Retard

[ACMESkydiver 0]

--Speech made by a Fremd High School Senior

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I want to tell you a quick story before I start. I was walking through hallways, not minding my own business, listening to the conversations around me. As I passed the front door on my way to my English classroom, I heard the dialogue between two friends nearby. For reasons of privacy, I would rather not give away their race or gender. So the one girl leans to the other, pointing to the back of a young man washing the glass panes of the front door, and says, "Oh my gawd! I think it is so cute that our school brings in the black kids from around the district to wash our windows!" The other girl looked up, widened her slanted Asian eyes and called to the window washer, easily loud enough for him to hear, "Hey, Negro! You missed a spot!" The young man did not turn around. The first girl smiled a bland smile that all white girls - hell, all white people - have and walked on.

A group of Mexicans stood by and laughed that high pitch laugh that all of them have.

So now it's your turn. What do you think the black window washer did? What would you do in that situation? Do you think he turned and calmly explained the fallacies of racism and showed the girls the error of their way? That's the one thing that makes racism, or any discrimination, less powerful in my mind. No matter how biased or bigoted a comment or action may be, the guy can turn around and explain why racism is wrong and, if worst comes to worst, punch em in the face.

Discrimination against those who can defend themselves, obviously, cannot survive. What would be far worse is if we discriminated against those who cannot defend themselves. What then, could be worse than racism? Look around you and thank God that we don't live in a world that discriminates and
despises those who cannot defend themselves.

Thank God that every one of us in this room, in this school hates racism and sexism and by that logic discrimination in general. Thank God that every one in this institution is dedicated to the ideal of mutual respect and love for our fellow human beings. Then pinch yourself for living in a dream. Then pinch the hypocrites sitting next to you. Then pinch the hypocrite that is you. Pinch yourself once for each time you have looked at one of your fellow human beings with a mental handicap and laughed. Pinch yourself for each and every time you denounced discrimination only to turn and hate those around you without the ability to defend themselves, the only ones around you without the ability to defend themselves. Pinch yourself for each time you have
called someone else a "retard".

