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| PricklyPear |
I've read a few threads and blogs over the years I've been on IC, and I've noticed that the words 'retard', 'spastic' etc are used pretty freely here (and elsewhere). Variations on the theme (like fucktard, tard, spazz, windowlicker, mong etc.) are also to be found sprinkled liberally throughout IC (and elsewhere), usually to describe someone who's behaved a badly or has posted something that someone else doesn't like.
A close family member of mine has had to endure these insults throughout his life because of his disability. Every time I see these words casually flung as insults, I feel physical pain. In the news this week has been the story about the poor guy who ended up dead, possibly as a result of the sustained barrage of bullying he was subjected to, and I felt the same familiar pain.
I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts or similar feelings or experiences.
Edited Sat 13 Mar 10, 7:51 PM by PricklyPear
| 13 Mar 10, 7:56 PM violet_haze UK(TN), 2 yrs |
I share your feelings... we mentor a lad with autism, and it REALLY annoys me... he's worth ten of some of them.. xxx | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 8:07 PM DoraExplorer UK(CO), 4 yrs |
My brother was born with brain damage and still lives with my mum and dad, as he will for the rest of his life. It makes me so angry when people use these words without even thinking. I get very defensive over my brother and would probably end up doing time for him if I thought someone was taking the piss. People just generally dont think before they speak. I dont have a quote so I'll leave this bit blank...........cos I dont want to use up space till I have something really good to put here | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 8:09 PM CuriousSlut 2 yrs |
I used to use them words quite a lot at school, before I understood fully what they meant. Now I dont use them I don't think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that remains. - Anne Frank | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 8:22 PM Mr_Brightside UK(NN), 4 yrs  |
I see nothing wrong with using the word 'tard' around my friends, so long as I'm sure it's not likely to offend. I think anyone with personal experience will inevitably take offence to these words being used. However to me it's only a put down, a piss take, one small word in a bout of verbal boxing that happens all the time. Depression is really just anger without enthusiasm. | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 8:44 PM polyanna UK(CV), 4 yrs |
Precisely. Why should you be able to take, through privilege of birth a word slung as an insult AT A certain group of people, and use the same word, with the same connotations toward a *different* group of people, but that's ok? It's not ok.
"That didn't hurt. That didn't hurt. That didn't hurt. That hurt! (Do it again)" | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 9:10 PM Kairadron UK(CB), 3 yrs |
I have a Downs cousin, my son had specail needs and l worked with specail need children for years... I personaly dislike the words people are so free to use when referring to someone they don't like ~~~The power of submission lies not in the ability to kneel before another, to give over one's body or in the wearing of a collar......... The power of submission can be found only in the heart of the one who gives her love to another freely knowing the joy and pain will come from it.~~~ Edited 13 Mar 10, 9:13 PM by Kairadron | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 9:14 PM x_bec_x 3 yrs |
They're words I won't personally use, but then I would ALWAYS consider how my language, or misuse thereof, is perceived on a public forum. I'm sad that people either don't realise they are being seriously offensive or just couldn't give a toss. I think members of IC shouldn't be afraid of just tactfully pointing it out (with good humour, assuming the best - they might not know it's offensive), maybe even privately or through other channels. If they aren't sure it's seriously offensive, check with someone else. Ask questions on the thread maybe. The problem is concerned users are often not prepared for the torrent of "blah blah freedom of speech" bollocks from people and cronies who should learn to be more accepting of varying opinions and lifestyles and more prepared to tone down their behaviour in a public forum. Freedom of speech is a luxury and comes with a certain responsibility that we all should share. That's my opinion anyway, bec xx i don't appreciate you creeping up on me like a dog at a disco... | ||
| 13 Mar 10, 10:53 PM PricklyPear UK, 3 yrs   |
I've seen the word 'retard' several times used as an insult. Fucktard is a derivative of that, or else where does it come from? As for examples I can link to, i know I've seen them used - maybe people have felt embarassed and hidden them when they realised how hurtful they were? . Anyway, as I say in my later edit, "and elsewhere", I am not pinning it entirely on IC. I
On the whole I am reassured by replies to this blog. Please excuse any typos or anything not making sense - flippin iPhone is to blame!
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| 13 Mar 10, 10:58 PM Grownup_Frankie UK, 3 yrs |
We all probably notice things from time to time that gives us pause, though just because one person notices them does not mean that everybody has, we sohuld remember - if something apparently goes under the radar it may not be through lack of awareness in others, just that they haven't noticed it to object to. If you notice something, make an objection to it. I always do so, and I know a few others on here who wouldn't willingly let something like that pass them by if they saw it. (There are a few bolshi disabled activists on here who do usually reply to a post they consider to contain discriminatory terminology. I would think their efforts at awareness raising over the years has helped cut down such instances). I think discriminatory terminology is the exception on ic rather than the rule. Wherever it IS seen, it should be pointed out, of course.
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