So you're saying that disabled people who get called 'retard' are only upset because they are lacking common sense?
I'm saying that you are lacking in common sense because you can't tell the difference between someone being called a retard and the usage of the word retard to discuss that particular situation.
Screw context? LOL. I guess it really is that far above your head.
Btw, maybe you should e-mail this website and tell its administrators that its contents are offensive and archaic.
Btw, maybe you should e-mail this website and tell its administrators that its contents are offensive and archaic
1) For your benefit, yes, where this website has used the term 'mental retardation', it is offensive and archaic. I will not email them, because there would be no point. See point 2.
2) You've opened up the discussion very interestingly. Because the fact is, it's not only you, sponger, using this word. The fact is, most of America uses it as well with no qualms at all about its effects. Most of America - and Borat. (By the way, I think this is one of Borat's points.) Oh well, it doesn't matter does it. After all, this is not the only thing about America which is offensive and archaic. You may as well stay asleep if you're getting a headache from this discussion.
'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'
1) For your benefit, yes, where this website has used the term 'mental retardation', it is offensive and archaic. I will not email them, because there would be no point. See point 2.
2) You've opened up the discussion very interestingly. Because the fact is, it's not only you, sponger, using this word. The fact is, most of America uses it as well with no qualms at all about its effects. Most of America - and Borat. (By the way, I think this is one of Borat's points.) Oh well, it doesn't matter does it. After all, this is not the only thing about America which is offensive and archaic. You may as well stay asleep if you're getting a headache from this discussion.
Here we go again. We're finally getting to the bottom of your conversational meandering. It's the ole "I hate america" dialogue. Well, I'm glad we finally figured out what your problem really is. For awhile there, I thought you were severely lacking the ability to comprehend the difference between a perjorative and a technical term depending on the context. It turns out that you were just looking for an avenue to paint yourself as morally superior to us bone-headed americans.
Mental retardation is a technical and scientifically accepted term used to describe those who suffer from severe mental deficiencies. Some people use it in a derogatory manner. That's upsetting. But, in other cases, it is being used with every intent to be objective. The word "retarded" is just as necessary to describe people with an uncommonly low IQ as the word "genius" is used to describe people on the opposite end of the spectrum. Sometimes, in the case of deliberate belittlement, the word "retarded" develops a negative connotation. But, to simply outlaw the usage of that word because of that negative connotation is just impractical and borderline thought police.
I don't know anyone with Asperger's but I have read The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time by Mark Haddon. I found it really interesting and a good read. I do wonder what people with Asperger's think of it.
My dad is 59 and is just being diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. That put many things in a different light, including my own childhood and current behaviour!
Like a cloud dropping rain
I'm discarding all thought
I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
I'm like an opening band for the sun
Here we go again. We're finally getting to the bottom of your conversational meandering. It's the ole "I hate america" dialogue. Well, I'm glad we finally figured out what your problem really is. For awhile there, I thought you were severely lacking the ability to comprehend the difference between a perjorative and a technical term depending on the context. It turns out that you were just looking for an avenue to paint yourself as morally superior to us bone-headed americans.
Mental retardation is a technical and scientifically accepted term used to describe those who suffer from severe mental deficiencies. Some people use it in a derogatory manner. That's upsetting. But, in other cases, it is being used with every intent to be objective. The word "retarded" is just as necessary to describe people with an uncommonly low IQ as the word "genius" is used to describe people on the opposite end of the spectrum. Sometimes, in the case of deliberate belittlement, the word "retarded" develops a negative connotation. But, to simply outlaw the usage of that word because of that negative connotation is just impractical and borderline thought police.
Don't turn this into 'You are an enemy of America' crap. You realise how stupid that sounds? I don't hate America, I hate ignorance.
In the UK we stopped using the word 'retard/retarded/retardation' at roughly the same time we all stopped using the word 'nigger'.
'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'
I've dealt with children with Asperger in a classroom enviroment. The children are of normal IQ (some higher than others but within normal range).
As a poster said, people with asperger's have deficiencies in social and communication skills, and like the better known symptoms of autism, do not like change, like things to be the same, whether it is people, surroundings, food, etc. They may also get into obsessive routines. They have problems 'reading' people and may have problem with language (eg in not understanding imagery - using the expression 'don't put all your eggs in the same basket' a child responded panicking 'but I don't have any eggs - I must get eggs!!') and in communicating their thoughts. The children I dealt with had some or all of these symtoms at varying degrees. Looking at some of them, you may have thought they were a bit strange or even naughty but is is only due to their empathy and communication problems. Nothing to do with intelligence.
