The “R” Word

Retarded.

I hear that word and it makes me cringe inside. I literally feel like I got punched in the stomach every time I hear it. I hear it more often than I would like and I know that no one ever means offense, but it doesn’t change the way I feel when I hear it.

I used to be a person who used the word nonchalantly in the slang context.  However, after Luca, that all changed. I am very well aware that if Luca is technically considered retarded by definition and medical standards, but society has progressed to the more tactful description “special needs” that encompasses anyone who has extra challenges that a typically developing child. There are also many other synonyms that are a better choice when using the word as slang 🙂

Definition of Retarded:

adjective
1.  Characterized by a slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc.