From The Chicago Tribune:

Syndicated advice columnist Amy Dickinson responds to a reader who is unsure what to say when adults use the word “retarded” in casual conversation as an insult. The reader has a family member with Down syndrome, and is offended by the term.

I have noticed an uptick in the use of this word lately — which is thrown about, usually jokingly - and which I agree is insensitive and offensive.

… You don’t have to have a family member with Down syndrome to ban the use of this offensive word in your home, and you need not explain the context when telling people that you find this word objectionable.

I like what your children say when other kids use this word, and think you could take a cue from them when dealing with adults. You can say, “I really object to the use of that word and I wish you wouldn’t say it in front of me.”

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 5:11 am and is filed under Down syndrome, intellectual/developmental disabilities, language, 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.  Email This Post