So Sadscaryguy... you may not be Einstein but neither are most of us!!!! What you must do is get as much info as you can on your syndrome... there are a lot like you out there.
In the UK we stopped using the word 'retard/retarded/retardation' at roughly the same time we all stopped using the word 'nigger'.
You beat me to it - this point occurred to me too as I was reading this thread
Sponger: why don't you admit you are losing the battle here. Just admit gracious defeat because there is no way its ok to use the word "retard" like that, unless you want to come across like some insensitive ignoramus. I don't think you meant it the way it was taken when you first used the word even though I find it an objectionable word, but your arguments since have cast a different picture.
Some things are not just about context. It's not just about being "over-PC" either (which was originally supposed to be about having consideration in the first place). Some things just are wrong anyway.
"We have to change the concept of patriotism to one of “matriotism” — love of humanity that transcends war. A matriarch would never send her own children off to wars that kill other people’s children." Cindy Sheehan --- London, Brixton, 14 July 1993 London, Wembley, 1996 London, Wembley, 18 June 2007 London, O2, 18 August 2009 London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012 Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 06 June 2017
I don't think you meant it the way it was taken when you first used the word even though I find it an objectionable word, but your arguments since have cast a different picture.
My arguments have been consistent with my original usage of the word. So when you say that my first usage was not meant in a way it was taken, but my later arguments show otherwise, then you are just contradicting yourself.
I have not lost this argument --not by a long shot. I'm just incredibly surprised at how some of you seriously lack even the slightest understanding of what it means when a word is taken out of context. I keep having to explain this over and over again, but it seems some people have already made up their minds.
Don't turn this into 'You are an enemy of America' crap. You realise how stupid that sounds? I don't hate America, I hate ignorance.
In the UK we stopped using the word 'retard/retarded/retardation' at roughly the same time we all stopped using the word 'nigger'.
Hilarious. I never said you were an enemy of america. I said you just like to express an opinion that endears hatred toward america. Hating america doesn't make you its enemy. I guess if I thought that, it would mean I am stupid. But, I'm not the one who thought that. You were.
At any rate, "nigger" is not a technical term. Nor has it ever been. It is perfectly possible to give reference to a black person without using the word "nigger"
On the other hand, it is not possible to give specific reference toward people with certain mental deficiencies without using the word "retarded".
Yes, I know some countries have adopted alternative terms, but those terms are vague and lack specificity in describing certain traits that only the word "retarded" can encompass. This lack of specificity and its related impracticalities is well documented within the psychiatric community. That is, in the pursuit of being PC, the profession of mental health has had to sacrifice its own ability to distinguishe between varying levels of mental deficiency.
That goes a long way from using the word "nigger". I find it rather alarming that I have to explain this major difference to you. You seriously lack the capacity to distinguish between the subtle differences that exist between two.
doesn't bill gates have this and is this why you mentioned him,sadscareyguy? i am the caregiver of a 16yo autistic young man and i believe he is way ahead of most of his peers on manners and being an incredibly evolved being. he is sensitive to the fact when people are being rude, calls them on it and others are humbled by him. i am so glad he is in my life. he has taught me much. if asperger's syndrome symptoms are not functioning well sociably, than it is a common thing i've seen more and more of. you are not alone, sadscareyguy. we love you!
AAMR stands for "American Association for the Mentally Retarded".
quote]
OMG I just read this. No wonder americans don't see the word as a problem! I think people should email them. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt then sponger.
We used to have the national spastic society in britain for people with cerebral palsy but they saw that the word "spastic" was being used as an insult towards people and changed their name to Scope, which was a wise move. I googled spastic and still see the word is being used by organisations in other countries still. I guess the people there must be more polite to their disabled people there and its not become so much of an insult or something.
I do think the AAMR should change their name though because retard is clearly used as an insult now, and has been for years. It would send the right message out then.
"We have to change the concept of patriotism to one of “matriotism” — love of humanity that transcends war. A matriarch would never send her own children off to wars that kill other people’s children." Cindy Sheehan --- London, Brixton, 14 July 1993 London, Wembley, 1996 London, Wembley, 18 June 2007 London, O2, 18 August 2009 London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012 Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 06 June 2017
On the other hand, it is not possible to give specific reference toward people with certain mental deficiencies without using the word "retarded".
