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Whether or not the word "retard" is discriminatory depends on the circumstances. One must consider the context and the speaker's intent. "Retard" can be wielded for description, humor or harm, but too often, preachy know-it-alls berate those who supposedly misuse this adjective.

"Retard" is one of a long line of euphemisms describing folks who are, well...retarded. It has become a dysphemism, an euphemism of an euphemism. "Retard" once replaced out-of-date adjectives such as "imbecil," "moron" and "half-wit." Now "retard" has been deemed a bad word and succeeded by yet more euphemisms, such as "mentally handicapped" or "intellectually disabled." One must wonder what new euphemisms will arise in the future? This peculiar process of substituting one euphemism for another is ridiculous, but for whatever reason, many people feel that it is necessary.

"Retard" is not comparable to a racial slur like "nigger" which was never intended merely as a descriptive device. Oddly, many African-Americans now call each other "niggers" as a term of endearment. One must wonder if "retard" will also come full circle, so to speak.

Words alone should not cause offense unless you are an over-sensitive moral expert. If I slam my hand in a car door and scream "shit" within earshot of bystanders, why should they be offended? The expletive is not directed toward them and it hurts no one. If I glare at you and declare "you ARE a piece of shit," however, you have something to be offended about.

If I see a retarded person, point and laugh, "ha ha, what a retard," one would certainly have cause for complaint. We can all agree that belittling others without provocation is reprehensible. But how should I describe a friend who is acting retarded in order to annoy me or get a laugh? If I call him a moron, imbecile or half-wit, would that be less offensive? Perhaps I should label him mentally handicapped or intellectual disabled? Wait, those are current euphemisms and would offend some folks. What term should I use to accurately describe my friend's behavior?

Some people need to grow a sense of humor. Comedians tell us that humor can be found in almost any situation. One must admit that some of the antics of retarded people are funny. It is possible to laugh at their antics without belittling them.

I realize that many people are offended by "retard" and I will not go out of my way to say it in public. However, if bystanders happen to overhear me, I will not apologize for using it as a descriptive device and I am not sorry for labeling my friends' behavior as retarded. You are free to take offense and I am free not to care. The latest euphemistic fad should not be a great concern for any rational person.

Learn more about this author, Jeremy Patton.
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