If you have been wondering about my opening story, I'll tell you that it didn't happen, not as I described it. Can you guess what I changed? No, it wasn't the focused hate on one person, and no it
wasn't the slanted Asian eyes or cookie cutter features white people have or that shrill Hispanic hyena laugh (yeah, it hurts when people make assumptions about your person and use them against you doesn't it?). The girl didn't say "hey Negro." There was no black person. It was a mentally handicapped boy washing the windows. It was "Hey retard." I removed the word retard. I removed the word that destroys the dignity of our most innocent. I removed the single most hateful word in the entire English language. I don't understand why we use the word; I don't think I ever will. In such an era of political correctness, why is it that retard is still ok? Why do we allow it? Why don't we stop using the word? Maybe students can't handle stopping- I hope that offends you students, it was meant to - but I don't think the adults, here can either. Students, look at your teacher, look at every member of this faculty. I am willing to bet that every one of them would throw a fit if they heard the word faggot or nigger - hell the word Negro - used in their classroom. But how many of them would raise a finger against the word retard? How many of them have? Teachers, feel free to raise your hand or call attention to yourself through some other means if you have. That's what I thought. Clearly, this obviously isn't a problem contained within our age group. So why am I doing this? Why do I risk being misunderstood and resented by this school's student body and staff? Because I know how much you can learn from people, all people, even - no, not even,
especially - the mentally handicapped. I know this because every morning I wake up and I come downstairs and I sit across from my sister, quietly eating her cheerio's. And as I sit down she sets her
spoon down on the table and she looks at me, her strawberry blonde hair hanging over her freckled face almost completely hides the question mark shaped scar above her ear from her brain surgery two Christmases ago. She looks at me and she smiles. She has a beautiful smile; it lights up her face. Her two front teeth are faintly stained from the years of intense epilepsy medication but I don't notice that anymore. I lean over to her and say, "Good morning, Olivia." She stares at me for a moment and says quickly, "Good morning, Soeren," and goes back to her cheerio's. I sit there for a minute, thinking about what to say. "What are you
going to do at school today, Olivia?" She looks up again. "Gonna see Mista Bee!" she replies loudly, hugging herself slightly and looking up. Mr. B. is her gym teacher and perhaps her favorite man outside of our family on the entire planet and Olivia is thoroughly convinced that she will be having gym class every day of the week. I like to view it as wishful thinking. She finishes her cheerio's and
grabs her favorite blue backpack and waits for her bus driver, Miss Debbie, who, like clockwork, arrives at our house at exactly 7'o'clock each morning. She gives me a quick hug goodbye and runs excitedly to the bus, ecstatic for another day of school. And I watch the bus disappear around the turn and I can't help but remember the jokes. The short bus. The retard rocket. No matter what she does, no matter how much she loves those around her, she will always be the butt of some immature kid's joke. She will always be the butt of some mature kid's joke. She will always be the butt of some "adult"'s joke. By no fault of her own, she will spend her
entire life being stared at and judged. Despite the fact that she will never hate, never judge, never make fun of, never hurt, she will never be accepted. That's why I'm doing this. I'm doing this because I don't think you understand how much you hurt others when you hate. And maybe you don't realize that you hate. But that's what is; your pre-emptive dismissal of them, your dehumanization of them, your mockery of them, it's nothing but another form of hate. It's more hateful than racism, more hateful than sexism, more hateful than anything. I'm doing this so that each and every one of you, student or teacher, thinks before the next time you use the
word "retard", before the next time you shrug off someone else's use of the word "retard". Think of the people you hurt, both the mentally handicapped and those who love them. If you have to, think of my sister. Think about how she can find more happiness in the blowing of a bubble and watching it float away than most of will in our entire lives. Think about how she will always love everyone unconditionally. Think about how she will never hate. Then think about which one of you is "retarded".
Maybe this has become more of an issue today because society is changing, slowly, to be sure, but changing nonetheless. The mentally handicapped aren't being locked in their family's basement anymore. The mentally handicapped aren't rotting like criminals in institutions. Our fellow human beings are walking among us, attending school with us, entering the work force with us, asking for nothing but acceptance, giving nothing but love. As we become more accepting and less hateful, more and more handicapped individuals will finally be able to participate in the society that has shunned them for so long. You will see more of them working in places you go, at Dominicks, at Jewel, at Wal-Mart.

Someday, I hope more than anything, one of these people that you see will be my sister. I want to leave you with one last thought. I didn't ask to have a
mentally handicapped sister. She didn't choose to be mentally handicapped. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have learned infinitely more from her simple words and love than I have from any classroom of "higher education". I only hope that, one-day, each of you will open your hearts enough to experience true unconditional love, because that is all any of them want to give. I hope that, someday, someone will love you as much as Olivia loves me. I hope that, someday, you will love somebody as much as I love her. I love you, Olivia.

speech by Soeren Palumbo



I have been guilty of using the word 'retarded'; most recently I used it to describe a backwards idea, "That's completely retarded." I sincerely didn't feel that I was being derrogative towards mentally handicapped people; I was expresing the stunting of intelligent thought behind the plan that was being implemented. Reading this, I don't think I will ever use the word again. Sometimes, being politically correct is a decent thing.

This kid is a good person.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[BIGUN 1,506]

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...most recently I used it to describe a backwards idea, "That's completely retarded."

The context in which you used it was as a verb and not disparaging (to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

To use it about a person is considered disparaging. I disagree with you on the platform of political correctness. We know it's disparaging when used in the wrong context, but I'm not going to change the tools of my vocabulary or ability to articulate a point because someone not as well-versed in the language _might_ take offense.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[HeadCone 0]

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I have been guilty of using the word 'retarded'; most recently I used it to describe a backwards idea, "That's completely retarded." I sincerely didn't feel that I was being derrogative towards mentally handicapped people; I was expresing the stunting of intelligent thought behind the plan that was being implemented.