Yes, I know some countries have adopted alternative terms, but those terms are vague and lack specificity in describing certain traits that only the word "retarded" can encompass. This lack of specificity and its related impracticalities is well documented within the psychiatric community. That is, in the pursuit of being PC, the profession of mental health has had to sacrifice its own ability to distinguishe between varying levels of mental deficiency.
quote]
Retarded is also incredibly vague. It doesn't help that that organisation you referred to uses the word in its title. It means nothing to me in terms of telling me what the person's problem is. Its more preferable to use the words "a person with learning disabilities" or "physical disabilities", not retard because there are other, better alternatives.
"We have to change the concept of patriotism to one of “matriotism” — love of humanity that transcends war. A matriarch would never send her own children off to wars that kill other people’s children." Cindy Sheehan --- London, Brixton, 14 July 1993 London, Wembley, 1996 London, Wembley, 18 June 2007 London, O2, 18 August 2009 London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012 Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 06 June 2017
AAMR stands for "American Association for the Mentally Retarded".
quote]
OMG I just read this. No wonder americans don't see the word as a problem! I think people should email them. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt then sponger.
We used to have the national spastic society in britain for people with cerebral palsy but they saw that the word "spastic" was being used as an insult towards people and changed their name to Scope, which was a wise move. I googled spastic and still see the word is being used by organisations in other countries still. I guess the people there must be more polite to their disabled people there and its not become so much of an insult or something.
I do think the AAMR should change their name though because retard is clearly used as an insult now, and has been for years. It would send the right message out then.
In other words, the national spastic society had to change its name to a word that has nothing to do with the illness they are treating. That's what I mean by impractical.
You see, the word itself is not the problem. The problem is abuse of the word by those who seek to use it in a derogative manner. The solution is to not just keep changing the word. That will only lead to the next word being used in a negative connotation by future would-be belittlers.
So, the solution is not to refrain from using the word "spastic". The solution is to teach people to stop using the word in a derogative manner. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time before the word SCOPE becomes an insult.
Its more preferable to use the words "a person with learning disabilities" or "physical disabilities", not retard because there are other, better alternatives.
"Learning disabilities" and "retarded" are two completely different concepts. Dyslexia is a learning disability. Under your rationale, people with dyslexia fit the criteria for psychology's current definition of retarded.
Retardation defines people who have an IQ of less than 70 and display significant disabilities in areas of coginitive function and adaptive behaviors. "Learning Disabilities" does not even begin to remotely describe those criteria.
At any rate, "nigger" is not a technical term. Nor has it ever been. It is perfectly possible to give reference to a black person without using the word "nigger"
because instead "retarded" is a technical word currently used by psychologists and doctors, eh?
In other words, the national spastic society had to change its name to a word that has nothing to do with the illness they are treating. That's what I mean by impractical.
You see, the word itself is not the problem. The problem is abuse of the word by those who seek to use it in a derogative manner. The solution is to not just keep changing the word. That will only lead to the next word being used in a negative connotation by future would-be belittlers.
So, the solution is not to refrain from using the word "spastic". The solution is to teach people to stop using the word in a derogative manner. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time before the word SCOPE becomes an insult.
Oh ha ha. That has not happened yet with Scope and they changed their name a few years ago. It's a case of changing the word AND educating others as to why it was changed and what the issues are. I don't think anyone, save for schoolchildren, uses that word against a person unknowingly. It's pigheadedness to do so otherwise.
I really think you are arguing for the sake of it now. You keep saying none of us get what you are saying but you are not getting us either.
"We have to change the concept of patriotism to one of “matriotism” — love of humanity that transcends war. A matriarch would never send her own children off to wars that kill other people’s children." Cindy Sheehan --- London, Brixton, 14 July 1993 London, Wembley, 1996 London, Wembley, 18 June 2007 London, O2, 18 August 2009 London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012 Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 06 June 2017
Retardation defines people who have an IQ of less than 70 and display significant disabilities in areas of coginitive function and adaptive behaviors. "Learning Disabilities" does not even begin to remotely describe those criteria.
