Just thought talking about the word "retardation" was necessary. SO many people are offended by it. Here is how Dictionary.com defines the word:
Occurring or developing later than desired or expected; delayed.
It also goes on to point out that the word was created around 1788 when retardation meant simply delay. It wasn't turned in to an offensive word until 1970.
I have no problem listing Noel's symptoms and telling people that the Dr.'s have classified her as severely mentally retarded. It's a medical term just like Angelman Syndrome is a medical term. I don't take offense to it.
From what I understand there are 4 basic degrees of mental retardation: mild, moderate, severe, and profound.
Of course I don't want people to go around calling my daughter a retard. That would be rude and cruel (although she would just smile and laugh at them). That is just a person taking a good word and turning it in to something bad. The purpose of this post is just to address those who are offended by the word even when it is being used for clinical purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment