The acceptability of using the word 'retarded'

Post by **_keene** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:50 pm

I just want to remind everyone of Timmy 2000 (I watched this episode the other day, so it's fresh on my mind). It's the south park episode that first introduces Timmy. One of the first scenes

Mr. Garrison: Timmy, do you know the answer?

Timmy: TIMMAY!!

Mr. Garrison: No, it wasn't you Timmy, try again.

Timmy: TIMMAY!!

Kyle: Haven't you figured it out yet, Mr. Garrison? Timmy's retarded!

Mr. Garrison: Don't call people names, Kyle!!

Throughout the episode, Timmy gets to be in a rock band, and all the kids thouroughly enjoy the fact that Timmy's having tons of fun up on stage, while all the adults are busy protesting, because people were having fun at Timmy's expense, because he's retarded.

You can watch the episode here: http://www.southparkzone.com/episodes/4 ... -2000.html

Post by **_truth dancer** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:56 pm

Nehor...

Maybe this is a regional thing, it's not an offensive thing here. To all who find it offensive my sole intent was to make people laugh. IS THAT SO WRONG?!?!?!?!!?

Personally I think it is absolutely wrong when the "laugh" is at the expense of the mentally challenged.

Again, I find it odd that you still try to justify your comment.. odd but not surprising.

Justify, rationalize, minimize, joke, deny... whatever.

:-(

~dancer~

Post by **_barrelomonkeys** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:57 pm

Cksalmon I too work with those with a variety of disabilities and must understand their specific disability and adapt instruction to suit their needs.

Nehor typed 'retarded' not 'retard'. Either way it is meant as an insult and I am not fond of it. Does everyone get that? I'm not fond of it?

I'm not fond of it. :)

Post by **_Ren** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:59 pm

I loved that South Park episode keene.
I also don't see the two 'jokes' as comparable - for reasons that I would explain, but I think everyone's had enough now.

Let's get back to making fun of the Mormons. Everybody loves that - right?

Post by **_The Nehor** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:59 pm

truth dancer wrote:Nehor...

Maybe this is a regional thing, it's not an offensive thing here. To all who find it offensive my sole intent was to make people laugh. IS THAT SO WRONG?!?!?!?!!?

Personally I think it is absolutely wrong when the "laugh" is at the expense of the mentally challenged.

Again, I find it odd that you still try to justify your comment.. odd but not surprising.

Justify, rationalize, minimize, joke, deny... whatever.

:-(

~dancer~

Considering you routinely insult Mormons without the pretense of a joke I assumed you'd be immune.

Post by **_keene** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:00 am

barrelomonkeys wrote:Cksalmon I too work with those with a variety of disabilities and must understand their specific disability and adapt instruction to suit their needs.

Nehor typed 'retarded' not 'retard'. Either way it is meant as an insult and I am not fond of it. Does everyone get that? I'm not fond of it?

I'm not fond of it. :)

I understand your un-fondness of it.

I think it's silly and *ahem* retarded, but I understand it.

Post by **_barrelomonkeys** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:02 am

keene wrote:
I understand your un-fondness of it.

I think it's silly and *ahem* retarded, but I understand it.

;P

Post by **_truth dancer** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:04 am

Considering you routinely insult Mormons without the pretense of a joke I assumed you'd be immune

Excuse me?

When have I ever insulted Mormons?

If I have, and if someone brought it to my attention I would certainly apologize.

I think I have been very clear that I believe Mormonism is great for those whose lives are made better by it. And I encourage those who find it beneficial to their lives to remain active believers.

Having said this... criticizing a belief is not even remotely the same as making fun of those with mental disabilities.

~dancer~

Post by **_asbestosman** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:10 am

RenegadeOfPhunk wrote:Let's get back to making fun of the Mormons. Everybody loves that - right?

Anyone have some good BYU co-ed jokes?

Post by **_The Nehor** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:10 am

truth dancer wrote:
Considering you routinely insult Mormons without the pretense of a joke I assumed you'd be immune

Excuse me?

When have I ever insulted Mormons?

If I have, and if someone brought it to my attention I would certainly apologize.

I think I have been very clear that I believe Mormonism is great for those whose lives are made better by it. And I encourage those who find it beneficial to their lives to remain active believers.

Having said this... criticizing a belief is not even remotely the same as making fun of those with mental disabilities.

~dancer~

I excuse you and I'll even throw in forgiving. See, that was easy. :)