[ByronicHero]

(Original post by thunder_chunky)
It was a mistake yes, but still a misuse of the world. The word "stupid" isn't really the same as the word "retard" or "retarded" in terms of misuse and offensiveness. I don't think the two are comparable in that sense.

They are though in common understanding but that is exactly the problem.

[thunder_chunky]

(Original post by paddy__power)
They are though in common understanding but that is exactly the problem.

I think that "stupid" isn't nearly as offensive as "retard" or "retarded." I think the use, or rather the misuse of this word has deeper repercussions than the use or "misuse" of the word stupid.

[ByronicHero]

(Original post by thunder_chunky)
I think that "stupid" isn't nearly as offensive as "retard" or "retarded." I think the use, or rather the misuse of this word has deeper repercussions than the use or "misuse" of the word stupid.

I have, for context, a long (very long) history of disability in my family. I used to agree with you and I still do in essence but the anger can only really be directed at the world rather than one person with any worthy conviction (independent of compelling evidence otherwise) . And yes, I am drunk. XD

[thesmileyone69]

This thread itself is retarded.

[Kaykee93]

While I agree that maybe the OP in the other thread could have been offensive, I think that it's been blown out of proportion. 'retarded' is mentally disabled or something, right? OP didn't mean to offend or hurt anyone, they were simply considering themselves to be mentally disabled at the time of the exam.
As for the way people use terms such as this, its never going to change. It sounds harsh, and unfair, but it's true. I rarely use these kinds of words in reference to people or objects or things of everyday life. As much as I'd like others to follow my example, it just won't happen. There will always be people out there that don't see it as a problem.
Words are evolving and are finding new meanings. I remember reading books as a child that talked about how gay things were. This was when gay meant happy. The word has drastically evolved since then, so maybe it's evolving again now?


TSR App <3

[thunder_chunky]

(Original post by Kaykee93)
While I agree that maybe the OP in the other thread could have been offensive, I think that it's been blown out of proportion. 'retarded' is mentally disabled or something, right? OP didn't mean to offend or hurt anyone, they were simply considering themselves to be mentally disabled at the time of the exam.
As for the way people use terms such as this, its never going to change. It sounds harsh, and unfair, but it's true. I rarely use these kinds of words in reference to people or objects or things of everyday life. As much as I'd like others to follow my example, it just won't happen. There will always be people out there that don't see it as a problem.
Words are evolving and are finding new meanings. I remember reading books as a child that talked about how gay things were. This was when gay meant happy. The word has drastically evolved since then, so maybe it's evolving again now?
TSR App <3

Whether or not the OP of that thread meant to cause offence is pretty irrelevant. And the idea that someone can consider themselves to be "mentally disabled at the time of the exam" baffles me. Not only that someone could think that but that someone might think that makes sense let alone is acceptable. Really if anyone actually thinks that I would seriously consider them to be lacking common sense.
Words are evolving and finding new meaning but the meaning of this is pretty clear and it doesn't seem to be changing. I'm not even sure how it would change either but that's irrelevant, for now it's still a misuse of the world. This isn't like the word "gay" because the word "gay" has never been meant to be offensive much in the same way as the R word. Really I don't think it's comparable.

Sorry but I still don't think it's defensible providing the person that used it knows better, is smart, claims to be smart or claims to have common sense. And I don't think it's blowing it out of proportion to call someone out when they misuse the word. I don't really give a damn if someone doesn't like it when I do it either.

[Kaykee93]

(Original post by thunder_chunky)
Whether or not the OP of that thread meant to cause offence is pretty irrelevant. And the idea that someone can consider themselves to be "mentally disabled at the time of the exam" baffles me. Not only that someone could think that but that someone might think that makes sense let alone is acceptable. Really if anyone actually thinks that I would seriously consider them to be lacking common sense.
Words are evolving and finding new meaning but the meaning of this is pretty clear and it doesn't seem to be changing. I'm not even sure how it would change either but that's irrelevant, for now it's still a misuse of the world. This isn't like the word "gay" because the word "gay" has never been meant to be offensive much in the same way as the R word. Really I don't think it's comparable.

Sorry but I still don't think it's defensible providing the person that used it knows better, is smart, claims to be smart or claims to have common sense. And I don't think it's blowing it out of proportion to call someone out when they misuse the word. I don't really give a damn if someone doesn't like it when I do it either.

You make a very good point you've proven me to be wrong
I think it's all a matter of opinion though. Some people find it wrong and others don't, and I think that it's always going to be an issue


TSR App <3

[Kiss]

(Original post by HelenaH)
To Whom it May Concern,

In the most recent newsletter from yourselves you have included a link to a post about someone who had made a mistake in an exam. Whilst I understand that people should be free to express themselves I find it very surprising that you are promoting a thread that uses such a derogatory word. Would you have promoted it or even let it stay on the site if it had been racist, religion etc based discrimination? Indeed I believe that in your terms and conditions that you state that you 'Do not condone or encourage illegal activity' Is descrimination not illegal?


I would be interested to hear your views on this.

Regards

Never fear, m'am! The wambulance is on its way!