Elk and Walnut Creek, Erie County, 12/8/2010, by the machine

[jdaddy]

And before he too gets visited by the shame police, perhaps he should mention that Shane is studying to be a special education teacher, and he's not making an insult to Shane's intelligence. We are guilty of a thread hijack, however.

Hey, I just knew that he was in school to be a teacher, no idea on the special education thing. I was actually implying he is mildly retarded. Of course I was doing that knowing full well his computer is crashed and he could not reply, thus making my assertion even meaner. But I *think* we all know it was a joke.

Having said that, what is wrong with using the word retarded? There are retarded people in this world. It's like saying you can't use the word "depressed" because some people are diagnosed as "depressed".

It is a hi-jack, so maybe we move the discussion to OT?

 

[1wt]

[color=0000FF]Having said that, what is wrong with using the word retarded? There are retarded people in this world.[/color]

I agree! I know a lot of "retarded" folks.

Did you hear the reason Obama gave for trying for more tax cuts for the rich 2% while not even mentioning the Public Option?

Have you ever heard Bush read a paragraph without looking like a idiot?

How about folks on this site that attack me for saying Muddy Creek is getting shallower?

Strange days!

 

[JackM]

Would it matter to anyone's attitude toward the word "retarded" if they knew how "retarded" people feel about it, the parents, siblings and relatives of the mentally challenged and the social workers and professionals that deal with the condition as a life's devotion? I would, and I think it is not "Liberals" that are foisting this language on us, but rather common courtesy and decency toward those with the disability and those close to them in one way or another. It's not a condemnable sin to use impolite language, but it is, well, impolite.

 

[jdaddy]

According to the CDC, intellectual disability is sometimes referred to as a cognitive disability or mental retardation. Frankly I believe mental retardation is sometimes referred to as intellectual disability, as the VAST majority of research on this subject is referred to as mental retardation. You only see occasional use of intellectual disability in the early 2000's and it becomes slightly more popular thereafter. So lets say intellectual disability is the new retarded. Doesn't that free up retarded as a word used to describe dumb people/actions but not to poke fun of the truly disabled?

 

[SBecker]

LOL I would not consider myself retarded, I would consider myself Learning Disabled or LD. 🙂 Retard and Tard are not very nice things to say, but saying someone has a mild or moderate retardation is perfectly acceptable. According to a child's IEP that is how they are referred to. Many teachers actually will say MR when they talk about a child, and even try to stay away from the word Retardation. Special education teachers love to use abbreviations, from what I have learned. There are 3 levels of retardation Mild, Moderate and Severe. Mild retardation is basically a child with a small learning disability and is usually hard to notice. Moderate retardation is much more noticeable, but children can still cope but with help from an para professional. Severe retardation you will usually not see in a school. They will usually be in an Intermediate Unit with professional guidance. For the record I am going to school to become an elementary teacher, but I am going to minor in special education at Bloomsburg because it mean job security. With the wave of inclusion in school districts, it would be stupid not to get a background in special education.

 

[jdaddy]

With the wave of inclusion in school districts, it would be stupid not to get a background in special education.

Exactly what I said in my text to you, but maybe just a little more politically correct.

 

[SBecker]

Yep, and thanks again for confirming what my thoughts were on my computer. And to think I was so close to going Office Space on my monitor.

 

[osprey]

The same "politically correct" attitude applies to the word "crippled" i use it all the time to describe my condition (amputee) and the emotional responses i get from folks really surprised me. I've had people in the Health Related fields tell me "My god don't say that , say disabled or challenged" i can tell you the word doesn't bother me and I AM crippled. It seems to bother folks that are in perfect health. Now i intentionally use "crippled" to describe my condition especially when speaking with health and insurance folks , disabled or challenged don't convey the message as well IMO. I can't speak for the folks who are labeled "retarded" but i imagine they feel the same or similar.

 

[slimemachine]

gooid post osprey....

words from human is just that word and anothers perseption
of what that humans word means to them or you...

its meaningless in the scheme of things...

we are ALL equal at least based on actions than anything...

rock on in spite of words..

meaning of being AWAKE and FREE...