To all people still using the word “retard”,
Stop. Stop using that word right now.
First of all, you should know that you are incorrect when you use this word. The “R” word has not been used for several years. By using the “R” word you are being politically incorrect. Seriously, you don't hear people using the “N” word at all anymore, right?
If you want to speak about people who have learning difficulties, use “mentally challenged” or simply, "learning difficulties". People who are “mentally challenged” are no different from you and I. Sure, people with learning disabilities may take a little longer to understand what you do, but they still do. You live up to your life expectations every day, and so do they. Even if their life expectations are different from your own, who are you to judge?
In today’s society, every school teaches students that bullying is wrong. I am 20 years old and since I started going to school this has always been taught. So how long as it been since you were taught not to bully? Were you not taught the Golden Rule about treating others the way you want to be treated? Pretty sure it is even mentioned in the Bible, people. How would you feel if you were picked on and bullied every day of your life just because you were a little bit different? I bet you would not like being on the other end of bullying, so cut it out!
Do people in today’s society not realize how hurtful that “R” word actually is? Every time you use that word, you are just influencing a bad behavior. Do you think it is okay when your friends smoke? Of course not. Today, people know how harmful smoking is and how much damage it does.
People say growing up, “sticks and bones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”. However, that saying is not true at all. Words can cut deep like knives and using the “R” word is a very sharp knife that cuts deep. If people can realize how bad smoking is, why can’t they realize how hurtful the “R” word is?
Some people use this word because they think it is funny. Are you serious? How can this be funny? You are making perfect, gorgeous people the butt of your jokes? When your friends do something really dumb or stupid, why do you think it is okay to call them the “R” word? Do not use this word to describe how drunk you were one night and all the dumb things you did. The “R” word should not even be in your vocabulary.
Since you are busy doing dumb things with your friends, you probably are not educated in New Jersey laws. In August of 2010, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey actually signed a law into effect making the “R” word illegal to use. Be a good, law abiding citizen and do not use the “R” word...ever.
You may use the “R” word to make fun of “dumb” people but get a mirror. Who's is really the “dumb” person? Using this word does nothing make you look like an idiot. People are more than a word. How would you feel if you were defined by only one word for your entire life? I bet you would get frustrated and absolutely hate when people use the word.
So, stop using the “R” word. Educate yourself so that you do not make your ownself look dumb. Try being an empathetic person and imagine what it feels like to be defined by one word for your entire life. Take a moment to realize that words are a weapon and do a lot of damage. Do not think this word is funny, because it is not. Grow up. Educate yourself. Be a genuine human being.
As a society we have stopped using hurtful words like the “N” word, so why are you still using the “R” word?