Retard Or Special?

While reading a friend's blog, I was introduced to the term, "tards"... a short for retards. I was actually quite shocked really. Not so much at the term itself, but because of the actual suggestion of the word 'retard'. But then, thinking on a little more, there's actually very little to be shocked and offended about. Here's why:

We give names to people groups just so we can at least address them. But every once in a while, some dork will go out and use it as a derogatory term [though there are some thats meant to be derogatory]

Take retards for example. The word as a definitive only indicates that that particular person has retarded learning capabilities. But being the fun natured beings we are, we're gonna poke fun at our friends by calling them retards. Soon enough, you'll be screaming 'Retard!' at the next person who happens to step on your shoe. Soon, it becomes widespread, people find it offensive, and then try to come up with a politically correct name. Like, 'mentally challenged'. I remember when that was THE word to use way back. Now its 'special needs'.

So, all we're really doing is perpetuating a ridiculous cycle of coming up with new and novel ways to rename some people groups. So think before you start calling people names.

If you're already tired of reading my rants, then at least read this cartoon:
Call Me Blind

Trivia: The word 'fuck' was originally a courtroom term to describe people having sexual intercourse.