A big controversy in the world of special needs is the use of the words “retard” and “retarded.” These words are often used by the world as a means of degrading someone or often used to make fun of someone.
In August of 2008 a movie called “Tropic Thunder” directed by Ben Stiller came out and caused a stir. In this movie the term “retard” was used often. Dreamworks Studios along with director Ben Stiller did not understand why there was such a problem from this. This article explains this controversy further.
The National Down Syndrome Congress boycotted this movie and This article explains their feelings about the issue in more depth. At a Northwest Down Syndrome Association social, Corinne met some teenage siblings and friends of kids with Down Syndrome who had stood outside theaters holding signs to protest the movie.
Our group’s opinion of these words is that it totally depends on the context that the words are used in. If using these words in a professional manner such as in eligibility criteria and diagnosis it is appropriate although certain states, including Utah, are shying away from this term by renaming the disability as Intellectual Disability instead of mental retardation. If using these words as a way to put someone with disabilities down then obviously it is not acceptable at all. We are bothered when others use the word in their daily vocabulary to describe something or someone, but we usually do not make a big deal about it. We probably would not watch the movie, but we would not actively and publicly protest the movie.
What are your thoughts or feelings with the use of the words “retard” or “retarded?”
Would you boycott a movie based solely on your feelings about this term?
Posted by: Down Syndrome Group: Christina, Carrie, Corinne, Camille
Personally, I am absolutely shocked and at times even offended when people use the word "retard" or "retarded" offhandedly in a conversation in a way that implies something negative. As someone who works in the field of special education, I have found that I am much more sensitive to the use of that word in everyday conversation that many of the others around me who are not at all involved in special education or are not involved with individuals with disabilities. I think that it is important for those of us who are bothered by the flippant use of this word to explain why and help others see that it can be very hurtful and degrading to those with disabilities and their families and friends. I do not think I would go out and protest or picket a movie because of this issue, but I do think that I would refrain from seeing it, and encourage my family and friends to do the same. Although you cannot control what other people say or what they think is funny, I do think it is important to get your opinion out there in a logical and respectful manner so that people understand that sometimes what they say is perhaps not appropriate.
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ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure what I think about this. I don't think that I would boycott this movie soley based on the use of this word. I haven't seen it and probably won't but if the word was not used to intentionally cause offense I would just let it be. I do think the protest may bring some sensitivity to the issue and possibly do some good. Using politically correct terms in the movies could be a great step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteBecause of my extreme sensitivity to this wonderful population of people I would not use this term in any form of communication.
Retarded is a real word, and as any other real words, should be used as it was meant to be used. I don’t know if the people boycotting know if the movie is actually abusing that word. I think they assume it is, but they don’t know for sure. For all they know, Ben Stiller could be using that word appropriately ever single time he says it. I understand that people who are related to intellectually disabled persons, that that word could be offensive. The movie industry should be extremely aware of that; aware of what is offensive and what’s not in order to produce a good, funny, and meaningful movie. They should know that they are presenting their work to the world and that it’s not just a means of poking fun at any group.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t boycott because I don’t have sufficient reason to; mostly because I believe that people have the personal choice to be offended. Yes, word can be offensive in a movie, but if you don’t want to see the movie, you don’t have to! The movie industry is not forcing the movie on you, forcing you to watch it. It’s kinda like “R” rated movies (excuse the pun!) We, as members of the church, could be offended by the content of those movies, and adamantly absolutely disagree by what they are portraying, but we chose not to be offended and we also chose not to watch it.
I agree with Shelly I’m not exactly sure what to say about this topic. However, I do think that the words “retard” or “retarded” should only be used in necessary conversations, such as: when talking about a classification of a student. I don’t agree with using the words loosely, I feel that it is degrading, hurtful to individuals and completely inappropriate!
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, on one of the articles they were talking about how they were/are trying to sell T-shits that say “Don’t go Full Retard”. This is totally crossing the line! I don’t know why you would create a T-shirt like this or even purchase a T-shirt that had this statement on it. How ridiculous!!
