoming place for everyone. No cliquish behavior. No drama. No political arguments."

Please repost in Meta. Thank you for your understanding.

Kaleva