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

[BigRedBeta]

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.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

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."

[AlphaFrog]

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.