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sulphurdunn

(6,891 posts)

9. Usage is important.

Reply to SamuelB (Original post)

Sat Jun 15, 2013, 10:39 AM

Jun 2013

The meaning of a word can change over time. Using the word "retarded" to describe Sara is appropriate. The correct term to describe her son is "intellectually disabled." The difference is that Sara chose to be retarded. Her son did not choose to be disabled.

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TYT: Bill Maher calls Sarah Palins 5 yo child ''Retarded'', Cenk Uygur ruling in favor of... [View all] SamuelB Jun 2013 OP

Calling a child retarded is not all that funny.... ever... n/t CrazyJudy Jun 2013 #1

How about if we call Sarah a "retard." faithnomore Jun 2013 #2

No karynnj Jun 2013 #13

I agree that calling a child retarded is not funny. It's also deeply offensive to off-handedly ScottLand Jun 2013 #25

Gotta respectfully disagree here, Cenk. ScottLand Jun 2013 #3

You're right. Coulter flings the term "retarded" around indiscriminately as an maddiemom Jun 2013 #4

So, two wrongs make a right? karynnj Jun 2013 #14

No, two wrongs don't make a right SemperEadem Jun 2013 #17

It is idiotic that you suggest that I am "politically aligned with Palin" karynnj Jun 2013 #21

I think you may have misinterpreted this part... ljm2002 Jun 2013 #27

Thank you... that is precisely what I was conveying SemperEadem Jun 2013 #30

and I think SemperEadem Jun 2013 #29

I'm not saying I condone using the word or with demeaning anyone. ScottLand Jun 2013 #24

Technically The Wizard Jun 2013 #5

In general I agree. HOWEVER, who needs to stoop to making jokes about a 5 year old? groundloop Jun 2013 #6

I agree Joanie Baloney Jun 2013 #7

Retarded means slowed, held back, or behind. Half-Century Man Jun 2013 #8

It is at LEAST as old as the internal combustion engine. AtheistCrusader Jun 2013 #32

Did not research it Half-Century Man Jun 2013 #33

It was, and it is multi-purpose. AtheistCrusader Jun 2013 #34

WAKE UP. Modern people have perverted "retard" far from its real meaning. alp227 Jun 2013 #12

Problem is anything you attach to people who have less cognitive ability Quixote1818 Jun 2013 #23

It's a verbal arms race. AtheistCrusader Jun 2013 #35

Usage is important. sulphurdunn Jun 2013 #9

To me: "Special needs" or any other term to describe a lower IQ person is the same as.. BlueJazz Jun 2013 #10

I agree Quixote1818 Jun 2013 #20

Off Limits ninjanurse Jun 2013 #11

cheap shot oldandhappy Jun 2013 #15

Sarah, you hypocritical P.O.S, you yourself, behind closed doors... PearliePoo2 Jun 2013 #16

You are right... SummerSnow Jun 2013 #28

This is the lady who named her kid after his disease Quixote1818 Jun 2013 #18

You are correct. Palin says her doctor gave her a book about Down Syndrome... PearliePoo2 Jun 2013 #22

I guess most of you are too young, but SCVDem Jun 2013 #19

Of course Maher should not have said that... ljm2002 Jun 2013 #26

Making Fun of Individuals onpatrol98 Jun 2013 #31