# Let's ban use of the word "retarded" as an insult here. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 15, 2004, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421 "2004-10-15T18:15:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/1 "2004-10-15T18:15:43Z")
In light of an offensive flier distributed in Tennessee, the chairman and CEO of Special Olympics has made the following statement: > [@](#): > > From the office of Timothy P. Shriver > Chairman and CEO, Special Olympics > > We at Special Olympics are astounded and appalled by a flier being distributed in Tennessee showing the head of President Bush superimposed on the body of a Special Olympics athlete, with the statement, “Even if you win, you’re still retarded.” > > We see this communication as an egregious, gratuitous insult to our almost 1.4 million athletes in over 150 countries around the world and a stunning affront to the 170 million people in the world who have intellectual disabilities. > > We cringe at the thought that any one of these capable and courageous athletes would ever have to endure the agony, embarrassment, pain and suffering that this flier would certainly cause. > > We hope that the person or persons responsible for this outrageous poster would come forward, identify themselves, and explain to the people of Tennessee and everywhere else why they would choose to denigrate the spirit, courage, and accomplishments of the Special Olympics athletes. > > Sadly, this type of ignorance and bigotry is not uncommon. Comedians in the United States regularly mock people with intellectual disabilities; a common playground taunt even today is “retard”; people with intellectual disabilities remain the last to be respected or included in our schools, health care institutions, and society at large. > > Our commitment in this political season and in every other is to reverse this ignorance and bigotry and to replace them with the stunning realization that many people with intellectual disabilities are, in fact, among the most gifted within our communities. Their valuable skills for promoting acceptance and understanding are most desperately needed in the political process and in the world today. > > There is no reasonable and legitimate defense of this hateful material. We would expect those responsible to make an abject public apology and a sincere, determined effort to clear the public domain of this offensive material. Now, I don’t want to get into the politics involved here. I do think, though, that Mr. Shriver (son of Sarge Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver) is absolutely correct, and that the use of the word “retarded” in this way is offensive. In fact, I believe it constitutes hate speech, which is banned on this board. It is used, though, and used frequently, by Dopers across the political spectrum. I’d like to see a rule change, so that it is never seen again without consequence. On a board devoted to fighting ignorance, there’s no place for language as ignorant as this. Agreed? ---
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/2 "2004-10-15T18:18:48Z")
Agreed. -lv ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/3 "2004-10-15T18:19:35Z")
> [@Mr. Moto](#): > > Agreed? Definitely not, and I’m pretty sure I’ve never even pulled the “retard card” out here in the pit, so I’m not defending the use of it as an insult. I am pretty fucking sick and tired of “banning” this or that, both here and in real life, however. If you consider retard hate speech, then I think we need to go and reconsider every single insult ever bandied about in the pit, because sho’nuff, it’ll offend someone or another. Sam ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/4 "2004-10-15T18:21:46Z")
Certainly. May I assume I can count on your support in my own efforts to ban the words “squaw” and “niggardly”? ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/5 "2004-10-15T18:22:00Z")
Nope, sorrry, I lwant to retain “retarded” as a slur on my opponents in the Pit. Beisdes, the advocates for the retarded aren’t using the word anymore (they [prefer “mentally challenged”). Besides, it’s amusing that a word that was originally used as a euphemism for the previous generation of clinical terms that became pejoratives–“moron,” “cretin,” abd “imbecile”–has itself become viewed as a term of abuse instead of a designation for people with less developed cognition, like Dubya. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/6 "2004-10-15T18:24:12Z")
> [@gobear](#): > > Nope, sorrry, I lwant to retain “retarded” as a slur on my opponents in the Pit. Beisdes, the advocates for the retarded aren’t using the word anymore (they [prefer “mentally challenged”). Besides, it’s amusing that a word that was originally used as a euphemism for the previous generation of clinical terms that became pejoratives–“moron,” “cretin,” abd “imbecile”–has itself become viewed as a term of abuse instead of a designation for people with less developed cognition, like Dubya. That opinion is _sooo_ gay. Ban it as a slur. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/7 "2004-10-15T18:25:57Z")
