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In reply to the discussion: (Florida) Activists want state to end use of word 'retard' [View all]Orsino
(37,428 posts)40. Incorrect.
Political correctness documents changes in meaning. It does't invent them.
When medical diagnoses of mental retardation gave rise to the shorthand "retarded," sooner or later the bigoted were going to start equating the term with "stupid" or "bad" (c.f. "gay" . That taints the word in the eyes and ears of many.
PC people did not invent the process. Language evolves, and polite people evolve with it.
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Political correctness is a political tactic to make out someone as a "the bad guy".
valerief
Feb 2013
#21
OK really I even have to hear complaints about PC on a LIBERAL message board? n/t
alp227
Feb 2013
#33
The PC people (people who can afford mass media) decide the connotation, per their
valerief
Feb 2013
#42
I've used the word to denote somebody is retarded. It was classless of me and cruel...
BlueJazz
Feb 2013
#3
Yes, but you can still call someone stupid, even though there are stupid people in the world
valerief
Feb 2013
#22
What you say is true. Sometimes I piss off people and don't have a clue what the hell is going on.
BlueJazz
Feb 2013
#25
Give it time and Cognitive Disability will go the way of other terms Retarded, Imbecile, Moron.
gordianot
Feb 2013
#12
It will probably happen at some point someone will object as for me I accept the term "moran".
gordianot
Feb 2013
#31
I have also heard the terms "lids" "mers" "bumper" and "ADD's" several others.
gordianot
Feb 2013
#24
the words, "Idiot" and "Moron" were originally medical terms for different gradations
BlancheSplanchnik
Feb 2013
#43