The R Word?

I just read an article on CNN that says Congress is now moving to remove retarded from all legal language and replace it with mentally deficient, mentally handicapped or something similarly less hurtful.

Why?

I understand that retarded has become something of a slur over time, but the literal definition is pretty spot on. The supporters argue that the word is hurtful and insensitive. I agree...if used out of context. To call a fairly adept person retarded is an insult, but isn't that the point? My understanding is that retarded represents a certain degree of mental deficiency much the same way that midget--another word that is now taboo--represented an extreme height deficiency.

It isn't my intention to be ignorant or make light of someone's perceived disrespect. I merely want to point out one major issue that people seem to be overlooking. Words are designed to convey information. There are numerous words out there and eliminating a word doesn't eliminate the idea, emotion or viewpoint that the speaker was trying to convey.

As a Black man I've watched nigger become the n-word. From that came the debate of nigger vs nigga and why do some Black people address each other as such. Some argue that when White people say it they are being racist. Some would counter that they are saying it as they hear rappers, actors and other celebrities use it and NOT using it in the context of Jim Crow. Some Black people argue that they use it as a term of endearment and changed the spelling to--unsuccessfully--avoid confusion with the original interpretation. In any case the defense is always I didn't mean it that way.

Therein lies the point. The message being conveyed stays the same regardless of what word is used. Eliminating retarded will only give birth to something else. I've been called many other words besides the n-word and none of those words have been banned. We need to target people's attitudes and then maybe the message will change. Until then, a thorn by any other name will cut just as deep.