Essay On The Word Retard

Imagine what it would feel like if someone used your disability as an insult… Since the late 1800’s, the word ‘retard’ has been used - firstly as a clinical diagnosis to mean delay or hold back in term of progress, then later became a derogatory slang to mean stupid or dumb. While the word certainly was used to mean intellectually inhibited, many believe the everyday usage of the word “retard” is not directed toward people with disabilities, and therefore should be okay to incorporate into day to day conversation. Even though you might think the word is not offensive to friends and peers around you, it is most offensive to those whom are actually disabled and have to live everyday with something they can’t change about themselves. Simply
Using “retard” isn’t about whether you are being politically correct or if you are discreet, it is about lack of respect for human beings. You can’t show complete respect for those who are handicapped if you think it’s acceptable to use their disability as an insult. The word is no longer considered socially acceptable, in any context, whether you mean it in a disrespectful way or not. If the word isn’t used towards disabled people, then it should be totally fine right? No, you are ultimately assuming and portraying that being linked to those with disabilities is an insult. Which, if you consider this standpoint as if it were you, it could induce a lot of hurtful emotions. You can never be sure what someone else's relationships or experiences are, and whether that word will be taken delicately. Why would you even want to take the risk, when you could avoid causing upset feelings all together, and show respect for those around you at the same time? The best way to show respect and consideration is to refrain from using a word that is incredibly controversial, and replace it with something less cruel. Display of basic human respect, and allowing others to feel accepted is enough of a reason to eliminate the word “retard” from your