Imbecile was the correct word used before retarded was used. Now that is offensive. As long as people will use any word that pertains to a difference in an individual as an insult the cycle will continue (and yes, nigger can be perceived that way).
I have seen Intellectual Disability being used or even just mentally challenged.... It is not the word... it's how it's said...
"Learning disabilities" and "retarded" are two completely different concepts. Dyslexia is a learning disability. Under your rationale, people with dyslexia fit the criteria for psychology's current definition of retarded.
Retardation defines people who have an IQ of less than 70 and display significant disabilities in areas of coginitive function and adaptive behaviors. "Learning Disabilities" does not even begin to remotely describe those criteria.
You would call someone with dyslexia a learning disability but someone with an IQ of 70 would be considered as having a “severe” learning disability or a severe learning impairment. There are different stages to it. You don’t have to resort to using insulting words to describe different stages. There are other terms. Maybe you Americans need to brush up on your "PC" skills! lol
"We have to change the concept of patriotism to one of “matriotism” — love of humanity that transcends war. A matriarch would never send her own children off to wars that kill other people’s children." Cindy Sheehan --- London, Brixton, 14 July 1993 London, Wembley, 1996 London, Wembley, 18 June 2007 London, O2, 18 August 2009 London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012 Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 06 June 2017
Maybe you Americans need to brush up on your PC skills! lol
Oh no!!!!! He's going to go on another 'hate for america' rhetoric!!!! Maybe when you said americans brushing up on their skills you meant the one (those) discussing the use of the word on this thread???? Not naming anyone of course.....
because instead "retarded" is a technical word currently used by psychologists and doctors, eh?
I forget that is how you tend to see things. You have this strange preference to determine what is right or wrong depending on who a said "authority" is.
So, no, it's not just because psychologists and doctors use it. It's because they use it for practical reasons to discern between varying levels of mental deficiency that cannot be distuinguished otherwise with any other single word.
I don't think anyone, save for schoolchildren, uses that word against a person unknowingly. It's pigheadedness to do so otherwise.
I didn't say they did. I said it would be a matter of time. Before accusing me of arguing for the sake of arguing, you should actually take the time to understand that argument first. When you have gotten to that point, there will not be a need for me to correct you just as I did just now with the above.
So, no, it's not just because psychologists and doctors use it. It's because they use it for practical reasons to discern between varying levels of mental deficiency that cannot be distuinguished otherwise with any other single word.
Are you part of this medical profession? Just asking because you seem to 'know' what they do for 'practical' reasons.....
You would call someone with dyslexia a learning disability but someone with an IQ of 70 would be considered as having a “severe” learning disability or a severe learning impairment. There are different stages to it. You don’t have to resort to using insulting words to describe different stages. There are other terms. Maybe you Americans need to brush up on your "PC" skills! lol
That link that you provided does not subscribe to your notion of using "sever" learning impairment, only using "learning disability" instead. So, why post a link that you do not share your views with?
Besides, there are varying levels of retardation, so under your suggestion, we would have to say "severe severe learning disability" or "mild severe learning disability".
Again, impractical. But, I appreciate the opportunity to illustrate this to you.
Are you part of this medical profession? Just asking because you seem to 'know' what they do for 'practical' reasons.....
Do you know what influenza is? Are you sure? You're not a doctor or anything. So, as far you know, you're just "sick", right? How could you possibly know what influenza is if you haven't even gone to medical school?
Do you know what influenza is? Are you sure? You're not a doctor or anything. So, as far you know, you're just "sick", right? How could you possibly know what influenza is if you haven't even gone to medical school?
this is the man that was talking about the technicality of the word "retarded" compared to the lack of technicality of the word "nigger". You're contradicting yourself, mr.
Imbecile was the correct word used before retarded was used. Now that is offensive. As long as people will use any word that pertains to a difference in an individual as an insult the cycle will continue (and yes, nigger can be perceived that way).
I have seen Intellectual Disability being used or even just mentally challenged.... It is not the word... it's how it's said...
That's what I'm saying. It boils down to context. It doesn't matter what the word is, only the intentions behind the usage of that word.
this is the man that was talking about the technicality of the word "retarded" compared to the lack of technicality of the word "nigger". You're contradicting yourself, mr.
How am I contradicting myself? "Nigger" is a completely unnecessary word. That subject has nothing to do with the post that you quoted.
But, I appreciate the opportunity you've given me to illustrate this to you.
