The R-Word

My aunt is mentally retarded. It is one diagnosis in her medical records. It is not a label or a definition of who she is. Nor is it a derogatory statement about her. Growing up, I was offended by the word "retarded." In fact, we avoided the word like a forbidden expletive.

I am still offended when someone uses the r-word, or variations thereof, in a derogatory manner. People who have  mental retardation are human beings with feelings. They are valuable members of our world. They are members of families who love them and couldn't imagine life without them. Using their diagnoses in a derogatory manner is, well, just plain ignorant. It is not only disrespectful, it is hurtful.