tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513072620566117695.post4398403451772721059..comments2023-07-06T06:53:55.004-04:00Comments on Athena Magazine: Mental Health Mondays- The Power of Words Pt 1: "Retard"Athena Magazinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03467283997184728024noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513072620566117695.post-36016893245729965382010-01-07T15:27:34.586-05:002010-01-07T15:27:34.586-05:00Thanks for your comment, V. I can't believe t...Thanks for your comment, V. I can't believe that I completely skimmed over the word "gay!" Maybe I'll have to do an entry on that one as well.Michaelanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513072620566117695.post-41611465931307667052010-01-05T08:12:21.539-05:002010-01-05T08:12:21.539-05:00I'm the mom of a child with an Intellectual Di...I'm the mom of a child with an Intellectual Disability. Even if it's difficult for me I always speak up when I hear the word retard. If I hear someone say it on tv or in a film I write to the writer or actor. I think it's important to be heard. Most people just use the word retard without thinking about who it hurts. It's important to speak up even if you offend the offender. People need to be taught about the word and the only way is by speaking up. I always politely say that I didn't realize until I had my child how demeaning the word retard really is. Most people get it right away.<br />Thanks for writing about this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513072620566117695.post-21667964672251608832010-01-04T23:12:40.908-05:002010-01-04T23:12:40.908-05:00I agree; it's hard to know whether to call peo...I agree; it's hard to know whether to call people out on their word usage or to roll with it, for fear of being the "stick in the mud." Same goes for "that's so gay." Some people argue that the words "retarded" and "gay" have just changed meaning now, and can be used because they don't really refer to people with mental disabilities or homosexuals. That sounds like a lazy way out, though, a refusal to really interrogate privilege and find out why these words are damaging. Like you said, those in power have a responsibility to be more aware of the way their words/actions affect others.Vanessahttp://www.writingforstrangers.comnoreply@blogger.com