The United States is slowly beginning to understand and now, reinforce, the idea that using the word "mentally retarded" is not politically correct. It's just an excuse for people to use "retarded" as a synonym for other words meaning stupid, idiotic, etc.
Congress has passed legislation to change the phrase "mentally retarded" to "an individual with intellectual disability" in all kinds of laws, such as health and labor laws.
As many of you may know, I am very much against using words such as "retarded" and "gay" as substitutes for insults, suggesting that being mentally retarded (as it used to be called) and gay are negative things in society. Words are hurtful. That old saying of "sticks and bones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" does not stand true. Words hurt. A lot.
I applaud Congress for taking this step in support of quite literally banning the "r-word"!
About Me
- Ashtyn
- Ithaca, New York, United States
- In the state of California where 45% of registered voters are registered as Democrats and 20% of voters are registered as Independent, I tend to lean towards the Conservative side of things. I like logical arguments. I like to make a statement. I want to set trends, not follow them. I like politics. Enough said? I am currently a Government Major, French Minor, Law & Society Minor, in my freshman year at Cornell University. I am a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, President of the Junior Panhellenic Council, AXO Sisterhood Chair, and a member of the Roosevelt Insitute policy think tank.
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