definition is determined by popular consent, there's nothing inherently offensive about any word in any language

[quote=blockhead;18831253]Okay it's not a perfect description but it makes enough sense. People act like it's "offensive" when that's the correct definition of the word. You can call yourself "mentally handicapped" but you're still retarded. I really don't see thte difference other than people have some moral high ground objection to "retard."[/quote]
I think the issue is that people with a disability still encounter real prejudice, black people don't really at the same systemised level.

I don't think the word really makes any difference in how much people discriminate against you or what level difficulty you face. Going back to my example if someone had called me "substance dependent" I still would have had all the exact same problems. The words mean the exact same thing and the difference is totally negligible. People are way too sensitive about this. The word "mentally retarded" was made specifically for people that are "mentally handicapped.". You're still retarded no matter what people call you.

that's because society doesn't use the word to discriminate against you

jesus how fucking thick can you be

[quote=blockhead;18831288]I don't think the word really makes any difference in how much people discriminate against you or what level difficulty you face. Going back to my example if someone had called me "substance dependent" I still would have had all the exact same problems. The words mean the exact same thing and the difference is totally negligible. People are way too sensitive about this. The word "mentally retarded" was made specifically for people that are "mentally handicapped.". You're still retarded no matter what people call you.[/quote]
Ever been fired because people percieve you of being too slow at your job when you're actually just working in a different manner with the same output ? No? Well that's what being labelled as "retarded" is like.

[QUOTE=illmitch;18831296]that's because society doesn't use the word to discriminate against you

jesus how fucking thick can you be[/QUOTE]

"Junkie" is used as a derogatory term. And you are discriminated against (looked down on as scum, imprisoned etc.) My point is that it doesn't make a difference what term you use you still have the exact same problem.

Being a junkie is not at all comparable to being born with a disability.
"Junkies" exist because of earlier life choices, not because of genetic differences.

[QUOTE=Aaron;18831299]Ever been fired because people percieve you of being too slow at your job when you're actually just working in a different manner with the same output ? No? Well that's what being labelled as "retarded" is like.[/QUOTE]

Most people call that "lazy." That's not really accurate for that scenario but I think people would use that term way before they would call the person "retarded."

some people use "frat boy" as a derogatory term but i don't use that as reasoning why "retard" shouldn't be offensive

the anti-PC brigade can get so annoying

[QUOTE=Aaron;18831304]Being a junkie is not at all comparable to being born with a disability.
"Junkies" exist because of earlier life choices, not because of genetic differences.[/QUOTE]

Actually a lot of people think it has a lot to do with genetic predisposition to addiction. I don't know if I really agree with that or not but regardless there are plenty of researchers who believe addiction is hereditary. So that's arguable.

uh, those people still made the choice to do heavily addictive drugs in the first place

not really a good comparison

[QUOTE=illmitch;18831308]some people use "frat boy" as a derogatory term but i don't use that as reasoning why "retard" shouldn't be offensive

the anti-PC brigade can get so annoying[/QUOTE]

I'm not trying to piss anyone off or start a fight. I'll stop talking about this since it turned into such a problem. But I still stand by my claim that both the words "mentally handicapped" and "mentally retarded" mean the same thing. I think people are way too sensitive about stuff like that.

[quote=blockhead;18831311]Actually a lot of people think it has a lot to do with genetic predisposition to addiction. I don't know if I really agree with that or not but regardless there are plenty of researchers who believe addiction is hereditary. So that's arguable.[/quote]
Addiction can be hereditary sure, but doesn't mean you're not physically chosing to pick up a needle or a bud and chop it or evs. It's nowhere near comparable to someone born without a set of chemicals. It's actually the opposite, lol.

retard and mentally handicapped person mean the same thing but are used in different ways

****** and black person mean the same thing but are used in different ways

chink and chinese person mean the same thing but are used in different ways

[QUOTE=illmitch;18831308]the anti-PC brigade can get so annoying[/QUOTE]

it's awesome when they cite the first amendment

[QUOTE=illmitch;18831321]retard and mentally handicapped person mean the same thing but are used in different ways
[/QUOTE]

They're only used in different ways now because "retarded" is taboo because some people use it as an insult. If everyone started to use "mentally handicapped" as an insult then it would be in the same boat as "retarded."

what's your point? ****** is only offensive because people started to use it as an insult. in the 1800s it was the normal way to talk

wuttup

[QUOTE=illmitch;18831332]what's your point? ****** is only offensive because people started to use it as an insult. in the 1800s it was the normal way to talk[/QUOTE]

My point is we shouldn't have to change terminology to pander to minorities or to avoid appearing "insensitive." The people who are using the words as an insult are at fault but the people who use the original definition shouldn't be looked down upon as assholes.

Watching Dancing with the Stars. Sup Ron?

[QUOTE=blockhead;18831311]Actually a lot of people think it has a lot to do with genetic predisposition to addiction. I don't know if I really agree with that or not but regardless there are plenty of researchers who believe addiction is hereditary. So that's arguable.[/QUOTE]




I only think addiction is hereditary due to lack of parenting or malnourishment, not to mention what the Mother of the -soon to be addicted- child was consuming while pregnant. The government knows if they get to the females, they can control us and raise a breed suited more to the liking of a drone or more proper to Delta standards.


[QUOTE=Aaron;18831304]Being a junkie is not at all comparable to being born with a disability.
"Junkies" exist because of earlier life choices, not because of genetic differences.[/QUOTE]



Not always early life choices, maybe peer pressure or out of impulse. Define the term "junkie" in your own words, I'm curious.

watching archer

[quote=shortz;18831337]Watching Dancing with the Stars. Sup Ron?[/quote]
Forgot I was out of milk so I'm eating dry cereal :<



just chillin' u kno

chilling, have food poisoning so sitting around drinking water and trying not to feel like dying

sup guise

havin a coffee

sunny day but it's a little cold. might blast some bm while i get my graduate application ready

SUP

[QUOTE=Mr. Ron;18831343]Forgot I was out of milk so I'm eating dry cereal :<



just chillin' u kno[/QUOTE]

Dry cereal is awesome, you weird

[quote]chilling, have food poisoning so sitting around drinking water and trying not to feel like dying[/quote]

sucks bro

[QUOTE=blockhead;18831335]My point is we shouldn't have to change terminology to pander to minorities or to avoid appearing "insensitive." The people who are using the words as an insult are at fault but the people who use the original definition shouldn't be looked down upon as assholes.[/QUOTE]



Be ready for something heavy then. I've already noticed they're trying to change the etymology of words, definitions re-arranged, pretty soon we will be living in Logan's Run. No joke, I know it sounds funny because it was a cheesy movie in the 70's but seriously, it's becoming more and more obvious.

i'm already living in [I]Logan's Run[/I]

[quote=shortz;18831347]Dry cereal is awesome, you weird[/quote]
idk it's like


[I]something is missing [/I]