Retard

You can't have my word.

The Special Olympics is upset that people use the word Retard. So they have used the Obama snafu on the Tonight Show to launch a campaign to raise awareness. They say it upsets mentally challenged people. So before I define the word for you, let me say this, get over it and stop being retarded.

According to Dictionary.com and every other dictionary I can find, the word Retard means to slow down, to impede progress, or to delay. So a dam retards the progress of a river. Or when used to describe intelligence, (people who are slow on the uptake) retarded is used to call someone stupid.

Now, I understand how this word ended up being used for mentally challenged individuals. Many people, not all, who have mental development issues, learn things at a slower pace than people without those handicaps. So when a person learns things at a much slower rate, it is fair to say that they are retarded. Now, here is where the trick comes in. Retarded does not only refer to people with handicaps, but to anyone who is slow to catch on.

I use this word on a daily basis. I have never used it towards someone with a mental handicap or disability of some kind. I use it towards stupid people. Or anyone who is slow on the uptake. I use the word correctly. I also use it to describe specific situations. Much like the definition at Dictionary.com states, a social retard, as an example. I, myself, am an English language retard. A quick glance over my use of grammar should explain that easily enough.

So this word does not get to be stolen by the handicapped. If someone says they bowl like they are in the Special Olympics, then we all know what they mean. There is a reason they have a Special Olympics. Its because most of those athletes cannot compete in the real Olympics. Now, I understand as I write this, that anyone competing in any competitive event is courageous, determined, and highly skilled. That goes for the Special Olympics, as well as all other world class venues. I don't have half the courage as those mentally challenged individuals who go all out to compete on such a large stage. It's something to be admired; however, that admiration and respect does not provide them with the special power to steal my language.

This all comes down to a simple yes or no question. So ask yourself this. Does a mentally handicapped person deserve to be treated like everyone else? If you said no, then you can stop reading and continue on your carefree way. But if you said yes, if you truly believe that everyone deserves to be equal and treated the same, then you don't get to have special rules as to what words are allowed to be said to you. This goes for anyone who is offended by any word. The United States of America gives all its citizens the Right of Free Speech. That means that we can say what we want. If you don't like it, then I am sure Russia has some apartments for rent. But if you choose to live in the US of A, then you have to accept that you don't have the right to stop other peoples speech. However, we can take away the sting.

Words only have power because people choose to give them power. So there is an easy way to take away the hurt and pain associated with any word you don't like. Stop being offended. I know that sounds to simple to be true. I know people will whine about all the baggage associated with words being used a certain way for years. But when a word is taboo, it lends it power and makes people want to use it. People hate being told what not to do. It's human nature. Just look at all the college kids who drink like fish until they are 21 and then it quits being cool. So if you stop being offended by words, then certain people who enjoy upsetting others, will stop getting the joy of insulting you. Hence, they will lose the desire to use that word.

Remove the taboo from certain derogatory words and watch as the pain and hurt associated with them starts to fade away. Its much easier to change your own mind than it is to change the way everyone speaks. Think about that.

It might take some time and a lot of work. But if we all do our part, then words can be used for what they mean and the communication they provide. Plus, retard rolls off the tongue so nicely. I am not giving up something that is so much fun to say.