Author |
Message |
Costacat
Member
07-15-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 7:36 am
Kale, I've never said "deaf and dumb" and I agree that it is highly offensive. Deaf people are not dumb!!! (Having been involved with a total blind man, however, I can guarantee that there are many people who are absolutely clueless.) With regards to Lowe's pulling their ads, I don't blame them. CBS did not apologize for airing that comment, choosing instead to say "well, we showed Sheila's reaction so that should be enough". Um, nope, you did NOT need to show Adam saying that in the first place. Airing something you know will be controversial just to get water cooler chatter does earn respect, IMNSHO. There is a world of difference between seeing a HG say something derogatory on the live feeds, and seeing CBS airing that comment on the TV show.
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 7:42 am
Deaf people are often dumb. In the fact that they may not be able to speak. But I can see how that term may not be really looked favorably upon. But the meaning of dumb (look it up) can also mean unable to speak. adjective: unable to speak because of hereditary deafness adjective: lacking the power of human speech adjective: unable to speak temporarily adjective: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity Now while I can certainly see how the term dumb has a negative connotation, I do not equate it to "retard." Heck, I don't even equate "stupid" to "retard." And I think one dumb (in the stupid sense) comment can no way equate the horror of the Holocaust or is even worthy of all the hubbub...
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 7:45 am
I also totally agree with Jimmer in that this sort of boycott is an unjustified and unnecessary over reaction. And it does distract from helping people who actually have to deal with autism.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 8:13 am
Julie, I know when you use the term "dumb" in that connotation, you mean unable to speak. However, the word has such negative meanings when used in other situations, it is more appropriate to find another way of describing that particular condition. Just as retarded used to be an acceptable word. But times change.
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 8:18 am
I think we have to be careful not to make so many words "unthinkable" to speak. For heaven's sake, people can be socially retarded, and it only means that they don't know how to handle themselves in a social situation. Are there other ways to express something like that? Maybe, but saying that someone is socially retarded means nothing more than what I said. Calling someone a "retard" when they can't handle themselves in a social situation is entirely different, IMO.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 8:53 am
As I mentioned before, it is the euphemism treadmill. Article What we have to try to do is assess intent. For example, if someone were to post something like, "That Houseguest is mentally challenged!" people would consider that was using that term in a derogatory and inappropriate way. It doesn't matter that the correct term to describe that condition was used (instead of retard) because they aren't describing that condition. It's just as hurtful when used in that manner.
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 9:12 am
That is the bottom line for sure. Intent. (Funny--I just turned on "The View" and I have no idea what word they were/are talking about, but Whoopie was saying how it boils down to the intent!!)
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 9:17 am
Deaf and mute is the more acceptable and kind way of stating that disability. I don't know why anyone would persist in using a phrase that has such a negative connotation, or try to defend it.
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Costacat
Member
07-15-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 9:43 am
Exactly, Kar (OMG, I'm agreeing wiith Karuuna! ) Words that have negative connotations can be misunderstood, no matter what the intent. Why would anyone insist on using a term that is clearly thought of as a derogatory term?
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Okapi
Member
08-22-2006
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 10:49 am
Who in this day and age and especially on TV would use the term 'retard' even if they were talking about the mentally retarded. It was not only disrespectful, it was stupid. I wish that it were far fewer people that use the word, but sadly I hear it all the time. I do understand the "intention" argument, but even when there is not malicious intent it can still be highly offensive. I volunteered to help the local Knights of Columbus collect money and pass out Tootsie Rolls in their Tag Day/Money Drive last Fall. I thought it would be good to do since they are supportive of the company I work for. Well, I arrived at the location I was assigned to and was asked to wear the bright yellow apron and hold the bright yellow can- which said "Help Retarded Children" and "Help the Retarded" in bold, bright letters. I covered the word "retarded" during my shift, but was just a few feet away from another volunteer who didn't. Well the very first person who walked out of the store we were near was a young woman with Down Syndrome and her mother. Made me feel horrible. I later looked online and found that the KOC changed their official wording many years ago, but many chapters never updated their terminology and materials. Even though I know the KOC is a great organization, I find it very disappointing that they don't make it a priority to change. Also, in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology the word "dumb" is not used to describe people that don't speak. It may be listed in the dictionary as having the meanings listed above, but it is not a term used today. People tend to say "non-verbal", although there is also a small faction who states that even that technically isn't correct if the person is signing or using technology to communicate and those people tend to say "non-speaking". I've never heard "dumb" or "mute" used ever and personally I do find "dumb" offensive and "mute" is just confusing because most people make some sounds.
