Special Olympics aims at ending the derogatory use of the "r-word"
 

From CNN.com:

Thoughts? Are you guys "r-word" abusers? Any of you volunteer with Special Olympics, or have family members or friends with intellectual disabilities?

I used to let this word slip all the time. Now, I'd say I use it infrequently, but unfortunately I don't flinch when I hear myself say it the same way I would if I called something "gay" in association with negativity. I know people are sick of having to tiptoe around to keep from hurting everyone's feelings, but this is definitely a touchy subject, and I would never want to inadvertently hurt someone I care about by speaking without thinking.

My nephew is developmentally delayed, so the r-word has definitely become highly offensive in our family. I warn others to never use it around us and or else the fam will look at you like you just swore very loudly. I never say it unless I'm at work and using it in a clinical sense.

I'm a pre-k special education assistant:). Since I started my job in Fall 2007, I've definitely noticed the use of the word more. I guess it used to not phase me the way other words did, but now it's definitely one of those words. I also recently learned that the origins of the word "spaz," as in, "Oh my god, she's such a spaz," refer to people with Cerebral Palsy (because of their muscle spasms and uncontrolled tension). I don't really use "spaz" anymore. One of my favorite people in the world has CP.

There is a certain University in Texas whose fan base likes to call one of their rival’s tards. Normally I’d just shrug it off but this same fan base likes to proclaim themselves as one of the classiest programs in their conference. I wish they’d eliminate the nickname from their vernacular. I cringe every time I hear someone say it without a second thought.

For the record I used to be a pretty big offender of using the r-word. But after doing JOH and active involvement with Push America I can’t recall the last time I used it.

Here's the problem with the "r-word" - unlike racial slurs, which have basically no other meaning besides the hurtful and purely racial motivation, "retarded" is essentially accurate. That is to say, the mentally handicapped do indeed have developmental retardation.

It may still be hurtful to the developmentally disabled, but it's nowhere near the use of "gay" to mean "lame" in terms of the damage done. Now, should kids calling each other "retarded" morph from "dumb" or "silly" to something akin to "worthless" or something more worthy of derision, then I'll be all for eliminating it.

With that said, I do go out of my way to attempt to not use the term in public, or around those who have close ties to special needs individuals - so yeah, it seems like an odd case to me, where it's still "bad" but not on the level of slurs based on race, gender or sexual orientation. Strange how the denotation/connotation divide can exist, but it really does for me.

When my sister and I found out that the term "gypped" refers to gypsies, who were often unfairly stereotyped as cheaters and thieves, we stopped using that word as well.

I applaud them for what they're trying to do (one of my teachers growing up had a mentally handicapped son, so I don't use the term anyway), but I don't really see it going anywhere. This is the same thing that the NAACP tried to do with the N word, but the use of that hasn't changed.

That's fine and dandy that you say that, but EVERY instance I've had with gypsies in Europe has been a negative one - seeing them pickpocket, etc...There was also an article in either Time or Newsweek a long while ago where they interviewed a bunch of gypsies who openly stated they didn't work because it was more honorable to stealand beg from people than work.

As for the r word, yes I've used it, most people have. I stopped a long time ago though as I think it's not a good expression, there are much more apt expressions when dealing with those who are idiots....well, with the exception of the thread on here recently with the guy peddling online cremation or whatever it was.

Many derogatory words as someone pointed out earlier, have taken on secondary meanings. It is called the evolution of language. You can not stop it. Words take on new meanings all the time. You don't have to like it, but most people already speak (especially when speaking casually) before they have a chance to register what they are going to say. Hence, "retarded" would not be used in a formal speech, neither would "gay", but you'll find them in casual and everyday conversation. There is no movement that will stop the natural progression of language, so I think they are going to have to go on being offended.

As a black person, I've learned to just get used to many hispanics and whites saying "nigga" on casual basis when meeting friends. No one has ever in my life (to my knowledge) used it in offense towards me. I do notice it all the time in my head and it does make me stop and think for a second, but I don't get offended about it and give them a lecture. What is the point?

I'm a pediatrician. Dealing with developmentally delayed and mentally retarded (there's a difference) is a part of my job. When I'm at the hospital, writing a progress note in which I write "8 y/o patient with MR and quadraplegic spastic cerebral palsy with history of repeated hospitalizations for respiratory distress" is a medically accurate and relevant comment. I would be miffed if a patient's family resented me putting "MR" in my notes.

Given that, it's a part of my vocabulary. This isn't that big of deal to me. I'm with KSig on this one, it's an accurate statement when describing the afflicted. It's not the word that's offensive but tone and context, if said as a way to hurt someone, I might understand. I don't think it's offensive when said amongst friends either though.

Exactly - along somewhat the same lines, I know of people who have masters degrees in "Teaching Individuals with Mental Retardation."