That's what I'm saying. It boils down to context. It doesn't matter what the word is, only the intentions behind the usage of that word.
Which is what we're trying to say. Those words are not used anymore as they are now commonly disparaging and offensive. Thus, when someone speaks of 'retarded', one would generally take it as insulting. So if there is some office gossip going around sadscary's place and they say he is retarded, it is in a derogatory manner. Nothing to do with his syndrome.
It is not context anymore. The word has changed meaning in the english language.
And when it comes to influenza... we all can look up the meaning of a word (though a lot of people do confuse influenza with a bad cold!). You affirm a profession would use certain words in a certain way.... like insider information. Nothing to do with medical school....
Which is what we're trying to say. Those words are not used anymore as they are now commonly disparaging and offensive. Thus, when someone speaks of 'retarded', one would generally take it as insulting. So if there is some office gossip going around sadscary's place and they say he is retarded, it is in a derogatory manner. Nothing to do with his syndrome.
It is not context anymore. The word has changed meaning in the english language.
But, without its technical meaning, the word would never survive as an insult. It wouldn't be an insult if it wasn't a word that describes someone with severe mental deficiencies.
So, under that rationale, there can never be a word that describes severe mental deficiencies. And that is impractical. So, the solution is not to change the word. The solution is to understand the intentions behind the usage of that word. Obviously, when someone is trying to describe a person who literally fits the criteria for mental retardation, that person is not trying to be insulting. If someone at the office uses the word to describe someone who doesn't know how to use the copier, obviously that's insulting. We as intelligent human beings need to learn how to discern between the two scenarios. Otherwise, we'll end up in this horribly inefficient and impractical situation where we have to keep changing words or even just not have a word.
And when it comes to influenza... we all can look up the meaning of a word (though a lot of people do confuse influenza with a bad cold!). You affirm a profession would use certain words in a certain way.... like insider information. Nothing to do with medical school....
I was under the impression that the practical usages for the word retarded were as common knowledge as the word influenza. You mean you didn't know that retardation is used to describe people with an IQ below 70? That physicians have to make this distinction to determine the proper care for said individuals?
Comments
I'm saying that you are lacking in common sense because you can't tell the difference between someone being called a retard and the usage of the word retard to discuss that particular situation.
Screw context? LOL. I guess it really is that far above your head.
Btw, maybe you should e-mail this website and tell its administrators that its contents are offensive and archaic.
http://www.aamr.org/
AAMR stands for "American Association for the Mentally Retarded".
Thou shalt not use the word retarded. lol.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
1) For your benefit, yes, where this website has used the term 'mental retardation', it is offensive and archaic. I will not email them, because there would be no point. See point 2.
2) You've opened up the discussion very interestingly. Because the fact is, it's not only you, sponger, using this word. The fact is, most of America uses it as well with no qualms at all about its effects. Most of America - and Borat. (By the way, I think this is one of Borat's points.) Oh well, it doesn't matter does it. After all, this is not the only thing about America which is offensive and archaic. You may as well stay asleep if you're getting a headache from this discussion.
- the great Sir Leo Harrison
Here we go again. We're finally getting to the bottom of your conversational meandering. It's the ole "I hate america" dialogue. Well, I'm glad we finally figured out what your problem really is. For awhile there, I thought you were severely lacking the ability to comprehend the difference between a perjorative and a technical term depending on the context. It turns out that you were just looking for an avenue to paint yourself as morally superior to us bone-headed americans.
Mental retardation is a technical and scientifically accepted term used to describe those who suffer from severe mental deficiencies. Some people use it in a derogatory manner. That's upsetting. But, in other cases, it is being used with every intent to be objective. The word "retarded" is just as necessary to describe people with an uncommonly low IQ as the word "genius" is used to describe people on the opposite end of the spectrum. Sometimes, in the case of deliberate belittlement, the word "retarded" develops a negative connotation. But, to simply outlaw the usage of that word because of that negative connotation is just impractical and borderline thought police.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
re·tard·ed (r-tärdd) Pronunciation Key
adj.
Often Offensive. Affected with mental retardation.
Note: 'often offensive'. I would say plain offensive....
My dad is 59 and is just being diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. That put many things in a different light, including my own childhood and current behaviour!
I'm discarding all thought
I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
I'm like an opening band for the sun
Don't turn this into 'You are an enemy of America' crap. You realise how stupid that sounds? I don't hate America, I hate ignorance.
