Clear Up the Policy Please

I have a question for the mods.

I have been warned twice about using the word 'retarded' and NOT in regards to other members, but simply as a term to describe what I believed to be something stupid or a bad idea. Now, the confusing part is that the mods are inconsistent in enforcing this ban of this word. I have even had an extensive conversation regarding the use of this word with one of the mods who explained the word was 'never acceptable.

I continue to see the word retarded and retard used by other members and it never gets snipped. What is it? Is the word against T&C when used appropriately or not? I would never use it to describe another member so that isn't the issue.

I would appreciate either clarity or consistency. Being confused is just disconcerting.

I ask this with respect. I just want to understand what seems like selective enforcement.

Thank you in advance for your help.

a reply to: Metallicus

It's like rugby in the UK mate, different referee, different interpretation of the rules...still god on the pitch though or it'd be just 30 blokes fighting.
...gotta have a ref, even if they are less than consistent sometimes.

originally posted by: CornishCeltGuy
a reply to: Metallicus

It's like rugby in the UK mate, different referee, different interpretation of the rules...still god on the pitch though or it'd be just 30 blokes fighting.
...gotta have a ref, even if they are less than consistent sometimes.

I get it, but there must be an official policy. I just want it clarified so it doesn't feel personal, lol.

a reply to: Metallicus

Why not just not use the word? There are plenty of other words.

originally posted by: BlueAjah
a reply to: Metallicus

Why not just not use the word? There are plenty of other words.

That would be find if no one else was using it...I want to know the policy otherwise it just becomes personal if it doesn't apply to everyone.

originally posted by: BlueAjah
a reply to: Metallicus

Why not just not use the word? There are plenty of other words.

Because eventually, you will run out of words.

First it is this word, then that one, add in those ones and very soon, you have to use baby talk.

The whole internet full of gaga and gooee.

P

originally posted by: Metallicus

originally posted by: CornishCeltGuy
a reply to: Metallicus

It's like rugby in the UK mate, different referee, different interpretation of the rules...still god on the pitch though or it'd be just 30 blokes fighting.
...gotta have a ref, even if they are less than consistent sometimes.

I get it, but there must be an official policy. I just want it clarified so it doesn't feel personal, lol.

Lol I get ya! Good luck with your question

a reply to: Metallicus

Try any of these backward, birdbrained, defective, dim, dim-witted, dopey, dull, dumbbell, dumbo, dumdum, dummy, exceptional, feeble-minded, gorked, half-witted, held back, imbecile, lamebrained, mentally defective, moronic, numbskull, opaque, pinhead, retardo, sappy, simple, simple-minded, slow, slow-witted, stupid, subnormal, touched, underachieving, weak, yo-yo

Retardo looks nice....

a reply to: GuidedKill

Lol I avoid anything like that when posting on ATS, I go into 'formal' mode to avoid mod action.
On local facebook pages though, I'm in your face if you are trolling me being a prick because it is more face to face in the sense that we aren't hiding our identity.

originally posted by: BlueAjah
a reply to: Metallicus

Why not just not use the word? There are plenty of other words.

Because as a verb, it has a valid official definition.
Look, if we're going to be honest here, as someone with a Down Syndrome sibling myself, it took me & my smug ego years ago on here getting someone else modpaddled for using it as a pejorative slang term for me to feel like the idiot I should have for doing that in the first place.
Repeat with me: My fragile feelers don't get to control or change official meanings of words, nor dictate their slang alternate uses.

dictionary.cambridge.org...

retard verb [ T ]
uk ​ /rɪˈtɑːd/ us ​ /rɪˈtɑːrd/ formal
​

to make something slower:
A rise in interest rates would severely retard economic growth.

Teapcup people should just unplug the internet. A couple hundred thousand words in the English language is going to lead to a LOT of butthurt on a daily basis.

a reply to: Metallicus

you have to spell it with 't' instead of a 'd.'

The timing of the ignition needed to be retarded...

a reply to: XL5

damm it - you stole my thunder

originally posted by: XL5
The timing of the ignition needed to be retarded...

That's insulting.... Mods help please, this member has just been retarded while trying to retard a reaction.

originally posted by: ignorant_ape
a reply to: XL5

damm it - you stole my thunder

It's OK, you are still the number 1 retard here in my book

I honestly don't see what the big deal is about the word. If people want to get offended by it and have it banned, go for it, just know that the word nerd, geek and dork would be on the chopping block. Then, some time in the future, bald, short and porn will be banned. All it takes is preconceived offence and words can be banned. Sad really.

Hopenotfeariswhatweneed.....you CAD!!!

a reply to: Metallicus

It's inferred to relate to a person with disabilities in a derogatory way.

We use disadvantaged, dysfunctional, physically impaired... Yet negative and insulting impressions remain with loosly using that word.

Ask a parent of a small child with mental retardation if it's cool to use it in ways suggested.

When I see a member use it.. hell.. even I cringe sometimes.

P. S. Mods can define the correct way to use or not use that choice of term

a reply to: mysterioustranger

I look after people with LD and they hate the word as do I.
It's about not being a douche bag.

a reply to: testingtesting

I work in the field as well and the state has spent a lot of time striking the word from documents, etc. It is still used as a medical diagnosis in some instances and those are becoming more rare.
Intellectual Disability is the preferred descriptor.
Used as a verb is nothing, used as a noun is just a derogatory word meant to insult and not needed in this day and age, IMO.

ETA, folks can use whatever language they choose (unless it violates T & Cs of course) and it's our choice how/if to react.