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Kimsue
Member
07-08-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 11:02 am
Well........If nothing else this particular episode has prompted an extremely interesting dialog on the subject of Autism, Political Correctness, and vocabulary. It is so interesting for me to see how people interpret things based on their own life experience, their culture and even geographic region. I have always been fascinated by how and why language changes to meet the needs of the times as well as the effect of knowledge on our vocabulary. Example: Manic Depressive changes to Bi-Polar when we understand more of the physiology of the illness. I am being genuine and even if I don't always say a lot on the board.....I love it that we have something as simple as this board to discuss or views. It really is an education.

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Danzdol
Member
04-21-2001
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 12:33 pm
every year BB fans get upset about the latest BB scheme or actions in the house and BB's lack of action against it.Fans start demanding that companies boycott but nothing comes of it. This is the first time that I have heard of a company actually doing so. (that's me though, my memory is not what it used to me..lol) Can anyone remember who else has officially boycotted BB due to improper footage of something? just curious.
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 12:57 pm
I apologize, but since I made my post it has been pointed out to me that "mute" is also considered offensive by some. If I have offended anyone I truly apologize.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 1:35 pm
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) (formerly the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)) is an American non-profit professional organization that advocates on behalf of those with mental retardation. AAMR has members in the United States and 55 other countries …. Founded in 1876, the AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about mental retardation and related disabilities. The first meeting of the "Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded Persons" was held at the Elwyn Training School in Elwyn, Pennsylvania. The organization later changed its name to "American Association on Mental Deficiency" and then to the "American Association on Mental Retardation." In June 2006, members of the association voted to change its name to the "American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities." ---------------------------------------- So we can certainly see from this how terminology has changed over the years. Link
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Sunshyne4u
Member
06-17-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 2:48 pm
what I really feel is the cruix of the problem is that so many more categories of 'being special' exist. Indeed, many aspergers and mildly autistic people were just plain never diagnosed. after all, all these various categories of ADD PDD ADHD etc were only firmly decided upon around a decade ago. Until then It wasnt truly accepted that a person could have something like autism and actually still be functioning in the Real world as an adult. At one time the word "retarded" would have been completely acceptable to use as a medical "Description" = slow. You will still see it when someone is writing of retarded development of a physical characteristic. The word has now become a slang for Stupid or Ridiculous.
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Amykat
Member
07-24-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:15 pm
Karuuna, what is the correct term?
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Naja
Member
06-28-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:18 pm
REpost since it fell back for Amy This page at the National Association of the Deaf explains which terms are currently deemed offensive. http://www.nad.org/deafanddumb The ONLY terms ok are "Deaf" and "hard of hearing" with NO reference to not speaking with vocal cords.
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Sunshyne4u
Member
06-17-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:20 pm
you see, that is what I dont understand. How can using the CORRECT acceptable medical term for a condition be considered UNacceptable by some individuals. Mute Dumb idiotic Retarded. they are all descriptions which have been bastardized thru the decades. there are other words which have TWO meanings. Why is it impossible for these words also to have Two meanings? I see kids calling each other Ho's for instance. Obviously they are not prostitutes, they are just misusing the word. Or are they? Has it also been bastardized? anyways, I've made my point.
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Kalekona
Member
06-12-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:39 pm
Julieboo If you had a deaf child and knew the history of how the deaf have been treated in this country you would think it is as bad as "retard" Since the deaf were thought to be unteachable labeled retarded and treated like animals there is no question that term is as offensive as what Adam said. The decent term to use in describing a nonverbal deaf person is "Deaf and mute" Karuuna Thanks I read your post after i wrote mine.. I wanted to add that as the mother of a deaf child/adult using the term Mute is not offensive to me.