Being an Alpha Sig with our philanthropy as Special Olympics, I've tried to be more conscious of saying the "r-word", but honestly, it's just something that's been used by my age group so long, it's hard to get rid of. I've joked with my coworker that they're going to kick me out of my sorority if I can't stop saying that, so she'll make a joke about getting kicked out when she hears me say it. I actually appreciate her doing it, because it really points out to me when I use it and don't even think about it.

As the mother of a mentally retarded man, I am, on the other hand, offended that some feel "intellectual disability" accurately describes my son's condition.

He is moderately mentally retarded, with ADHD, and autistic tendencies. Yes, his cognitive abilities and language abilities are retarded. He is NOT a "tard".

Like using "gay" to mean "lame", when it can mean homosexual or happy, individuals can use the word "retarded" in a hurtful manner. Those people are generally beneath me.

I'm disgusted that the national "Association for Retarded Citizens", in fact, changed their name simply to "ARC" (like KFC dropped "Kentucky Fried Chicken" because "fried" is apparently bad), and even more disgusted that the politically correct are folding to the too-sensitive.

Oh, man.
there was a post about this in one of my MySpace groups and some pretty foolish responses.

"honestly, i’m not going to stop saying "retarded". People are way too sensitive about shit these days. I vote no more of this politically correct crap. We should be able to say whatever the f**k we want. Call a spade a spade."

"if you’re going refrain from using the word "retarded", you might as well refrain from using the word "idiot" as well
because they both basically mean the same thing and are both considered offensive"
..."but their definitions are almost the same (not including the 2nd definition of idiot):
Main Entry: re·tard·ed
Function: adjective
Date: 1895
sometimes offensive : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress

Main Entry: id·i·ot
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 usually offensive : a person affected with extreme mental retardation
2: a foolish or stupid person

to which someone else replied....."Quit using a book from 1895, it’s wrong." (lol)

"This whole thread is so gay."

Exactly. There is a vast difference, at least in my mind, between using mentally retarded in a medical/diagnostic sense and calling a situation or attitude "retarded" or a person a "retard" or "tard."

Here's another one for you....

Okay, Greece is called "Hellas" in Greek, hence the term "Hellenic" to refer to things Greek.

I recently went to a concert at our local "Hellenic Community Centre", (formerly the Greek Community Centre). I asked my Greek friend about it and she said that "Greek" actually comes from a Turkish word meaning "slave"! I was :eek::eek::eek:

So I wouldn't be surprised if we see that change over time as well.

The word "Greek" isn't changing at this stage of the game.

And your friend was wrong -- "Greek" comes the name of a tribe or group of people (the Graikos) that once lived in what is now Greece but migrated to what is now Italy and were called (in Latin) Graecus.

And I almost had to cuss out a Gypsy woman selling roses in Manhattan who thought it was okay to blow cigarette smoke in our faces.

These people are a relatively small percentage of the world's population of Gypsies. The stereotype has taken over because most people will never interact with a substantial portion of Gypsies. That includes that potentially nonrepresentative group for Newsweek's interview. :)

I stopped saying "gyped" years ago and I compare it to people saying "jew me."

I don't say "retard" unless I'm actually talking about someone who is "mentally retarded." I will keep saying "mentally retarded" for people who are medically considered "mentally retarded." That isn't an insult or a stereotype. As KSig said, it is accurate and well-documented.

And if I remember right, they don't call themselves Gypsies, do they? Don't they call themselves Romani or Roma?

I found this. http://www.rootsworld.com/rw/feature/gypsy1.html

From my limited experiences, those who call themselves Gypsies may be doing so because outsiders identify them as such.

When I was a server, I was told by one of my customers that calling them "gypsies" is like calling a black person the "n-word." This was after he'd overheard one of my fellow servers using the word.

But I think the group that lives near this area are referred to as "Irish Travelers" so I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

The point is that, if it is unacceptable and hurtful to me, there is no reason I should tolerate it. The word is offensive to me and I do not allow anyone to use it toward me, casually or not. A lecture is not necessary, but I may give one if they ask me why I feel the way I do. ;) I ask people not to use it around me, though I can't demand that they don't. Usually, they respect that unless they're just complete jerks and say it more to annoy me (some people are just mean-spirited that way)--in which case, I just remove myself.

That's interesting. Does "gypsy" have an offensive origin or did it simply develop a stigma?

"Irish Traveler" isn't an ethnic distinction so I wouldn't use that to refer to a group of people. :p

/end thread hijack...maybe

It's from Greek, the same root as Egypt/Egyptian. It comes from the incorrect idea that the Romani originated in Egypt. Legend was they were exiled from Egypt for giving refuge to the Holy Family.

And actually Irish Travelers (they call themselves Pavees) are recognized as an ethnic group by British law. Irish law designates them a "social group." Though not Romani, due to the similar roaming lifestyle, Irish Travelers were sometimes called Gypsies in Britain and Ireland.

