More of the younger generation should relize that retarded should not refer to a person or his actions. Wake up! Respect for everyone is needed in today's society.

I found this letter to be very refreshing!!! I worked with mentally challenged children for 12 years. I continue to work with adults with challenges. They are some of the most beautiful people I have ever known. More times than not they are not shown the respect they deserve. ALL people have some form of challenge, whether it is physical, mental, or just plain ignorance!!! I support ridding the word 'retarded' from our vocabulary. I prefer RESPECT instead!!!! Thank you, Mr. Helfrich, for a much needed column!!!

I completely agree with this opinion of the use of the word 'retarded'. Does anyone realize how painful it is to be watching a movie with someone who is challenged? To be enjoying the movie one minute, and the next, an actor will use this word completely out of context, and your loved one is sad and confused as to why peolple think they are stupid. Try putting yourselves in their shoes!! Maybe we should do less judging and more caring!! What an ignorant society it is to accept this abuse and disrespect for fellow human beings or for any living creature. PERIOD!!!

Joel, as my brother, you and I may not always agree. However, I would like to thank you for encouraging our community to examine the impact of identity-based labels (words), in this case the word retarded, on each other. As you mentioned this is not about promoting political correctness. In reality it is about doing no harm (intended or unintended), promoting equity and valuing members of of community.

To other readers, if you feel it is your right to use marginalizing language because it is not your intent to negatively impact anyone else? I would ask you to consider that freedom of speech and action comes with responsibility. It comes with a responsibility to do no harm and to be a voice for those that do not have equal access and opportunity to share their voice. Your inherent right to freedom of speech comes because others cared enough to be such a voice. Take a moment to challenge your family, co-workers, students and employees to remove marginalizing language for their vocabulary.

Here we go with the single letter word, again. No, one individual or group owns that word, to the point where they believe it's in reference to them personally. And if it is referenced to them, then retaliate with, it takes one to know one and laugh it off. The fact that anyone takes offense in such a way that they believe it's personal, should realize that it is they who believe that they are the R-word. and that should not be.
Unless; you!

The r word:
cause to move more slowly or operate at a slower rate; "This drug will retard your heart rate"
be delayed
check: slow the growth or development of; "The brain damage will retard the child's language development"
decelerate: lose velocity; move more slowly; "The car decelerated"

Almost any legitimate word can be used in a derogatory manner. A Pansy is a flower but it can be used to demaen someone also.

I don't personally use the word "retarded," but suggesting that people don't use this word is not going to prevent them from using other words in a derogatory manner. I have heard people make comments to other people regarding "mentally challenged" or "intellectually challenged" with the implication that they were slow or lacking in some ability. For example, one could say "What, are you intellectually challenged? The first amendment gives you the right to free speech." This can sound derogatory so should we get rid of the phrase "intellectually challenged?" As long as we live in a society based on free speech we cannot start suggesting that a word be eliminated from use. Yes, we should be mindful of what we say and how we say it, but suggesting that everybody is going to use a particular word or phrase in a derogatory or offensive way is unfair. For example, the process of decay was retarded by some unknown cause. In this case, the word "retarded" implies "to hinder or impede." It's perfectly acceptable. We need to be mindful of what we say, but lets not send in the speech police.

After reading some of the comments , I do not understand why you were even on this site. Retard does not mean stupid or silly or dumb . It does have a meaning " Intellectual disability" , Now I know every one thinks that sounds better . For some unknown reason it has come to be okay to use the "R" word By all walk of life , It is not ok!! In today's time you would not go into the getto and start using the 'N " word in fear that some one might kick your butt or even worse!! I want every one reading this to stop and think ," What If" You do not have to born with intellectual disabilities, things happen every day. I hope and pray for the ones that think it is just a word or freedom of speech, that you never have to feel the pain of such a word !!

In response to Michael T., I stand by the comments I made. I think society is becoming politically correct to a fault. People are afraid to say a lot of things today for fear of offending this person or that person. I have had things said to me that offended me, but I learned to take things with a grain of salt and consider the source who's saying it. By making a big issue of every little word, you end up making it more of a big deal.

"you can't just say whatever you want".
This is America, Mister.
l may not agree with what you have to say, but i will fight to the death to defend your right to say it.
So, anybody who says differently should be ready for a fight.
And by the way, the Black Eyed Peas were talking about having a great time.