Why do people callously use the word Retard?

People are fond of using the word Retard because it's becoming a common expression. They're insensitive and ignorant for people with disabilities . Some people can be cruel on these matters .

Hi Maggie, You have every reason to be proud of Jaimie! She is beautiful. In my belief, the word "normal" is just an stadistic in a mathematical curve. That curve does not rejoice in the fact that we are all unique. It is a pity that there are people in this world (too many, I´m afraid) who think that normal applies only at what they are. That goes not only for health and illness, but also for race, culture, religion, country of origin, colour of eyes and so on. I pity them: they are blind. A big hug for both of you!

I wonder about this as well? My boyfriend has a sister with mental disability, I have a cousin with hydrocephalus, and I have several friends who have family members with mental disabilities, and we cannot stand it when people use this word because it is so hurtful to people and parents and grandparents of people with mental disabilities. I ask people right now to put yourselves in the shoes of parents and siblings and family members who have children with mental disabilities. How do you think they feel when you use that word around them? Even if you aren't using it to describe their child, they still hear it, and they feel they way they did when their doctors told them that their children had "mental retardation" or a "mental disability". Imagine just being told that your child has some kind of mental disability. You feel guilty, you feel like it is your fault, and you feel horrible for what has happened to your child. It is such a hurtful word. I think that people should be trained not to use this word and they should be more aware of people with mental disabilities.

Good for you!!! I have always been sensitive to other's problems, disabilities and short comings. Unfortunately people need to stand on others to make themselves feel tall or superior. I do have to admit that I am extremely happy to cut those people down to size whenever I get the chance. People need to be measured not by what the outside appearance happens to be, but what is inside the person's heart. I have seen some of the most beautiful appearing people be the most hurtful and hateful on earth...and the most plain people who are absolutely beautiful and giving on the inside. We need to put a stop to the insensitivity, not only teaching our children about differences and the beauty in being different; but also teaching adults the same lesson. We need to stop putting on television programs that are so insensitive and laughing at peoples feelings. I've stopped watching many programs because of the put downs of one or more of the characters. One show I quit watching is Golden Girls. The put downs were horrible. Cheers is another program that I couldn't stand, and my list goes on. Why put someone down for the sake of humor or making yourself feel bigger and better? Reach out and accept people the way they are and accept them with love and understanding in your heart. Don't look at someone and make such venomous statements...instead look at the parents and tell them how beautiful their child is. I send your daughter tons of love and hugs from me. She is a truly beautiful soul and a beautiful human being.

I think it became a regular word people use although i don't talk like that. You have to know that alot of people are ignorant. Probably, they use that word but they don't really take the time to truly understand its meaning. Other than the word retard, alot of people use the word 'gay' as an insult as well. How many times did i hear 'you are so gay' followed by laughs? How do you think a gay person would feel hearing that? There is even a song called 'us so gay' by Katy Perry...believe it. So the world has turned out to be like this. I though that racism and sexism has been reduced but now another type of discriminatioin has formed. I feel that the word is messed up. What a shame....

My aunt is mentally retarded so my siblings and I were taught not to use that word. My father takes great offense to that word. I really don't like that word at all now that I am grown either, and my children will not be allowed to say it either. It's not right that people use it like every other word. I would not like anyone to address me using that word at all.

I don't use the term. As for people who do, they do it because they're insensitive and lacking in true intelligence. Not to mention humanity. At least people who aren't willing to correct themselves and change their behavior when brought face to face with how hurtful and callous it is. The people who try to defend using the word even after they're told of what they're doing. And good response to the person who had the gall to ask why you took your daughter out. And I certainly hope she never has kids -with or without mental disabilities- unless her attitude changes.

Your daughter was beautiful, I hope those people who like to mock disabled people, receive the kind of karma. Sometimes they do not think, what if, those who are in such defective condition. In social life, empathy is necessary upheld, if not, life would be chaotic.

Jaime is such a princess.. so pretty! You have reason to be upset to that word coz its really insulting and offensive. The mentally challenged people don't deserve to be treated that way. People should learn how to respect people with disabilities. I, personally don't used that term.. They are special child that has special needs. Anyway, Jaimie is so blessed having you as her Mom!

If you don't mind me saying, I think this is one of the most touching discussions I have read. I am just saying pretty much what everybody else has, first of all you are blessed to have such a beautiful daughter who is kind and willing to help out, regardless of the fact that she has Downs Syndrome. I'm sure you and your husband are both so proud of your daughter and we, the people commenting on your discussion, have something to think about after Reading this :) P.s. I am sorry to hear about your husband. Yours, Calum Linklater