A Retarded Debate
Posted: Thursday, February 04, 2010
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
Much is being made now about a months-old statement by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel – much ado about nothing. Emanuel used the term "f---ing retarded" during a private White House strategy session in August.
Advocates for the mentally disabled are coming out of the woodwork to condemn his remarks and demand an apology, which he has since provided. Like his boss, President Obama, did after using the R-word on The Tonight Show about a year ago, Emanuel called Tim Shriver, president of the Special Olympics, to beg forgiveness for his indiscretion. As of this writing, he's still repenting in sackcloth and ashes.
Now we have right-wingers like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Sarah Palin, who were never previously fans of political correctness, suddenly getting the old-time politically-correct religion. Palin is even calling for Emanuel's resignation, comparing his use of "retarded" to the N-word. She finds the word offensive because it disparages people like her infant son, who suffers from autism. Let me assure Mrs. Palin and those of her ilk that Rahm Emanuel did not have anyone's precious little autistic child in mind when he made his remarks. Besides, she and her Republican buddies are nothing but hypocrites. Whenever a Republican makes any kind of "insensitive" remark, they quickly blow it off. The ironic thing is here is that no one is criticizing Emanuel for using the F-word. Am I the only one who thinks it's completely disgusting for an educated, high-ranking government official to use such profanity in public? I think this whole silly debate speaks volumes about the state of modern society.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I whole-heartedly agree Terry, especially with your last paragraph. There are legitimate uses for the word retarded, unlike the n-word. For example, engine timing or the clock signal on a computer bus can be either retarded or advanced. Not that it is acceptable to refer to people as retarded, but it's incredibly ironic that it's the crowd that hates political correctness so much that has gotten so stirred up over this.Bruce, thanks for reading and commenting. One thing I failed to emphasize was that Mr. Emanuel was not referring to a person when he made his remarks. I do agree with you that it's not acceptable to call a person retarded, although, as we both pointed out, there's nothing wrong with the word itself.
As one who has worked with mentally retarded people for many years, I have a special sensitivity to the appropriate use of the word. Have I ever used it in a way that could get me scolded? Sure I have, it is just one of those words that we fall back on when decorum fails us. There are many times I'd like to use it here on SearchWarp, when my visceral reaction to stupidity overcomes my reason-ability. Like I said, I've been real tempted, but it's a dangerous precedent.Like the "f" word, I think it is very important for people in a professional context to refrain from using it. When we constantly use any of those suspect first-letter words, it has the cumulative effect of degrading the English language.If you're going to use such language in private company, better make sure you're not being recorded. Rahm Emanuel should be more careful about his choice of words. And if the Republicans need any reminders about the weakness of their amateur goody-two-shoes standing, let's not forget Dick Cheney saying "Go f*** yourself," to Senator Patrick Leahy on the Senate floor.Gregory, thanks for reading and commenting. Your point is well-stated, and well-taken. That Dick Cheney incident was brought up to Sean Hannity the other day when he was ranting about Mr. Emanuel. Of course, he just blew it off in typical fashion.
Very insightful article, Thanks.Dennis, thanks for reading and commenting. Welcome to SearchWarp!
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