How do you feel about the word ret*d?

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While you could argue that this is the result of desensitization, I personally don't care enough to complain about its use, or even see anything necessarily objectionable about it. Is it possibly an insensitive way to express strong feelings that one could find other ways of letting out? I guess. However, I find that life is a lot easier when you don't take harsh words to heart. Not saying that everyone is that stone-hearted or even should be that way, but a little stoicism goes a long way. If someone insults you, prove them wrong with your actions, at the very least by punching back. Where I live, if someone calls you a ret*d, chances are there's already a fight, so might as well defend yourself. And whether or not actually mentally challenged people are offended by its use, well, it's not my place to get offended on the behalf of others.

I have to check too many people on that note including my own parents. Although we already know that ignorance knows no age at this point.

It doesn't really bother me. But then I think the last one to refer to me as "ret*d" as my mother several years ago. Not as an insult, but as an actual medical term. When I was a kid, it still was used as a medical term. I also lived in a very rural community, (if you could even call it that) that wasn't very up to date with politically correct terminology and if they were, they didn't like to use it.

I don't really care. I have been known to refer to myself as "socially ret*d." All it means is "delayed." "Late." "Slow."

Whether it's an insult or not is in the hands of the user.

And if someone wants to hurt me, I'd much rather they make that fact obvious.

Most of the people who have held condescending views and ill will toward me have been very careful to couch it in politically correct, person-first language.

The pretty packaging doesn't help. It just makes it harder to know that there's a bomb in the box.

I. HATE. It.

I think it is very rude.

It is also incorrect - it is trying to force a verb to be a noun.

I hate the word! I automatically get angry when I hear it, not just when it's directed at me.

I don't like it because like many people, in my youth it was created to be in insult. It is, in fact a medical term. I've been trying to remind my self and ... kind of re-tech myself that when i state it or when some else states it, i want it to only be for the medical term, not to be cruel.

I feel it is ignorant to be used as an insult because those who actually struggle with some or entire retardation, shouldn't feel ashamed.. it is difficult for any delay in functioning.

so, basically, i have conflicted feelings.

I catch myself using it far too often. I specifically try to avoid using it on here though.

If I hear THAT WORD, my hands immediately evolve towards becoming fists...

I personally don't use it, but do not care when others use it.