In the UK we stopped using the word 'retard/retarded/retardation' at roughly the same time we all stopped using the word 'nigger'.
- the great Sir Leo Harrison
As a poster said, people with asperger's have deficiencies in social and communication skills, and like the better known symptoms of autism, do not like change, like things to be the same, whether it is people, surroundings, food, etc. They may also get into obsessive routines. They have problems 'reading' people and may have problem with language (eg in not understanding imagery - using the expression 'don't put all your eggs in the same basket' a child responded panicking 'but I don't have any eggs - I must get eggs!!') and in communicating their thoughts. The children I dealt with had some or all of these symtoms at varying degrees. Looking at some of them, you may have thought they were a bit strange or even naughty but is is only due to their empathy and communication problems. Nothing to do with intelligence.
So Sadscaryguy... you may not be Einstein but neither are most of us!!!! What you must do is get as much info as you can on your syndrome... there are a lot like you out there.
You beat me to it - this point occurred to me too as I was reading this thread
Sponger: why don't you admit you are losing the battle here. Just admit gracious defeat because there is no way its ok to use the word "retard" like that, unless you want to come across like some insensitive ignoramus. I don't think you meant it the way it was taken when you first used the word even though I find it an objectionable word, but your arguments since have cast a different picture.
Some things are not just about context. It's not just about being "over-PC" either (which was originally supposed to be about having consideration in the first place). Some things just are wrong anyway.
---
London, Brixton, 14 July 1993
London, Wembley, 1996
London, Wembley, 18 June 2007
London, O2, 18 August 2009
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012
Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
My arguments have been consistent with my original usage of the word. So when you say that my first usage was not meant in a way it was taken, but my later arguments show otherwise, then you are just contradicting yourself.
I have not lost this argument --not by a long shot. I'm just incredibly surprised at how some of you seriously lack even the slightest understanding of what it means when a word is taken out of context. I keep having to explain this over and over again, but it seems some people have already made up their minds.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Hilarious. I never said you were an enemy of america. I said you just like to express an opinion that endears hatred toward america. Hating america doesn't make you its enemy. I guess if I thought that, it would mean I am stupid. But, I'm not the one who thought that. You were.
At any rate, "nigger" is not a technical term. Nor has it ever been. It is perfectly possible to give reference to a black person without using the word "nigger"
On the other hand, it is not possible to give specific reference toward people with certain mental deficiencies without using the word "retarded".
Yes, I know some countries have adopted alternative terms, but those terms are vague and lack specificity in describing certain traits that only the word "retarded" can encompass. This lack of specificity and its related impracticalities is well documented within the psychiatric community. That is, in the pursuit of being PC, the profession of mental health has had to sacrifice its own ability to distinguishe between varying levels of mental deficiency.
That goes a long way from using the word "nigger". I find it rather alarming that I have to explain this major difference to you. You seriously lack the capacity to distinguish between the subtle differences that exist between two.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
---
London, Brixton, 14 July 1993
London, Wembley, 1996
London, Wembley, 18 June 2007
London, O2, 18 August 2009
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012
Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
---
London, Brixton, 14 July 1993
London, Wembley, 1996
London, Wembley, 18 June 2007
London, O2, 18 August 2009
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012
Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
In other words, the national spastic society had to change its name to a word that has nothing to do with the illness they are treating. That's what I mean by impractical.
You see, the word itself is not the problem. The problem is abuse of the word by those who seek to use it in a derogative manner. The solution is to not just keep changing the word. That will only lead to the next word being used in a negative connotation by future would-be belittlers.
So, the solution is not to refrain from using the word "spastic". The solution is to teach people to stop using the word in a derogative manner. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time before the word SCOPE becomes an insult.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
"Learning disabilities" and "retarded" are two completely different concepts. Dyslexia is a learning disability. Under your rationale, people with dyslexia fit the criteria for psychology's current definition of retarded.
Retardation defines people who have an IQ of less than 70 and display significant disabilities in areas of coginitive function and adaptive behaviors. "Learning Disabilities" does not even begin to remotely describe those criteria.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
www.amnesty.org.uk
Oh ha ha. That has not happened yet with Scope and they changed their name a few years ago. It's a case of changing the word AND educating others as to why it was changed and what the issues are. I don't think anyone, save for schoolchildren, uses that word against a person unknowingly. It's pigheadedness to do so otherwise.