That's because you really weren't being derogative towards mentally handicapped people.

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Reading this, I don't think I will ever use the word again. Sometimes, being politically correct is a decent thing.

I wouldn't let this piece guilt-trip you into never using the word ever again in any context. I think the offensiveness of the word depends on the attitude behind it. In the example in the story, the usage was offensive. On the other hand, if Palumbo was talking to someone and matter-of-factly stated, "I have a sister Olivia who is retarded.", then that, IMHO, should not be considered offensive.

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This kid is a good person.

I'd generally agree. He's calling out a kind of discrimination that you don't hear about as much as racism/sexism. I do think he's a little biased calling retard "the single most hateful word in the entire English language".

--Head

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Turn off the internet! Join Citizens United Negating Technology For Life And People's Safety!

http://www.citizensunitednegatingtechnology.org/

[Richards 0]

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In such an era of political correctness, why is it that retard is still ok? Why do we allow it? Why don't we stop using the word? Maybe students can't handle stopping- I hope that offends you students, it was meant to - but I don't think the adults, here can either. Students, look at your teacher, look at every member of this faculty. I am willing to bet that every one of them would throw a fit if they heard the word faggot or nigger - hell the word Negro - used in their classroom. But how many of them would raise a finger against the word retard? How many of them have? Teachers, feel free to raise your hand or call attention to yourself through some other means if you have.

Unfortunately, being treated like a human being despite differences is not a function of intrinsic human kindness....it is dependant on whether or not your difference qualifies you as a member of a special interest group.

Hey who knows, maybe if political correctness required people to treat outcasts/dorks/geeks/losers with the same consideration as niggers/chinks/faggots..etc then the whole Columbine shooting might never have happened. But losers don't have a lobby so people can fuck with them just like "retards"

This kid is a good person.

[dorbie 0]

Is fucktard still OK? I'd hate to offend someone I'm insulting.

[GravityJunky 0]

Good for you Acme, great story too! Thanks for posting it!
Great Communtity service Announcement brought to you by>> ACMEskydiver! Very Cool!

*My Inner Child is A Fucking Prick Too!
*Everyones entitled to be stupid but you are abusing the priviledge
*Well I'd love to stay & chat, But youre a total Bitch! {Stewie}

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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When you see someone doing something like that, do not simply take the time to explain the wrongness of their actions. Put them in their place publicly in an abrupt humiliating manner because that is the only way of getting through to people like that.

My upper cut isn't so good since I quit taking kick boxing in the army.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[GravityJunky 0]

Oh, give yourself more credit then that Darlin', you are too, humble, remember we've witnessed you get all reved up & fight for what you believe in, especially on morals standards!
Get 'em Girl!

*My Inner Child is A Fucking Prick Too!
*Everyones entitled to be stupid but you are abusing the priviledge
*Well I'd love to stay & chat, But youre a total Bitch! {Stewie}

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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...most recently I used it to describe a backwards idea, "That's completely retarded."

The context in which you used it was as a verb and not disparaging (to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

To use it about a person is considered disparaging. I disagree with you on the platform of political correctness. We know it's disparaging when used in the wrong context, but I'm not going to change the tools of my vocabulary or ability to articulate a point because someone not as well-versed in the language _might_ take offense.

That's right I suppose.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[Royd 0]

Can I still use the word niggardly, as in, a niggardly fashion?

[Andy9o8 3]

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Can I still use the word niggardly, as in, a niggardly fashion?

No. That would be retarded.

[rehmwa 2]

High school seniors are certainly learning a lot about equestrian activities lately.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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Can I still use the word niggardly, as in, a niggardly fashion?

I'll admit that I had never heard the word and had no idea what that meant until I looked it up. Dang, what a fiasco, huh?

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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High school seniors are certainly learning a lot about equestrian activities lately.

