[Jessica30644]

Why do people call someone with a disability a retard?

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Name : Jessica30644, Gender : F, City : West Monroe, State : NY, Country : United States, 

[Lindsay22715]

For someone who does have a disability, we seem ‘different’ from what society calls normal. One of the things I have learned from experience is that being deaf is what you could call a “hidden” disability. We are not in wheelchairs, crippled or even look different. But when hearing persons talk to us, they find out rather fast that communication can be a challenge. And there are many, people who have no tolerance. They treat you like you are stupid (not all people are like this, but many are). They act as if it is contagious, like a cold or something. One of the things I do is come right out and say I am deaf. Most people are very kind. I don’t want sympathy, just for people to be more patient. I read lips like a champ. People fear what they do not understand, which in a way is very sad. There have been and still are people hindered by a disability … but are they really? Many reach beyond their handicaps and make the most of their lives. Look around and you’ll find many who in society are not deemed perfect yet go more of the distance than people with no handicaps. It’s all in how you desire to live your life. It doesn’t take any talent to sit in a corner and suck your thumb. What does take talent is to live your life to the fullest. Think about it: Who is the real retard? Someone who never accesses their talent, or someone who strives, no matter the obstacles in their path? And chooses to win, no matter how great or small? Next time you see someone who is physically (or mentally) challenged, think.: would YOU be able to cope as they have?

User Detail :  

Name : Lindsay22715, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Disability : Deaf, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Episcopalian, Age : 49, City : San Antonio, State : TX, Country : United States, Occupation : self employed, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Chris32205]

It is derived from ‘mental retardation,’ which was thought to be less stigmatizing than ‘mentally subnormal.’ It implies that some people are slow or permanently delayed in their intellectual development. It has been used to justify treating them as children for the rest of their life. The truth is that just as there are many causes of difficulties in learning and understanding (genetic/brain damage/lack of appropriate education) there are many types and degrees of learning disability. Some people are emotionally mature and socially skilled but aware that they have difficulties with some tasks. Others are severely limited by the interaction of a number of factors. All benefit from being respected and included in the adult world.

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Name : Chris32205, City : London, State : NA, Country : United Kingdom, 

[Jessica]

Because retard means stop, and when people have disability with their brain it means their brain is stopped.

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Name : Jessica, Gender : F, City : Grand Blanc, State : MI, Country : United States, Education level : Less than High School Diploma, 

[Shelly]

In French ‘retard’ means late. I’m not sure but maybe that has something to do with the way a lot of people call those with disabilities slow?

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Name : Shelly, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Asian American, Religion : Christian, Age : 16, City : Little Rock, State : AR, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, Education level : Less than High School Diploma, Social class : Middle class, 

[Kelly-D]

To me, this article was very motivational. Getting all out of life is important. Striving is a serious part of it, because we can overcome our obstacles.

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Name : Kelly-D, Gender : F, City : Northridge, State : CA, Country : United States, 

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