Why is retarded politically incorrect

Down syndrome is not a disease but rather a genetic condition whereby a person is born with three copies of chromosome 21 versus two.

For these reasons, many, but not all families, take offense to the following terms being used in conjunction with Down syndrome:. Suffer from or afflicted by — people with Down syndrome may have medical issues or intellectual and developmental delays that are clearly associated with the condition, however, many families feel their loved one with Down syndrome does not suffer from Down syndrome but rather from medical issues surrounding the syndrome or from incorrect medical treatment or timing.

In terms of grammar, the first two are technically correct. The third, if you pause, does not make sense as the mom does not have Down syndrome. The renowned educator and inclusion specialist, Patti McVay , often provides this useful exercise:. Below are some ways you can consider talking about people with Down syndrome to the extent you need to bring up the condition at all:.

First and foremost, consider the source and the intention educated? Please put yourself on that bus and fill the bus with people who are different from you. Imagine that they start making jokes using a term that describes you. It hurts and it is scary. Resource Archive. Advocates explain why the R-word is so hurtful when used in jokes or as part of everyday speech. It's derogatory. Our campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language. Over , people have taken the pledge. You be next! One Student's Story. Retard or the r-word , and spastic are words which have historically been used to describe people with a disability but here's why we need to stop using them. Retard or the R-word , and spastic are words which were historically used to describe people with a disability, but have now become offensive slang.

Adults are culprits too! When people use the R-word, or spastic and spaz, it is often to insult someone, or to call someone or something stupid or uncoordinated.