In regards to the movie; I don’t think that I would boycott it simply because the words “retard” and “retarded” are in the film. There are several things that I find offensive in my life and I don’t boycott those things, so I don’t see why I would boycott the movie.
This is a really interesting post as I have heard many girls in our Special Ed Cohort use this word to describe every day life! I don't look down on any of them for doing it, that would be highly hypocritical (not because I use the word, but because I don't like looking down in general, just up!). I realize that many people are raised in many ways and therefore many people are raised ignorantly.
ReplyDeleteI feel like in my experience as working with those with specail needs, and having a little angel with special needs in my family, that this word is just so hateful and has been made so even more throughout the decades. My mom grew up with this little angel as her sister and also grew up with people in the neighborhood, schools, and church describing her sister with this very word in extreme hate. Because of this, my feelings about the word are pretty strongly against it. But I guess the real issue, throughout the decades the words we use to "label" or categories those with special needs is used in hatred. Even special needs or special ed are both terms used to call someone "stupid." I think that as long as we have ignorant people on this Earth, we will be having ignorant comments made and word usage related to words to describe those with special needs. Overall, I really do not like the word, it makes me feel intense sorrow and sadness, but on the other side I know that people are ignorant and I cannot persecute them for it.
I would likely not boycott anything with any words taht I do not like. I don't really like the idea of boycotting... I guess because it requires effort. However, in this special case of singling out a whole part of the community and using words to describe them that are used in hate, I would likely boycott for this cause. If someone gave me a ride. ;)
I really dislike the term 'retarded'. I understand that it is the old term that was and still is used by some to describe students with intellectual disabilities but that still doesn't make it ok to use. I dont like hearing people just using that word to describe a situation, or another person that maybe we dont agree with. I think as special educators its our responsibility to help teach those around us to use the right terminology as much as possible but most importantly to help society see people with disabilities as amazing as we see them. When we make fun of others or a situation some us retarded as their comparison. As far as the movie goes, I dont know if I would boycott but I would correct or share my opinion about them using retarded. I absolutly dont think its ok to make t-shirts, etc making fun or labeling like that. Thats exactly what we are trying to move away from and teach others to change. It is a sense of making fun whether people see it or not. I think it just makes all of us be more aware of how we are speaking and how we are representing these precious students. Are we using the term retarded in our speech with friends or are we speaking about people with disabilities with respect?
ReplyDeleteI have seen the movie, but it has been awhile and I can't remember specifically what I thought or said to my husband while we watched it. I know that I hate the use of that word as a put-down or when it is said as slang. I know many kids today that when they mean that something is "stupid" they will say, "That's gay" or "That's retarded". As far as my own children, I correct them when they use either term. I try to teach them respect and to understand why those terms are not appropriate.
ReplyDeleteKnow that the term retarded or mental retardation are still in use as a classification and that we are shying away from it. Even in a professional setting using the term correctly makes me feel uncomfortable because of how I usually hear it. It is like being at a dog show and the announcers correctly using the "B" word in reference to the female dogs. I still feel uncomfortable hearing it because of its more common use.
Its a shame that what was once a proper medical term has become a derogatory term. (The same goes for Moron and Idiot)
I think that the word "retarded" should be used as little as possible. If you are talking medically as a diagnosis, I think this is the only time that it's okay to use the term. The English language has changed over the years, adn that term has too much derogatory context now.
ReplyDeleteIn my apartment, I have a roommate that says that word quite often in speech, and I've had to ask her several times not to. It makes the conversation very uncomfortable for me. In my opinion, in contexts outside of diagnosis' it is equal to other derogatory words based on race, sex, or another discriminating factor. Even used in joke it is inapprioriate for people to use.
I don't know if I would boycott the movie. I probably wouldn't be afraid to tell other peopl to not make jokes about such things, or to use that word.
I don't agree with the use of the word "retarded" being used in harmful contexts. There are times when people use the word, and don't understand why it is hurtful. The term "retarded" was used a lot more in our grandparent's era, and was meant more as a descriptive label, than a derogatory term.
