By Bianca Galan
Have you ever used the word “retard” to insult someone? To call someone stupid or weird? I’m sure most people have, but haven’t thought about the actual meaning of the word. Using the word ‘retard’ is not OK.
After investigating this word, I was surprised that “retard” could become an insult. “Retard” describes cognitively-impaired people. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Retardation is the action of delaying or slowing the progress or development of something.”
In other words, the technical definition of “retard” refers to those with problems learning, remembering or concentrating – people with cognitive disabilities. A a user on TeenInk, which is an online magazine where teenagers post their opinions, reviews, poetry and articles – posted an article called “‘That’s Retarded’: A Short Phrase with Big Consequences” in which she said, “The fact is that the word “retarded” does describe people with developmental disabilities and special needs; the word is what medically defines their chromosomes, genes, brains and bodies. That being said, when you, a friend or a piece of technology does not perform at a preferred level and is declared “a retard” or “retarded,” you are also calling it a mistake, dumb, stupid, clumsy, inept, brainless, dim and incompetent.”
People use this word as an insult without understanding the meaning behind it, so why use a word you don’t truly understand?
We should be aware that words do hurt, and the “R” word shouldn’t be used as an insult. Most of us know the quote “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We all want to believe it, but even the strongest person can be broken down by a word.
People battle cognitive impairment on a daily basis. By using the “R” word we are making people with cognitive disabilities feel ashamed of who they are instead of proud of being themselves. We build walls instead of bridges, and we limit these individuals’ abilities to feel welcome in their community. We should be helping them achieve their goals, not ostracizing them because of their disabilities.
You never know when someone dealing with cognitive disabilities is around. We should be very conscious of what words we use and in what context. Start by refraining from insulting anyone with the word “retard.” Try looking into the words you use. You might be surprised by what you find.
