The word "retarded"- A vicious slur or a misunderstood slang term?

[Arkansota]

I see the word "retarded" as an attack on those who cannot defend themselves. It is for that reason that I believe it is the worst and most vicious word in the English language.

But I want to hear your thoughts as well because not everyone thinks the same way.

[East]

I agree that it is an ugly word but ultimately it is a word and has the power we give it.

The word says a lot abut who is using it...and nothing about who they are referring to...that is ALWAYS the case and it is a lesson better learned sooner than later.

[Virge]

I see the word "retarded" as an attack on those who cannot defend themselves. It is for that reason that I believe it is the worst and most vicious word in the English language.

But I want to hear your thoughts as well because not everyone thinks the same way.

I just looked at the word retarded real close. I see no sharp edges or places to put bullets in it.

Words can only be weapons IF you believe they are weapons.

I use the VERB retarded a lot but never as a LABEL for people. But then I've bored everyone in GS about how I feel about all sorts of labels people use to describe themselves and others so I'll stop here.

[jaxc]

I'm with memechose, and coming from someone who has Asperger's, I don't have a problem with that word( in verb form) at all, I'm even guilty of using it myself, but I wouldn't (or at least refrain from) using as a label for other people.

[CellarDweller]

It's not a word I would use. I don't like offending people, so I choose to err on the side of caution.

[JimmyEcho]

THIS THREAD IS
RETARDED

[JimmyEcho]

I'm just kidding.

[Aike]

As with all offensive words (bitch, slut, faggot, etc.), it's not the word as such that is negative but the ways it is appropriated.

[50Plus]

Retard was a much more vulgar word when it was used 'officially and publicly' to specifically describe those with a variety of mental and physical ailments.

Until this post I do not know if I have heard the word in 20 or 30 years.

I agree it is offensive as are so many other words that the masses use to describe themselves.

Being part of the elite, I prefer to make up my own words to refer to those that are (in my view) below me on the evolutionary ladder.

[Cuddly]

I guess I should confess to using that more often than I should, as a slur. You fucking retard, is something that I might say or write. However, doesn't it make sense to accuse somebody who did something stupid of being a retard? Idiots can't defend themselves either.

Which slurs are actually appropriate? I completely avoid any racist slurs, because that's where I draw the line. Not because the words hurt me, I'm out and proud, but because I remember how it feels having to hide how you feel and all the nasty feelings and thoughts that brings with it, because of those words in part.

Slurs I use: trash, cunt, bitch, retard and idiot.