ReplyDeleteEven now, people have not been sufficiently made aware of the inappropriate use of the word "retarded". When describing people with Down's Syndrome, people often still use this word, not knowing another word, because they have not been taught the correct terminology.
I would not necessarily boy-cot this movie, not that I am even interested in seeing it in the first place, but I would not boy-cot it because I believe this to be another case where people have not been made aware of the hurtful use of this word.
I feel that using the word “retard” in the context of degrading someone is absolutely unnecessary. I agree with Britany in that people are raised ignorantly. I was raised to never say that word for degrading people. This was probably partly because my little brother has a disability. Even if my brother didn’t have a disability, I know that my mother would not want me to use such a word to degrade people. I probably wouldn’t boycott the movie just because this word was used. In that case I would be boycotting tons of movies because of inappropriate language or offensive scenes. I personally did not go see this movie because it looked totally lame. Then when I heard that there was controversy about the movie I was even gladder I didn’t go see it. It makes me sad when I hear people say “retard” or “retarded” because I feel it is unnecessary. There are so many words you could put in place of “retard” but people don’t. I think people need to stand up for what they think is right, and if they here someone say that word tell them you don’t like it. I know if I say something that offends someone and they let me know, I usually don’t do it again. And you never know you could make a difference and stop even one person from saying that hurtful word. I know we can’t change the world. People are going to say what they want regardless of other people’s feelings. What we can do is teach our children and people we know that it is not ok to use that word.
ReplyDeleteOkay so the "R", often when i hear it it doesn't sound professional and often comes across low or just crude I guess. But as far as offensive, I think so often now a days people are offended so easily and it's so easy for one to become offended with something as small as using the work retarded. I think if someone was to call an actual mentally disabled person retarted that would be inappropriate and offensive. But in movies people can find something offensive and almost every movie it is very hard it that world to ahve to filter everything, just like with the last aritcle about the movie about helen keller. I think this word is not nice and not approriate and of course i wouldnt' want to hear it, but I believe that people are making this bigger then they should!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on this word have varied over the years. Honestly, throughout most of high school I easily used the word on a daily basis, if not more. I never really thought of the implications of the word until one day my teacher called me out on it my senior year of high school. That was my fourth year as a peer tutor, but it was my first year to ever have my use of the word brought to my attention. I was at a job site working with some students along with a special education teacher. I was talking with the teacher and used the “r” word. My teacher then said “nice choice of words, kelli”. At that moment I really realized what I was doing. I was using the word with a negative connotation, and by doing so was acting very disrespectful. I believe there are times to use this word…..classification of course being one of those times. However, I don’t think it should be used other than for that matter. After my teacher called me out on it, I removed the word from my vocabulary. It took me some time, but after a few weeks I never said it again. I voiced my opinion to my friends and let them know I thought the word was offensive and asked them to not say it around me. Today I still tell my close friends the same thing. Every time they do say it I remind them and they re-say the sentence using a more appropriate vocabulary. Now, I say this to my really close friends….not to others. Everyone has the right to say what they want. Freedom of speech right, but I have chosen to express my opinion to my close friends because that is in my power. For the most part I choose what I hear and listen to. Personally, I think if people want to go see this movie, go ahead! It is their choice. I, however, don’t want to see the movie, but that’s because I choose not to. This is not the first time a potentially offensive movie has come out involving people with disabilities. For example, the Ringer came out a few years ago and was very offensive to me. There will always be something in this world that is offensive to us, but that does not mean we must subject ourselves to it. I say we educate those around us about these offensive things and hopefully this will make a little bit of a difference.
ReplyDeleteI also find the use of this word offensive. I think it only goes to show the ignorance of the people who use it. Personally, I feel very uncomfortable when it is used around me. I remember my dad telling me when I was young that we had a flame retardant roof and that was the only thing "retarded" in our home. It stuck with me and I was very careful with my word choices from then on, and I'm glad I was because shortly after my brother got extremely sick and was left disabled. I don't think I personally would boycott the movie, but I support anyone who wants to. These movies that use these word choices so freely are only contributing to the ignorance I wish we could take away. Educating the people around us though, that will make a difference.
