This is in response to Ms. Barnatt’s objection to the use of the word retarded (‘Word ‘retarded’ used offensively,’ April 3, pg.10). In this age of enlightenment, it is no longer acceptable to call anyone who was previously labeled retarded as retarded. Now, due to advancements in general knowledge of various mental and physical disorders, we no longer have to lump those with disorders/disabilities/special abilities under the word ‘retarded.’
Now, when someone says that a person has Down’s Syndrome or Autism, we know what they are talking about because we have become more aware/ informed about various afflictions. It is obviously inappropriate to refer to the Special Olympics as the Retard Games, so why do you want to use that word for people with special abilities, Ms. Barnatt? Why can’t we make use of a word that is no longer needed for its original perceived intention of ‘retarded.’ Just call it recycling of the English language. Words are just words, and they can mean whatever you want them to mean as you should have learned when your sixth grade teacher taught you about poetic license.
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