Mean-Spirited or Careless? Regardless of Intention, ’Retarded’ Remains a Common Insult

Mean-Spirited or Careless? Regardless of Intention, "Retarded" Remains a Common Insult Heard Among Adults and Teens
4 in 10 adults feel there is nothing wrong with using "the R-word" to describe a thing or situation

NEW YORK, March 1, 2017  /PRNewswire/ -- The word "retarded" remains an ever-present, however unfortunate, expression in the everyday dialogue of Americans. What was once used as a non-derogatory term to describe someone with an intellectual disability or other developmental delay, has since become an insult, used to show contempt for another person, object, or situation. Whether its usage is malicious or merely careless, the offensive term's prevalence in Americans' vocabulary has yet to wane.

From teens to adults, a vast majority of Americans say they have heard another person call someone a retard (92% of adults and 91% of teens). Further, over half of adults and nearly half of all teens have heard the derogatory phrase directed towards a person who has an intellectual disability (56% of adults and 47% of teens). The lack of sensitivity doesn't appear to end with personal affronts, however. Nearly three in ten teens and four in ten adults agree there's nothing wrong with using the word "retarded" to describe a thing or situation (27% and 38%, respectively).

Click here to read the complete report.