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ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting debate. Personally, I think it is sad that people try and hurt or demean others in general. I also think that we should be in control of our feelings such that we are not offended easily. At the same time, I know that sometimes, people with disabilities do not have those same reasoning skills and are thus more sensitive (or completely insensitive) to offensive material. It is for their sake that I am also sensitive to words such as “retard” or “retarded.” However, “retard” has more than one meaning, as Kelli’s Dad mentioned, and thus it can be very appropriate in settings other than in special education. My mother-in-law also endearingly calls James, her son who had multiple disabilities, her “little retarded boy.” The only people who got in a tizzy when she used that word were others who were afraid of offending her. I understand that she is an extreme example, but maybe we could learn something from her.
ReplyDeleteConcerning the movie, I would not go see it – primarily because of its offensive material against the disabled population. I would also let my friends know of what I had heard of the content if they mentioned to me that they were going to go see it. I would not actively discourage them from seeing the movie however, because it is their choice.
We were at my dad's house for dinner last sunday and he used the "r" word. It shocked me and made me realize how much I don't like it. I don't think he was intentionally trying to be offensive. He was showing me a picture of his friend and the little "retarded boy" they take care of. When he was growing up it was a common word and was ok to say.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is awesome that there are those willing to go and and change the way things are or were. We need to educate and teach the future generation what is appropriate. The reaction to this movie is a small example of that and hopefully there will be more opportunities to try to change the respect shown to all populations that are different. We need to remember that some people haven't been educated about this. It's about teaching respect and it starts with our personal choice and example.
i know i am one of those poeple who will use the "R" word from time to time not in a way that it perposfully hurting or putting someone down. The last 2 years have really changed my perspective because i used it so much in the past i will occasionally use it now and i catch my self every time and it makes me sad that i would use it so much even though i was never talking about a person. i personally don't even like using it as a classification because to me probably because of how i used it sounds very negative i never use it when talking about the kids i work with i will most often just use their specific disability or say so and so who has disabilities never that they are retarded. i saw that movie as well as some others but i really do not remember how i felt about the use of that word becuase i was probably distracted by the other choices of words that they used that i do not agree with i won't protest the movie but i won't ever watch it again.
ReplyDeleteRetarded and Retard as well as "Tard" are used often in slang term. Of course they are inappropriate and if someone were trying to express themself in a dignified, and educated way they most certainly would not use such words.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, it is used often especially in slang speech. Is using these words acceptable? In everyday language when the words are said in passing, I would not dwell on the term, however if one were making rude comments about another person or action, I hope I would kindly ask the person what exactly the word "retard, or tard" means. Next I would ask them to explain why it is needed in the conversation. When I have tried this approach with other words such as "piss me off" and I ask them to tell me what exactly "piss" means, and eventhough we all know the meaning, when you try to explain it then everyone in attendance realized how the word has nothing to do with what is really being said, and a better word usually comes up in the conversation.
We just need to educate and sometimes gently remind others by asking them questions about the meaning then usually they have an "ah ha" moment and come up with a more approptiate use of language.
As for boycotting the movie, I am of the belief, if you are looking to be offended, you will most likely be offended at something. I frankly don't have the time to be offended nor do I have time to boycott something like this movie where it doesn't seem to have the agenda of making such an impression.
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ReplyDeleteWhen you look at the latin root: retard, all it means is slower. However, I agree that context is key to the issue. It would be easy to boycott any movie for material that is intellectually offensive it would prevent us from watching: Dumb and Dumber, Wayne's World, and anything with Bill and Ted in the title. Unfortunately, watching movies out of these genres automatically means you will have material like that...but probably a lot more than just that word. But we have to see how words have culturally evolved.
ReplyDeleteAlthough "you are retarded" versus "He is mentally retarded" is a different context and the first is offensive. I've tried to really watch how I use the word "retarded" since I changed my major and have tried to eliminate any word like "dumb" or "stupid" even if it is in reference to a kitchen appliance.