Yeah, I agree that kind of stuff is over the top. Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the deaf community as a whole said recently that they prefer "deaf" to "hearing impaired"? I mean, I go past WPSD (Western PA School for the Deaf) frequently, not WPSHI.

I looked at the wikipedia entry on gypsies, and IMO it doesn't ever seem to have been the most complimentary term.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsies

Thanks.

Right, "Irish Travelers" is the ethnic group. The technical ethnic distinction is Pavees (some call "white Gypsy"), but not "Irish Travelers." ETA: This is despite the fact that almost everyone who knows about them calls them "Irish Travelers."

ETA2: But, in actuality, they are one of the many white ethnic groups that I would forget exists. In general, I find their history and "ethnic struggles" to be interesting, just as I do other white ethnicities who choose not to (or situationally choose when to) assimilate into "mainstream whiteness."

In biology there is a lab procedure that tests the binding of a protein to DNA and it used to be called a 'gel retardation assay'. Now, it is called a 'gel shift assay'.

It's not just the word - it's what the word contributes to.According to Special Olympics, less than 10% of people with intellectual disabilities in the United States are employed, compared to 50% of U.S. Special Olympics athletes, compared to 92% of the general population. By using the r-word, people indirectly help ostracize those with intellectual disabilities – by increasing awareness of the issue, we can help foster a greater acceptance of those with intellectual disabilities into our community.

So, shall we change it to "mentally shifted" instead of "mentally retarded?"

"Shift" would constitute a shift in mindset.

Yeah, but one's mindset could shift without any mental detriment.

"Retarded" means "slowed down" and that seems pretty accurate.

While I think your premise is likely correct, this isn't particularly compelling evidence of how these individuals are affected.

Did these individuals have full employment 3 decades ago, before the term "retarded" entered the general lexicon as a slang term? Is it really in the best interests of the whole for widespread employment? How much of this is self-selection (presumably, those who seek out endeavors such as Special Olympics will be those who seek out challenges such as employment as well) versus an actual societal viewpoint?

This is much more complex than we've really allowed for so far in this conversation.

I agree.

Oh well.

This includes the different levels of mental retardation.

This is kind of goofy. It's likely the intellectual disabilities that contribute to unemployment, rather than the terminology used to describe those with the disabilities.

Being mean to intellectually delayed or retarded people is immoral as far as I see it. Generally using words for these conditions to disparage others is an extension of this meanness. However, focusing on the use of any particular word is probably wastes a lot of energy that could go to actually improving the experiences of the folks we're talking about labeling, and it likely allows some people to feel like they are doing something to help disabled folks when they really aren't doing much. "I'm so sensitive; I can't stand to hear anyone say retarded."

In kind of an unrelated point, a friend of mine, who teaches special education and particularly worked with younger than school-aged kids, was often frustrated by how the contemporary names for intellectual disabilities made it difficult for parents to understand and accept their children's circumstances. While nobody wants to place unnecessary limits on any kid, your mom probably needs to understand what your IQ score means. She said parents understood what moderately or mildly retarded meant, but often didn't understand what the more up to date terms indicated. Changing terminology on its own doesn't do that much to changed the person's experience.

Semantics rears it's ugly head again. Changing the name without changing the intended meaning only makes people feel better until they realize that the same thing is being said. Now "special" has an ugly sound to it.

Exactly.

Yeah, and it's an area of life when people do need to understand what the are dealing with to understand the urgency of taking advantage of the programs offered.

Intellectually delayed may imply that time alone will resolve the issue and the parent may not actively pursue early intervention programs. It's not just about people's feelings.

Again, I'm not saying it's okay to insult people, especially by misapplying the name of their condition to insult someone.

They are not employed because they are not functionally able to, which is why a greater proportion of Special Olympics athletes do.

Look despite my Aryan blood and great heritage filled with strong men and fertile women, we have two special ed people in the extended family. They are not capable of crushing cans (which was one of their jobs for awhile). Or working at Mazzios (which was the other one of their jobs for awhile).

And that's okay.

But dropping the use of the word retarded isn't going to improve anyone's mental ability (although it dumbs mine down from it's political correctness) or make employers more accepting. The employers who employ the mentally handicapped already deal with enough tards that don't have a doctors note.

Not only that, the parents/guardians/teachers who get their kids involved with Special Olympics are more likely to be instilling in these people a sense of self esteem and purpose in life that would exist even if SO didn't. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with economic level as well.

See: Welcome To The Dollhouse and Dawn's "Special People Club."

Tangent: IMO, here is no real danger or detriment to calling a 23 year old person who's been tested throughout life and who without any question has the IQ of a 3 year old a mentally retarded individual. There IS a real danger in labeling a child at too early an age and them having to carry a label forever that doesn't apply. Some of my friends are struggling with this - their kids are getting called autistic or Asperger's and they don't think it's necessarily true. It seems we are coming at the problem from the wrong end.