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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 1222 Views
and people don't do that here? - 26/10/2011 11:29:35 PM 653 Views
Is there any particular reason those messages need to remain part of the record? - 27/10/2011 12:16:24 AM 676 Views
my text messages are important - 27/10/2011 02:09:24 AM 727 Views
Couldn't you assume that there was, based on the fact that she wanted them? *NM* - 27/10/2011 03:07:41 PM 287 Views
It was my first question too. - 27/10/2011 04:51:06 PM 660 Views
Hit it with a hammer. - 27/10/2011 12:28:56 AM 602 Views
Actual suggestion this time - 27/10/2011 11:29:12 AM 624 Views
Does it still text? - 27/10/2011 06:05:32 AM 601 Views
yeah it still texts - 27/10/2011 04:48:21 PM 611 Views
For the record - 27/10/2011 04:54:46 PM 702 Views
Wow the PC bullshit meter just went through the roof on that one - 27/10/2011 06:31:40 PM 742 Views
Agreed. - 27/10/2011 06:43:44 PM 680 Views
not to mention it's how these words become so offensive in the first place. - 27/10/2011 06:59:21 PM 674 Views
This isn't actually true. - 27/10/2011 07:29:02 PM 731 Views
I was speaking in general, not just for "retard" - 27/10/2011 07:50:17 PM 681 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 695 Views
Why not? *NM* - 28/10/2011 02:06:12 PM 298 Views
Because 'dumb' wasn't always synonymous with stupid. - 28/10/2011 02:41:18 PM 859 Views
Yeah. - 28/10/2011 03:08:29 PM 612 Views
that's a good point. *NM* - 28/10/2011 04:21:28 PM 334 Views
Gotta go with Amyrlin on this one. - 27/10/2011 07:05:38 PM 641 Views
It is a derision of the mentally handicapped though. - 27/10/2011 07:25:29 PM 669 Views
I'm not okay with people saying "that's gay" - 28/10/2011 01:39:53 AM 782 Views
Let me guess: straight white male? Mmm... privilege. *NM* - 28/10/2011 04:09:44 AM 297 Views
First thing I thought off. Add "14 year old" to the list, though! *NM* - 28/10/2011 06:38:01 AM 347 Views
Do you have an Apple store near you? - 27/10/2011 06:39:30 PM 773 Views
Re: my iphone 4 deleted all my text messages - 27/10/2011 07:16:26 PM 616 Views

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