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re: Is The Word "Retarded" Offensive?

Posted on 10/30/14 at 10:19 am to
Posted by drunkenpunkin
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2011
7659 posts
Posted on 10/30/14 at 10:19 am to
I know. That's the point. I never considered that an offensive or hurtful word. And I guarantee the kid who said it wasn't intending to be mean. It's a descriptor. Like "the boy with blonde hair." He was hurt and he will be again. The people you have to watch out for are not the assholes who blatantly make fun of the disabled. Everyone knows they're assholes. It's the people who don't realize they're being jerks. Like, when we go someplace and he's in his wheelchair full grown adults walk up to me and ask "what's wrong with him?" In front of him. That's a dick move. And they don't even realize they're demeaning him 1) by ignoring the fact that he's a person and can speak and hear and 2) by thinking that it's any of their business why he's in a wheelchair.
Posted by Peazey
Metry
Member since Apr 2012
25418 posts
Posted on 10/30/14 at 10:23 am to
Maybe I'm off base, but to some extent what you are describing and maybe as an element of the larger issue is the disabled and disabled person's family coming to terms with the disability. Of course it also helps if people can be more sensitive too.
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89781 posts
Posted on 10/30/14 at 10:24 am to
quote:

Like, when we go someplace and he's in his wheelchair full grown adults walk up to me and ask "what's wrong with him?" In front of him.


People just don't think. I treat everyone in an age appropriate manner, until it is obvious that is the inappropriate approach. Courtesy to someone with mobility issues should not trump common sense. If the kid is wearing a helmet and/or is obviously afflicted with Downs or other issue, I might lean towards dealing with the caretaker, in a discreet manner. Otherwise, they get the greeting of the day and appropriate courtesy/mobility assistance - just as I would offer any other human being.

Maybe it was just the way I was raised...
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