Comments on: Colbert: ‘Palin is a f — ing retard. Get it?’

By: Misha

Misha — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:07:01 +0000

Ok so you all seems to at least be having an honest discussion of this subject (at least compared to the blogosphere). I am not a person who has family members, or friends even, with mental disabilities. Recently this word has become the new social landmine and with good reason which I can respect. But while the word retard has become a slur against a group of people, it wasn’t originally that way. in natural science, that word literally means to slow and is a necessary part of scientific vocabulary.

Socially I cant help but remember a recent South Park episode: S13E12, in which the word fag is transferred from gay men to annoying inconsiderate people who ride motorcycles and interrupt an otherwise pleasant day. in the episode, the kids write all sorts of demeaning graffiti around town. when the gay residents see it they are obviously and reasonably upset. well, the kids man up to their act, but when asked why they think its ok to call gay people fags they respond, “Thats not cool, just because your gay doesn’t mean your a fag.” When you hyper-sensitize a word to have only a derogatory meaning, you ensure that there will always be a way to degrade and humiliate those you seek to protect. Instead wouldn’t it be better to let retard become the vernacular for a person who naturally is unhindered and yet acts in an obviously stupid way. the difference being that those with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, are born with these conditions and are not responsible for them. On the other hand someone who naturally is fully capable and acts with extreme stupidity is slowing humanity’s progress and is therefore a retard.

I will undoubtedly upset plenty of people here but this is an honest argument and I mean no harm, seriously

By: DaveL

DaveL — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:29:15 +0000

If you are offended by Stephen Colbert’s action, you missed the point. Sarah Palin takes offense to Emmanuel, but when Limbaugh uses the R-word it’s OK because Limbaugh was being satirical. (He was?) Colbert was pure satire on the use of the R-Word and on Mrs. Palin’s mind-numbing hypocrisy. It was one of the most clever bits of humour on TV in ages.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:24:25 +0000

The point is that they all do know better. Every single one of them. This satire argument is so over used. Every single person … Colbert, Palin, Emanuel, Limbaugh, Shriver are all doing the same exact thing. Using this and using us to get in the news.

They are all guilty of accusing others of doing exactly what they are doing. I personally am so sick of all of them.

… John Mayer cried this week because he was called out for using the N word. The African American community has worked tirelessly and still gets this ignorance but at least they call it out in a big way.

The reason this has become what it is is today is because we haven’t called it out … We have to stop apologizing for people who are using this word by saying they don’t know better — yes they do! And if they don’t then it is our fault. Stop the satire and get to the point. It is wrong!

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:24:31 +0000

I disagree, MJ. Watch the video again. Colbert is clearly smirking after calling Palin a f***ing ****** and though he tries, he can’t help but laugh at what he has just done. I think that suggests that Colbert thinks what he has just done is funny.

Would you call someone the N word and then laugh about it? Even if you thought you were being satirical?

I do, however, think you’re being satirical when you write that Colbert was being an advocate for the disabled. I admit that did make me laugh.

BTW, I’m no fan of Palin. I think is was silly to demand that Rahm be fired for what he said. I would never vote for Palin for any office. That said, Colbert owes her an apology.

By: mj

mj — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:35:13 +0000

Hannah,

I can understand that you have interpreted SC’s comments as joining in the fun. He wasn’t having fun with it. He was letting her know that we all see her for the hypocritical, ignorant, cowardly person that she is. If you watch it, you can see Colbert’s body language and facial expression speak his true feelings. He is being an advocate for the intellectually disabled. Mrs Palin, on the other hand, was being an opportunist to get attention and attack a high official in the White House.

By: Joe Weeks

Joe Weeks — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:54:49 +0000

Emanuel made a mistake and he apologized. Who will be the first to cast a stone? He did not direct it at anyone with learning limitations. Accept his apology and just get over it folks. Rush is correct, and I disagree with him on almost everything he says. He does not like “Political Correct” *** and neither do I. The moaning media make me sick. They are nothing more than poor examples of tabloid trash and an insult to the National Enquirer. At least they don’t pretend to be other than what they are.

By: mr. j

mr. j — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:58:39 +0000

people have every right to use the word retard in anyway they see fit. the freedom of speech should not be sacraficed in order to spare people’s feelings. Either get thicker skin or move some place where they restrict what people can or can not say.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:45:48 +0000

I think that as my grandmother taught me, sticks and stones…, but words can never hurt me. I personally can not let every time someone uses a word that may hurt me, define who I am. They are words. If it hurts to hear these types of words, maybe you need to look inside to see why. I do not mean that in a nasty way, but that it can be hard to accept these kind of issues so we may need help sometimes. Just because your child has down syndrome, does not mean that the “R” word defines them. You have to forgive people who use words like these as common language because they have no idea how it could make someone feel, or hurt them somehow. Although I would think someone like a former governor or a mother of a child who has down syndrome would be more sensitive, if not for herself, for others.

By: Julana

Julana — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:35:13 +0000

Oprah needs to get Maria Shriver on her show and take on this issue.

By: Julia

Julia — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:43 +0000

I agree Hannah. I think it will be a while before I can view Colbert again w/out thinking of what he said.

He likely high-fived his staff and patted himself on the back for his courage and wit. But he would never have the courage to call someone the N word.

He would never have the courage to call Obama that awful phrase he used for Palin.

I hope in time that Colbert realizes his error and apologizes.