Sarah Fitzgerald (The Beacon)
By Sarah Fitzgerald, Guest Commentary
"That exam was so retarded!" "Hey, you retard!" "C'mon, stop being so retarded." Say the word retarded enough and you essentially desensitize it. It is socially acceptable to use as a filler word, akin to the term gay, in order to express an unfair situation or to address a "friend." I wish to take a moment and think about the implications of using this specific word. We are minimizing an already subjected portion of our society, using a medical diagnosis for jest and doing an extreme disservice to the developmentally disabled in our community.
This is not merely a word; there is an individual behind it. Every time this word is used, those who have to live with a disability are further belittled. Every person deserves respect and consideration, especially those who are already cognitively disadvantaged. We are fortunate enough to be attending a college where we are all working towards a great education and have many opportunities ahead of us. For the sake of those who can never attend college because of their disabilities, stop yourself for a second and just think: Would you go up to someone who is developmentally disabled and call them retarded? If you would not, then you should not be calling anyone else retarded either.
We are challenged to think critically every day on a variety of levels but oftentimes the way we regard colloquial language is simply accepted. There is little correlation to phrases that are repeated and the extent to which they have implications. Words carry a lot of merit, and the manner in which we decide to use them is an indication of what we value. I want to challenge those in this community to think about what they say, to really spend a moment to evaluate how certain word choices can have negative impacts by creating habits that are deemed as 'ok.'
The English language is beautiful and complex, with an ever-expanding vocabulary that provides boundless ways of expressing oneself. By using the word retarded, not only are you debasing yourself, you are showing complete disregard to countless individuals.
I have a brother named Zachary who is developmentally disabled. He was born with his umbilical chord wrapped around his neck, denying his brain much needed oxygen, rendering him mentally handicapped. What was once known as "mental retardation," his condition is now described as being an intellectual disability. He will never be able to live on his own. He will never be able to have a beer. He will never be married or have children. I have grown up seeing Zach defined by his disability and he is hardly ever seen for who he is: the most caring and loving person I know. I am imploring my fellow students to stop using this word, for my brother's sake and for all the others in our extended community whose consideration is lost every time this word is uttered. Challenge yourself. Just because something is socially acceptable in no means makes it permissible.
Sarah Fitzgerald is a senior environmental ethics and policy major. She can be reached at fitzgera13@up.edu.
