solemn disappointment

Dearest Editor,

I was, to say the least, solemnly disappointed with the article “Pomp, circumstance and solemn disappointment” by Mr. Hartig on April 2, 2003. The word retarded is not only used in an inappropriate way, but the sentence in which it is used is made a feature, reprinted in bold large print. I understand that this word was not intended to directly mock the mentally retarded – but it did. The article makes it clear that Chancellor Silber’s vocal homophobia is inappropriate, and I want to make it clear that using the word retarded to make fun of anything is inappropriate. The word fag would never be printed in your paper jokingly, while retarded is not only printed, but emphasized to catch readers attention.

I understand that in our culture today the words retarded and retard are frequently used, and not regarded as offensive. I think that as college students, and especially as a graduate (Mr. Hartig) of college, we should be adult enough to recognize that mental retardation is not humorous. I never once thought it was funny that a boy I know will never be able to read, write, or drive a car. I never thought it was funny that he is verbally and physically harassed at school for being born disabled. I never thought it was funny that he has never had a friend over to play in the fifteen years of his life. And I don’t think it’s funny when he tells me he wants to be a father when he grows up, because I know that this will probably never happen. I ask that The Daily Free Press please stop regarding the word retarded as funny.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Rebecca Barnatt 617-834-1020 SED ’04