I missed that...what do horses have to do with it? Is this going right over my head?

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[VincentVL. 0]

There are lots of words like that. You're always gonna insult someone.

In my native language the direct translation of "faggot" is used pretty much as a synonym for the words "asshole", "idiot", "mother-fucker" etc. It's only remotely associated with it's original denotation of homosexual.

I try to watch my mouth when I'm around sensitive people, but I'm not gonna stop using the word because of the one oversensitive homosexual who happens to overhear me.

Same thing with negro. Wtf is wrong with the word "negro" or "black". They are negros. They are black.
What they are not, is African Americans. You don't call someone a European American do you? No...you call him white or caucasian.

NO SIR YOU CALL HIM BY HIS/HER NAME!!!! Yeah...I know...but you get the point. I'm not gonna say: Yo negro, pass the ketchup. It'll be: Yo Bubbah, pass the ketchup. But if I'm trying to describe Bubbah, he's gonna be the "fat negro who likes ketchup" because that describes him best.

"Minorities" need to lighten up. Racists/bigots need to stfu. Simple as that.

[Richards 0]

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My upper cut isn't so good since I quit taking kick boxing in the army.

Hey, don't feel to bad. I wasn't that good even when I was boxing (or at least trying to box). I like to put a positive spin on it though, so lets just say that every time I stepped in to the ring to spar I managed to make second place.

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[rehmwa 2]

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I missed that...what do horses have to do with it? Is this going right over my head?

Well, the horses are pretty tall.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[SkyDekker 1,465]

So what is the currently acceptable PC "name" for somebody suffering from mental retardation? Would that person not be mentally retarded?

[redlegphi 0]

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So what is the currently acceptable PC "name" for somebody suffering from mental retardation? Would that person not be mentally retarded?

The issue isn't the use of the word "retarded" to describe a person who is. The issue is the use of "retarded" as an insult or synonym for stupid.

[Zenister 0]

words only have the power you give them..

I tend to laugh and walk off when someone gets offended by the PROPER use of a 'politically incorrect' word..

it is amazing the amount of ignorance that the PC crowd exhibits, when a few min with dictionary would enlighten their minds if not their attitude.

____________________________________
Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed.

[champu 1]

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Speech made by Fremd High School Senior Soeren Palumbo

Hey, that was my high school... Small world.

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I do think he's a little biased calling retard "the single most hateful word in the entire English language".

I agree. I think the word, "Die!" when exclaimed while standing over someone with a gun would be pretty hard to top, but you know how high school kids love their melodrama.

[SkyDekker 1,465]

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The issue isn't the use of the word "retarded" to describe a person who is. The issue is the use of "retarded" as an insult or synonym for stupid.

Right, all mentally retarded people are stupid, but not all stupid people are mentally retarded. I agree.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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I like to put a positive spin on it though, so lets just say that every time I stepped in to the ring to spar I managed to make second place.

That's great!!!

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

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So what is the currently acceptable PC "name" for somebody suffering from mental retardation? Would that person not be mentally retarded?

I don't think most have issue with the term 'mentally retarded', because as many people have said in this thread; that is what they are, and that is their diagnosis. What is offensive is the term 'retard'.

Nevermind all that, though...why would we be calling anyone by a diagnosis instead of their name in the first place?! And if you don't know it, don't you say, "Hey kid!" or "Excuse me, sir/ma'am?" Isn't that just common courtesy to anyone? I don't hear people yelling out, "Hey, autistic!" to my sons. That would sound idiotic. -How about "Hey, hypertension!"

There have been instances (rarely I believe; but I'm not with them all day in school) that kids have called my boys 'those retards over there'. If these same kids had said, "Those boys are mentally retarded", well then that's a simple misunderstanding of diagnosis, and not meant to offend. 'Retard' is meant to be an insult.

Calling someone by a diagnosis in the first place is stupid; to pervert it into an insult, such as 'retard', is childish.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.