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Geri
Member
07-08-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:41 pm
Once again the local Miami CBS station did a story on Adam. They tried going to the autism foundation website and found it shut down. They went to the two office addresses and one was a po box at a ups ofice and the other, they had moved out leaving all their stuff behind. Then a lady from an official autism foundation said that it was terrible that people spoke that way. Once again, CBS said they don't control or approve of the what the houseguests say. This seems rather disingenous since CBS chose to show this on their show. This was not a live show, it was compiled by the producers of BB. I say that CBS allowed them to show this to garner publicity for the show. They were probably hoping for all this attention. Talk about throwing someone under a bus. Adam will be wearing the tread marks for a long time. YMMV
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Kalekona
Member
06-12-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:50 pm
Oh and for the record do not call the deaf or hard of hearing "hearing impaired" it implies they are defective. During a college class my sister took in medical transcription that was the term they claimed was politically correct and they were not to use the word DEAF.. I laughed and told my sister to tell the teacher they are deaf and it isn't a negative way to address them. People need educating not punished for their ignorance. That was my point when i threw out the "deaf and Dumb" comparison and i think i did prove my point since many of the people condemning Adam's comments found nothing wrong with calling the deaf dumb.. (not you Costa. )
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 3:58 pm
There are changes and evolutions of terms all the time. During my 13 years of working with developmentally delayed children and adults, they were called "patients" "consumers" "persons we serve" and I believe there was one or two other terms. Unfortunately, if you don't keep up or have no way of knowing what is currently considered "correct" you wind up looking like an ass. I think it's too bad that there isn't just a little leeway allowed before the daggers get thrown! I'll stand my ground though, on use of the word "retard." I am 51 years old, and it was not o.k. when I was a little kidlet. That's nothing new, obviously.
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Amykat
Member
07-24-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 4:05 pm
Thank you Naja! I've always said "deaf-mute". Didn't know it had changed. Sun, I agree for the most part. For me, it's about what sounds good to me. It's kinda like the reason I've never said "deaf and dumb" even though I know the dumb=unable to speak. I just always considered dumb as in not-so-smart. From the link that Naja gave: "Deaf and hard of hearing people feel that the words "deaf" and "hard of hearing" are not negative in any way at all. Indeed, the deaf and hard of hearing community views "hearing-impaired" as negative, because the label focuses on what they can't do. With this label, a standard has been set: the "hearing" standard. To be anything other than "hearing" is not acceptable to the mainstream society, and deaf and hard of hearing people have failed to meet the "standard". To be fair, this is probably what hearing people did not intend to convey to deaf and hard of hearing people every time they use "hearing impaired" as a label." That's part of the answer to what you posed, I think, Sunshyne4u. In my mind the word "impaired" doesn't have a negative connotation, it's just means something someone has trouble doing. It's like the word "gay". I've always wondered, when did it became a word meaning something other than happy. Or was it always two different meanings? I used to love to read some of my mom's old readers from grade school when I was young and the word gay is used many times. The only meaning was happy or glad. There are so many words that are used by different cultures/races/geographical locations that others find offensive. There are those here in the south that still refer to people from the north as "yankee". Someone does something er, um, trying to find a politically correct way of phrasing this...heck, I don't know...stupid...and you hear their accent or see their license plate and someone will say, "oh, they're a Yankee. That explains it". It's 2008 people...the war is over... I'm really glad for my BB education, too. I learn so much here! Thank you to everyone for links and explanations!!
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Amykat
Member
07-24-2005
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 4:40 pm
"I'll stand my ground though, on use of the word "retard." I am 51 years old, and it was not o.k. when I was a little kidlet. That's nothing new, obviously." I'm almost the same age, 46 here. I totally agree with all of your post Hukd, but this part the most. When we were kids, we just called him Phillip!
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Friday, February 22, 2008 - 4:51 pm
Thanks, Naja!
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