Everyday at Swarthmore, I hear the use of the word ‘retarded’ in casual conversations to describe something that frustrates or annoys the speaker. On a campus that prides itself on being politically correct and sensitive, this is the height of hypocrisy. The use of this word is extremely demeaning and offending to a group of people that may not be able to defend themselves quite as readily as other groups.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Pleading that you didn’t mean to offend developmentally or intellectually disabled people and that you are just using the word to describe something that is ‘stupid,’ is not acceptable. Just like calling something “gay,” the use of the word ‘retarded’ in this context demonstrates a lack of sensitivity and is offensive to many people. It is somewhat alarming to me that so many people at Swarthmore use this word – I thought the student body was suppose to be independent thinkers. Instead, it looks likes people’s political correctness is a function of doing what is popular. I am aware that most people on campus probably don’t intend to offend developmentally or intellectually disabled people, but in reality they are, and I, and many others, would appreciate it if they would stop.
David Riccardi ’10
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