The R-word

There's been a move afoot recently to stamp out the R-word. 

While I agree that the use of retarded as a derogatory term is offensive, I can't help wondering: Why aren't paraplegics protesting the slang use of lame? Why aren't families of schizophrenics fighting the word psycho? 

There are scores of medical words indicating impairment that are used disparagingly in every day speech: Dumb. Idiot. Blind. Imbecile. Moron. 

Some insults are used with no recognition of their medical origins. Cretin is someone who suffers from congenital hypothyroidism, but I've never heard the word used in that context outside of medical school.

I suppose the degree of offensiveness of these words depends on where your sensitivities lie. I cringe when people bandy about terms like brain-dead and on crack; light references to head trauma and addiction bother me as much as the slang use of retarded.

 

I don't oppose efforts to eliminate the R-word. But to be consistent, better ban the L-word, too. And the D-word, the I-word . . .

Comments

[Hilary]

Instead of teaching empathy and resilience...

[JeanMac]

I secretly cringe when people say, "Oh, I must have Alzheimer's."
It's said jokingly but a wee knife stabs my heart each time.

[Mary]

actually, there ARE people who are trying to stamp out use of the L word, and the P word... It's not that uncommon. Ableist language.

[FreshMD]

@Mary - Thanks for that. I had never heard of ableist language. Googled it and checked out a few sites, which all seemed a little extreme. I'm all for people thinking about the words they use, but policing language - not so much.