NeenerBalls: But, those words are almost never considered synonyms for having a disability anymore, are they? Those words are now used almost exclusively to describe something negative. But the r-word is used for both having a disability and for something negative. Hence, when I say that my brother, who has a mental disability, is "retarded," people think I'm making fun of him. That's a big part of the problem - since the word is simultaneously used for having a mental disability and being foolish or pitiful, people in their minds tend to equate the two concepts as being the same. Like having a mental disability is a negative thing. And that's exactly what we want to add. And thanks for talking trash to people who aren't planning to talk trash back to you. That's like being in law enforcement and shooting at an innocent bystander who has their hands in the air and isn't resisting cooperation.

Proper use of the word is one thing. And in fact, in French, it is actually the word for "late." However, it's how we use it in English that is destructive. It's inappropriate that other slurs can get you marginalized, stared at, and even beaten up because of the screaming done by other groups of people, but the r-word, people don't care because those with disabilities are less likely to lead marches and scream (particularly those on the severe end). My take - if we can train our society to shun and detest other slurs, we can do the same for the r-word just as detestable.

You are all retarded. Elimination of the word retarded would also require the words stupid, moron, and idiot removed from the English language at all. They were all originally terms for the mentally disabled. You should have educated yourself before you do stupid things like this.

....because we need more restrictions on what we are allowed to speak.

re•tard
verb (used with object)
1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.)

noun
5. Automotive, Machinery. an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle.

How does this channel get so little attention?

SpencerJonath: Instead of complaining, do something about it.

It used to be you could call some one retarded

Nice campaign video- really powerful.
I don't like restricting speech though. Especially since "retarded" is almost never used in a derogatory sense against those with disabilities- usually I heard it used against other "normal" teens. P.S. I think swearing, drinking, smoking, obesity, wars, famine, and natural disasters are greater problems than words like "retarded," but good luck on your campaign nevertheless.

my brother has downs and its so annoying when i hear ppl say the r word i cant wait until i never have to hear that word again!!