Sorry Jazz fans – Ben is the NBA Rookie of the Year

[One Brow]

When I ask someone not to use a word like "retard," I'm implicitly inviting them to start reevaluating their prejudices. They can begin changing their mindset by paying more attention to their language.

There is also a feedback effect. The language you use changes how you think, just as when you force yourself to smile, you start feeling happier.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Maybe we've made some new recruits to the kinder language campaign, though.

But yes, back to the reason for the post. I confess last night I came here with a bag of popcorn in hand, ready to go.

I try not to use that word.. it was such a huge part of my Junior High vocabulary... and then I used the word around someone that had a handicapped little brother. I wanted to disappear I felt so bad... awkward apology and she was super cool, but I am sure she lost some respect for me... she wasn't wrong.

Also, Ben Simmons sucks at shooting basketballs.

 

[Getting Traded]

I can believe the virtues of simple politeness are beyond your comprehension.

You haven't read my full comments. I did say I am sensitive about the language I use and I am more than simple polite in social situations. Read it fully. I'm trying to show how it is a function of dishonesty. But in some situations it is better to be dishonest so as not to hurt someone, I agree with that.

 

[LifeOnaPlate]

I agree with you on this. But it has veered off into the realm of political correctness which I totally oppose. Developmentally Disabled, what a dumb term. I actually use it myself. The problem with retard (its history as a word) is that it gives a real picture of a person who has Down's Syndrome and people find that repulsive. I'm being honest here. When I started to work with people who had such problems, I did find it repulsive but once I got to know them, it didn't bother me any longer. I think the word retard conjurs up a disagreeable image to people, so now we are supposed to avoid facing the reality that these people have some severe disabilities and cover it up with developmentally disabled, a euphemism that is the dishonest use of language. I was an English teacher and I used to cover euphemism in my classes. But I do try to be sensitive about the words I use.

Like I said, I'm not arguing from within the category of political correctness. My argument is rooted in recognizing the basic human dignity of everyone regardless of particular disability. The repulsion you describe is a common bias, and our casual use of words like "retarded" serves to normalize and reinforce it. We can do little things to change that. My awakening about the word "retarded" actually happened at a Jazz game, of all places. I shouted that one of the refs made a "retarded" call. Then I saw a family down the row with a person who had a disability. I don't think that person heard me, but I think the family members did. And I knew what I'd done in that moment, and I knew there was no context in which I'd feel OK saying that ever again. Years later I wrote a master's thesis on changing concepts of intellectual disabilities within Mormonism. I've spent a lotg of time thinking about it. It means something to me.

Now back to Simmons.

 

[Getting Traded]

There is also a feedback effect. The language you use changes how you think, just as when you force yourself to smile, you start feeling happier.

Agree with that, you *****.

 

[Getting Traded]

Simmons is a good player but he is developmentally disabled when it comes to shooting.

 

[One Brow]

You haven't read my full comments. I did say I am sensitive about the language I use and I am more than simple polite in social situations. Read it fully. I'm trying to show how it is a function of dishonesty. But in some situations it is better to be dishonest so as not to hurt someone, I agree with that.

There is no honesty in slur words; they are built on a foundation of cultural stereotypes, most of which are false, and they allow you to perpetuate those stereotypes within yourself.

 

[Archie Moses]

I would, he is very funny and enjoyable person to be around.

Do you think he would tell the comedians what not to say afterwards and give them a history lesson as to why?

The more I think about it, it could be fun.

 

[LifeOnaPlate]

There is no honesty in slur words; they are built on a foundation of cultural stereotypes, most of which are false, and they allow you to perpetuate those stereotypes within yourself.

Exactly. The only "truth" being spoken is the truth that the person using the word is prejudiced. Unless eenie-meenie wants to argue that being disabled is inherently worthy of ridicule. And that would be despicable.

 

[One Brow]

Would not want to go to a stand up comedy act with LifeOnaPlate tbh.

If you can't perform comedy without insulting people who are disadvantaged, perhaps you ought to work on your skills?

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

It will be awkward when Lebron goes to Philly and Ben Simmons sits most 4th quarters.

 

[Getting Traded]

There is no honesty in slur words; they are built on a foundation of cultural stereotypes, most of which are false, and they allow you to perpetuate those stereotypes within yourself.

I think my point is that when these words lose power, so do the cultural stereotypes.