Spring Break
Use Obama's slip-up to start talking about retardation
Taylor Trudon
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Commentary
Let's talk about the R-word. There are many different things (including individuals) in life that I dislike that begin with the letter R. But this time, I'm not referring to rats, Rush Limbaugh, or Raisinets. And no, I'm not talking about Rachael Ray, resumes, or reduced-calorie salad dressing. I'm talking about the word "retard."
Since elementary school, we have been taught that there are just some words that are socially unacceptable to say. The N-word is a repulsive example of racism within our country, and while you will refrain from dropping the F-bomb in front of your grandmother, the F-word may be deemed appropriate in certain situations such as sleeping through your physics final. Just as my 9 year-old little brother is learning that if my mother catches him uttering "H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks" he will lose the privilege of his Nintendo Wii, we have all learned that some words are better left unspoken.
The R-word is tossed around like sour grapes in a fruit salad. It has become an expression of daily conversation and is as frequently and casually used as Wikipedia is to do political science homework.
We all know it is wrong (both morally and possibly factually as well), but we continue to do it anyway. Our consciences, gulty from using the Web site, are quickly assuaged when we receive homework back the next class with a red "100" scrawled across the top. So, we do it again for the next homework assignments - just as we continue to use the R-word. It's not hurting anybody, so how bad can it be?
But the truth is, it is hurting somebody. And although you may not be aware, each time you playfully call your roommate a "retard" for producing pink socks from a load of laundry or moan, "That's so retarded" when your professor announces a pop quiz, you are in fact, displaying a level of ignorance. This is because these individuals, whom you are referencing in a negative light, are not "retarded" at all. They are people with intellectual disabilities, which are in no way, shape, or form, representative of their character, abilities, or aptitude.
Since elementary school, we have been taught that there are just some words that are socially unacceptable to say. The N-word is a repulsive example of racism within our country, and while you will refrain from dropping the F-bomb in front of your grandmother, the F-word may be deemed appropriate in certain situations such as sleeping through your physics final. Just as my 9 year-old little brother is learning that if my mother catches him uttering "H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks" he will lose the privilege of his Nintendo Wii, we have all learned that some words are better left unspoken.
The R-word is tossed around like sour grapes in a fruit salad. It has become an expression of daily conversation and is as frequently and casually used as Wikipedia is to do political science homework.
We all know it is wrong (both morally and possibly factually as well), but we continue to do it anyway. Our consciences, gulty from using the Web site, are quickly assuaged when we receive homework back the next class with a red "100" scrawled across the top. So, we do it again for the next homework assignments - just as we continue to use the R-word. It's not hurting anybody, so how bad can it be?
But the truth is, it is hurting somebody. And although you may not be aware, each time you playfully call your roommate a "retard" for producing pink socks from a load of laundry or moan, "That's so retarded" when your professor announces a pop quiz, you are in fact, displaying a level of ignorance. This is because these individuals, whom you are referencing in a negative light, are not "retarded" at all. They are people with intellectual disabilities, which are in no way, shape, or form, representative of their character, abilities, or aptitude.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Matt
posted 3/26/09 @ 5:11 PM EST
great article Taylor! its a shame the media didn't make any deal out of Obama's negative comment. some may laugh, but that doesn't mean its appropriate for the POTUS to be making a joke out of a portion of his population. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 3/27/09 @ 11:42 AM EST
You may be right about saying 'retard' but mental retardation is the precise name for the mental illness, and retarded is actually an apt term. It may be inappropriate to use in a derogatory fashion, but the word itself is nothing like the n-word
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