[FroshKiller]

Please don't use the word "retarded" like this. If you suspect you're asking a question with an obvious answer that you've missed, try saying "forgive my ignorance" instead.

There's nothing wrong with asking questions without self-deprecation, but if you're going to self-deprecate, try not to use hurtful language.

[dahoramanodoceu]

Is 'retarded' actually harmful/hateful? Or is the attitude toward people with mental retardation (hence the name, retarded) harmful? The way the word is used, more specifically the attitudes that are demonstrated when the word is used, is generally done with avarice.

Now I see your point, though, he is associating his slowness-to-the-punch with people who are unfortunately physiologically slow-to-the bunch, and according to you this type of lateral association is bad because...?

Because it is shameful to be wrong or ignorant, and therefore associating the shameful act of a non-retarded person with the unshameful reality of being retarded creates a subconscious association between being retarded and shame--- is that it?

If so, isn't it harmful to consider being publicly wrong or ignorant shameful? Should we not have patience with others who know less?

I understand there's a spartan-esque utility to being brutal in a highly competitive skills-based situation (like most engineering). So I am unsure as to where to position myself with this question!

Shed some light?

[DontSueMeBro]

I'm not the person you asked, but I agree with their post.

It's often hard to have this discussion without it devolving into an argument over "political correctness" [0] so hopefully that can be avoided.

Easiest answer is that the term retarded originally was an acceptable term for people with disabilities, but now has a negative connotation, and when used pejoratively as OP did carries the (possibly unintended) implication that people with disabilities are of less value.

I think Wikipedia entry on Retard (pejorative) [1] is a good summary.

It's also worth mentioning "ableist language" and "ableism" here. [2]

[0] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness

[1] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retard_%28pejorative%29

[2] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableism

[Raphmedia]

You are taking it too logically.

Some people have mental health issues. Throwing "retarded" around simply make those people feel bad.

How hard is it to use a different word that won't put a load on someone's life?

[FroshKiller]

I'm afraid you're mistaken, but DontSueMeBro is correct.

Anyway, it's not shameful to be wrong or ignorant. That's why I said that there's nothing wrong with asking questions without self-deprecation.

[rodiger]

Language is as hurtful as one allows it to be.

[IgorPartola]

Seconded.

[biggerbistro]

And where do we stop? Calling something "stupid" is hurtful to stupid people who are usually not at fault for their lack of ability. Calling something "dumb" is hurtful to mute people. There is no end to this PC treadmill, so I will continue to say "retarded" until the Speech Police kick in my door.