This letter is in response to Ms. Burgess’s letter to the editor “Meaning of retarded has changed.” The word retarded was intended, and is still used, as an objective term used to describe a population of individuals for the purpose of providing them with necessary supports and services to maximize their development. Unfortunately, all too often it is used as a subjective term intended as a “put down.” It is used to mock and ridicule, which further reinforces the perception that people with retardation should be put down, mocked, and ridicules.

Words are not “just words,” as Ms. Burgess stated. All words carry meaning and it is our obligation to choose our words carefully and responsible. If you passed an African-American man on the street, would you tap his shoulder and say, “Hey nigger?” If you saw two men holding hands, would you proclaim, “Good for you, faggots!” No, I don’t think that you would, because words are not just words. They are symbols and they can not “mean whatever you want them to mean,” contrary to Ms. Burgess’ sixth grade teacher’s feeble instruction. Words are often used to represent ideas, emotions, abstractions – and these words matter. They matter very deeply. I would argue that certain words have become so loaded in their symbolic nature that they easily serve to distort our perception and/or reinforce misperception of actual individuals. These words may seem very innocent and harmless to the speaker, but that is just the point. We must realize how much our thoughts, beliefs, and opinions are shaped by the words around us.

From, Amy Berger SED ’04 617.352.2600