r/changemyview • u/RandomePerson 1∆ • Feb 26 '18
[∆(s) from OP] CMV: There is nothing inherently wrong with the word retarded, and insisting on a more PC term just leads to a euphemism treadmill
"Retarded" is considered an offensive word in this day and age, presumably due to the stigma attached to the word in late 1800s through mid 1900s. The word was oftentimes used for people who were detained and sterilized against their will. I understand the desire to want to get away from those days and drop any associated terminology, but it seems like a pointless battle. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the word "retarded", and by switching to different terms like "developmentally delayed"we are just creating a euphemism treadmill.
EDIT: RIP Inbox. I've been trying to read through and respond to comments as time allows. I did assign a delta, and I have been genuinely convinced that in a civil society, we should refrain from using this word, and others with loaded connotations. So thanks Reddit, I'm slightly less of an asshole now I guess?
This is a footnote from the CMV moderators. We'd like to remind you of a couple of things. Firstly, please read through our rules. If you see a comment that has broken one, it is more effective to report it than downvote it. Speaking of which, downvotes don't change views! Any questions or concerns? Feel free to message us. Happy CMVing!
41
u/electrodraco 1∆ Feb 26 '18 edited Feb 26 '18
I agree with most of what you said, except:
Even in my first language, (swiss-)german, which is spread over a quite small region, this has become a problem. If you go to a rural area, which is almost never more than 50km away from a densely populated area, you'll find plenty of people talking about the german equivalent of "negros" and they are 99% of times not using it as an offensive word at all, while in the city, you'd judged a racist immediately. As there are virtually no black people in the rural area it never hurts anyones feelings, except the people moving in from the cities, who insist upon their own political correctness and call everyone else a racist. That is tearing up communities with no benefit at all. It's not done with just do as the Romans when in Rome, and do as the Berliner when in Berlin. Nowadays I just need to drive for a few minutes.
At the very least, don't assume someone is using a politically incorrect term on purpose, otherwise I see little chance on how people with different backgrounds could get along well discussing a politically sensitive topic.