I disagree with banning “retarded” as an insult. I think posters who are offended by it should feel free to pit people who use it, and other posters can pile on as high as they want. However, to ban every potentially offensive word from the board is to limit discourse and discussion, and is contrary to the goal of fighting ignorance. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/8 "2004-10-15T18:28:04Z")
Oh, pish tosh–if we ban every derogatory word, pretty soon we’ll be unable to say anything at all. Bush is mentally challenged. Bush has serious cognitive defects. Bush is a a retard. I like the pungency of the third choice. Besides, it isn’t like the retarded will be bothered because they can’t read. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/9 "2004-10-15T18:28:07Z")
It is a word. That is all. While you don’t have a choice regarding what others say, you do have a choice regarding your reaction. Banning certain words because x or y finds them offensive is foolish, and to accede to those demands leaves us collectively at a loss. Shall we pass the OED around the room and let all present redline those entries which are bothersome? Why is retarded so upsetting to you? To retard the timing of an engine means that the spark is sent after top dead center. Many towns post signs prohibiting the use of brake retarders within their confines. A brake retarder slows the speed of a truck. Retard=slow or make late. Is that an incorrect assessment? ---
**Author:** ![Hyperelastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/10 "2004-10-15T18:33:21Z")
I completely agree. I also hope that the scumbags who printed the flyers get their asses nailed to the wall. A similar instance of this recently turned out to be a “dirty trick” by the Republican National Committee, and the m.o. is almost identical to that used by Karl Rove in a 1996 election. See [here](http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/000119.html) and [here](http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_10_10.php#003688). **Mr. Moto** , I assume any subsequent information that comes to light about who is responsible for this won’t change your indignance, right? ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/11 "2004-10-15T18:33:50Z")
Polerius ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/12 "2004-10-15T18:34:28Z")
> [@Mr. Moto](#): > > Agreed? Nope. I don’t know if I’ve even used the word here as an insult, either. ---
**Author:** ![Ghanima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Ghanima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ghanima)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/13 "2004-10-15T18:34:34Z")
> [@](#): > > Main Entry: re·tard·ed > Pronunciation: ri-'tärd-&d > Function: adjective > : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development : characterized by mental retardation > Source: Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc. Sounds like our fearless leader to me. ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/14 "2004-10-15T18:36:06Z")
> [@Mr. Moto](#): > > On a board devoted to fighting ignorance, there’s no place for language as ignorant as this. > > Agreed? Is seems to me very authoritarian to ban words from being used, for any reason. In fact, are any words currently banned on the SDMB? ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/15 "2004-10-15T18:36:48Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Certainly. May I assume I can count on your support in my own efforts to ban the words “squaw” and “niggardly”? You do know what niggardly means, right? Or am I being whoosed? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/16 "2004-10-15T18:37:57Z")
That’s why I specifically mentioned banning the use of the word as an insult only. Look, I have family members with cognitive disabilities, as well as several others who work with these folks in social service programs. One of my cousins helps teach mentally retarded parents how to care for their children better. Comparing their condition to the abilities of people you simply don’t care for belittles them as citizens. I don’t welcome this one bit. This board is moderated for a reason - to keep discussions civil. I don’t think this word belongs in civil conversation, even in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/17 "2004-10-15T18:40:01Z")
> [@Bruce\_Daddy](#): > > You do know what niggardly means, right? Or am I being whoosed? Yes, he knows, it’s a joke. I think **Sam** summed up my feelings nicely. Fucking bubblewrap world. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/18 "2004-10-15T18:40:08Z")
> [@Bruce\_Daddy](#): > > You do know what niggardly means, right? Or am I being whoosed? You are, of course, being whooshed. Squaw doesn’t mean what people think it means either. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/19 "2004-10-15T18:41:08Z")
My indignance won’t change. This sort of thing has no business in political discourse, or civilized discussion at all. It’s language used by kids on a playground. We can do better. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2004, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421/20 "2004-10-15T18:41:43Z")
The only downside I can see to banning the use of “retarded” is that **Brutus** will have nothing he can use as a retort. Wait, did I say “downside”? 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-ban-use-of-the-word-retarded-as-an-insult-here/269421.md?page=2)