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It is a derision of the mentally handicapped though. Sareitha Sedai Send a noteboard - 27/10/2011 07:25:29 PM
Using the term "retarded" to refer to a stupid action isn't cool. Just like using the phrase "that's gay" to refer to something stupid isn't cool. If you are simply making sure we know that you are, in fact, not mentally handicapped, then my apologies for the above comment.


Retarded is a common turn of phrase and in no way a scathing comment or derision of the mentally handicapped. Also, "that's gay" is in the same neighborhood. Just like black people can use the N word amongst themselves. It's all about context.


Usage in this context makes it derisive of the mentally handicapped even if that's not the user's specific intent. And whether it's a common turn of phrase or not doesn't determine its correctness or appropriateness.

You're certainly free to use the word however you like, just as others are free to be offended by it. When I hear people use gay or retard(ed) in a derogatory manner it negatively affects my opinion of them.

If you are from Betelgeuse, please have one of your Earth friends read what I've written before you respond. Or try concentrating harder.

"The trophy problem has become extreme."
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my iphone 4 deleted all my text messages - 26/10/2011 10:35:51 PM 1290 Views
and people don't do that here? - 26/10/2011 11:29:35 PM 721 Views
Is there any particular reason those messages need to remain part of the record? - 27/10/2011 12:16:24 AM 745 Views
my text messages are important - 27/10/2011 02:09:24 AM 797 Views
Couldn't you assume that there was, based on the fact that she wanted them? *NM* - 27/10/2011 03:07:41 PM 319 Views
It was my first question too. - 27/10/2011 04:51:06 PM 724 Views
Hit it with a hammer. - 27/10/2011 12:28:56 AM 678 Views
Actual suggestion this time - 27/10/2011 11:29:12 AM 706 Views
Does it still text? - 27/10/2011 06:05:32 AM 670 Views
yeah it still texts - 27/10/2011 04:48:21 PM 680 Views
For the record - 27/10/2011 04:54:46 PM 770 Views
Wow the PC bullshit meter just went through the roof on that one - 27/10/2011 06:31:40 PM 822 Views
Agreed. - 27/10/2011 06:43:44 PM 759 Views
not to mention it's how these words become so offensive in the first place. - 27/10/2011 06:59:21 PM 753 Views
This isn't actually true. - 27/10/2011 07:29:02 PM 808 Views
I was speaking in general, not just for "retard" - 27/10/2011 07:50:17 PM 750 Views
They probably shouldn't be using 'dumb' in their definition if they're making an argument against - 28/10/2011 01:24:50 AM 777 Views
Why not? *NM* - 28/10/2011 02:06:12 PM 332 Views
Because 'dumb' wasn't always synonymous with stupid. - 28/10/2011 02:41:18 PM 934 Views
Yeah. - 28/10/2011 03:08:29 PM 675 Views
that's a good point. *NM* - 28/10/2011 04:21:28 PM 367 Views
Gotta go with Amyrlin on this one. - 27/10/2011 07:05:38 PM 716 Views
It is a derision of the mentally handicapped though. - 27/10/2011 07:25:29 PM 739 Views
I'm not okay with people saying "that's gay" - 28/10/2011 01:39:53 AM 850 Views
Let me guess: straight white male? Mmm... privilege. *NM* - 28/10/2011 04:09:44 AM 332 Views
First thing I thought off. Add "14 year old" to the list, though! *NM* - 28/10/2011 06:38:01 AM 378 Views
Do you have an Apple store near you? - 27/10/2011 06:39:30 PM 839 Views
Re: my iphone 4 deleted all my text messages - 27/10/2011 07:16:26 PM 681 Views

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