I really think you are arguing for the sake of it now. You keep saying none of us get what you are saying but you are not getting us either.
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London, Brixton, 14 July 1993
London, Wembley, 1996
London, Wembley, 18 June 2007
London, O2, 18 August 2009
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012
Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
Imbecile was the correct word used before retarded was used. Now that is offensive. As long as people will use any word that pertains to a difference in an individual as an insult the cycle will continue (and yes, nigger can be perceived that way).
I have seen Intellectual Disability being used or even just mentally challenged.... It is not the word... it's how it's said...
You would call someone with dyslexia a learning disability but someone with an IQ of 70 would be considered as having a “severe” learning disability or a severe learning impairment. There are different stages to it. You don’t have to resort to using insulting words to describe different stages. There are other terms. Maybe you Americans need to brush up on your "PC" skills! lol
This might explain things better for you:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/pages/staff-etiquette.html
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London, Brixton, 14 July 1993
London, Wembley, 1996
London, Wembley, 18 June 2007
London, O2, 18 August 2009
London, Hammersmith Apollo (Ed solo), 31 July 2012
Milton Keynes Bowl, 11 July 2014
Oh no!!!!! He's going to go on another 'hate for america' rhetoric!!!! Maybe when you said americans brushing up on their skills you meant the one (those) discussing the use of the word on this thread???? Not naming anyone of course.....
I forget that is how you tend to see things. You have this strange preference to determine what is right or wrong depending on who a said "authority" is.
So, no, it's not just because psychologists and doctors use it. It's because they use it for practical reasons to discern between varying levels of mental deficiency that cannot be distuinguished otherwise with any other single word.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
I didn't say they did. I said it would be a matter of time. Before accusing me of arguing for the sake of arguing, you should actually take the time to understand that argument first. When you have gotten to that point, there will not be a need for me to correct you just as I did just now with the above.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Are you part of this medical profession? Just asking because you seem to 'know' what they do for 'practical' reasons.....
That link that you provided does not subscribe to your notion of using "sever" learning impairment, only using "learning disability" instead. So, why post a link that you do not share your views with?
Besides, there are varying levels of retardation, so under your suggestion, we would have to say "severe severe learning disability" or "mild severe learning disability".
Again, impractical. But, I appreciate the opportunity to illustrate this to you.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Do you know what influenza is? Are you sure? You're not a doctor or anything. So, as far you know, you're just "sick", right? How could you possibly know what influenza is if you haven't even gone to medical school?
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
www.amnesty.org.uk
That's what I'm saying. It boils down to context. It doesn't matter what the word is, only the intentions behind the usage of that word.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
How am I contradicting myself? "Nigger" is a completely unnecessary word. That subject has nothing to do with the post that you quoted.
But, I appreciate the opportunity you've given me to illustrate this to you.
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
Which is what we're trying to say. Those words are not used anymore as they are now commonly disparaging and offensive. Thus, when someone speaks of 'retarded', one would generally take it as insulting. So if there is some office gossip going around sadscary's place and they say he is retarded, it is in a derogatory manner. Nothing to do with his syndrome.
It is not context anymore. The word has changed meaning in the english language.
And when it comes to influenza... we all can look up the meaning of a word (though a lot of people do confuse influenza with a bad cold!). You affirm a profession would use certain words in a certain way.... like insider information. Nothing to do with medical school....
But, without its technical meaning, the word would never survive as an insult. It wouldn't be an insult if it wasn't a word that describes someone with severe mental deficiencies.
So, under that rationale, there can never be a word that describes severe mental deficiencies. And that is impractical. So, the solution is not to change the word. The solution is to understand the intentions behind the usage of that word. Obviously, when someone is trying to describe a person who literally fits the criteria for mental retardation, that person is not trying to be insulting. If someone at the office uses the word to describe someone who doesn't know how to use the copier, obviously that's insulting. We as intelligent human beings need to learn how to discern between the two scenarios. Otherwise, we'll end up in this horribly inefficient and impractical situation where we have to keep changing words or even just not have a word.
I was under the impression that the practical usages for the word retarded were as common knowledge as the word influenza. You mean you didn't know that retardation is used to describe people with an IQ below 70? That physicians have to make this distinction to determine the proper care for said individuals?
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825