Hello, all. I’m back after a brief vacation.

Check out this morning’s USA Today for responses to its recent column about the widespread use of the word ‘retard’ as an insult. The columnist, USA Today reporter Theresa Howard, made the point that the use of this common slur diminishes the dignity of the estimated 7.5 million Americans who have intellectual disabilities as well as their families.

From today’s letters:

“I just don’t understand why many people avoid using racial slurs but somehow think it is OK to use ‘retarded.’ I know that in the vast majority of situations, people are not trying to be mean; they’re just oblivious. Hopefully, commentaries such as Howard’s will raise awareness of just how inappropriate it is to use degrading, insensitive terms in casual conversation. Perhaps people will begin to understand that they are being disrespectful to those who have developmental disorders and to the families who love them.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. The letters can be found here.

Sadly and predictably, there are also many foolish and insensitive comments now attached to the original column, including some from writers advocating for their right to free speech — an odd and paranoid twist, considering that Howard was arguing for civility, not censorship. (Navigate back to it here.)

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 12th, 2007 at 5:33 am and is filed under discrimination, language, media, public attitudes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.