Retarded is a word I've chosen to eliminate from my vocabulary--I prefer to use ID simply because "retarded" has such a negative connotation for me. Not a day goes by when I hear a friend or family member use it to describe a homework assignment, an appliance, or traffic. However, I'm not going to tell them what words to use, and I'm not going to actively boycott a movie that uses "retarded" offensively. It's a matter of choice. I've chosen not to say it.
ReplyDeleteI personally choose not to say the words “retard” and “retarded”. I am very careful in making sure I don’t say them and people notice. I use to cringe every time I heard someone say one of those words in a derogatory way and correct people. However, I’ve come to the realization that people in today’s society just don’t fully comprehend the meaning of “retarded” so they don’t necessarily mean it in a demining way. I think that people need to be more educated when it comes to terms they use in order not to offend someone. But I also think we as special educators, having family and friends with disabilities, and so on, that we need to be understanding when others use that term inappropriately. But as for me, I will not use it.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t boycott the movie, its just a part of society. However, I do think that those involved in the production should be educated on how hurtful and demining that word can mean. It is said out of hate and frustration and it is undermining those who the word truly applies to.
I agree with many that I do not like the "r" word. I know i've been guilty of using it, especially during my High School years. I, like many, used it not intending it to be a big insult. I think that a lot of people use it not really paying attention to the literal meaning. I do believe that people do get offended too easily, however I do not agree with their use of the word either.
ReplyDeleteI would not be one of the people boycotting the movie because of the use of the word. However, I don't have any desire to watch it as well.
Personally, I do not like the word “retard” or “retarded” at all. I do think it is okay to use if it is used in the correct context. Like many others I often hear people use this word, but I do not make a huge deal if I do hear someone use it inappropriately. I would not go to see this movie, but I also do not think that I would actively protest it either. It does sadden me a little bit that the movie company did not seem to think it was a big deal at all.
ReplyDeleteI cringe when I hear people use the word yet I also understand that for the most part people do not use the word "retard" with the intention of offending others. Unfortunately, it has become a form of expressing feeling about a situation. Similarly, I have seen situations where the word "retard" is used in musical lingo and children react to the use of the word. I wish it could be understood when to appropriately use the word "retard." I would not see the movie for many reasons but one of them being that it repeatedly uses the word retard inappropriately. Although I do not react in a outrageous way when people use this word, I have expressed the desire for them to find a different word to use.
ReplyDeleteThe controversy revolving around this word is something I've felt submersed in all my life, as my little sister is mentally handicapped. While I don't use the word as slang myself, I think it is important to understand the intent of the person using before reacting harshly. I do think, however, that it is our jobs as future special educators to act as advocates to those with disabilities and educate the unknowing public as well as the children in our class. Part of this is saying something and calling the offensive nature of their statements to people's attention at times. The importance of our roles as spokespeople to bridge the gap between individuals with and without disabilities is something that was reiterated to me in a chapter from our Collaboration textbook. We should promote general awareness and a positive outlook on disabilities to everyone.
ReplyDeleteSince reading this, I have decided to take a more active stance in advocating individuals with disabilities. Sometimes when people use the 'r' word I merely suggest that they pick a different word, something a little more accurate. This has had an interesting effect on many of my friends--all I've needed to do is mention it once, politely and without accusations; from there, people become more conscious of their language and catch themselves, growing far more worked up about it than I have ever been.
This being said, I don't think this movie should slide under the radar without anyone taking a stance about it. While we should avoid being overtly offended and offensive in return, people should realize the impact of their words. When the situation is approached with kindness and the intent to do good, only good things can come out of it.
There's too many things going on in this crazy world for me to care about this issue. By living in a perfectinoistic society we have come to the point where all we care about are the little things, the tiny little issues that show up on the front page, where behind that front page is the World News section where there are so many other things that we can be putting forth our time and resources through. There will always be movies that offend us. As long as me have the MPAA around someone will always be offended. I believe that if you don't beleive what they are saying, and there is minimal damge being done, then hands off! Because something's gotta give.
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