Originally by: Humble Voh

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I think part of the clash here is that, to me anyway, retarded is an insult used for people who have learning disabilities. So I don't like people to use it, coz it reminds me of the scum who do insult real people who have disabilities.

Now in America, the word might not have that power. And in America, free speech might be a big deal you go all funny about.

But this game is not an American game. And the world is not America.

And this, btw, is not the real world. In the real world people don't insult other people as much as the 'net, because they'd get a punch in the neck. Maybe different rules ought to apply here?

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Originally by: General Windypops

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Edited by: General Windypops on 15/08/2006 22:49:16
This evening, a young guy in local was smacktalking away and calling people 'retarded'. I politely asked him to stop, making the point that I found the phrase offensive, but he continued to use the phrase (deliberately now, to wind me up) despite my polite requests.

I'm curious - what do other people in the community think. Is the word 'retarded' any less offensive than derogatory words against people from certain religious or racial background? It's a word that's well known to be highly offensive when used against those with an actual handicap, so should it be tolerated whilst similar phrases used against specific religions or cultural backgrounds are not?

Even if the majority finds it perfectly legitimate, should it be appropriate when a large minority are offended by it?

Maybe i'm the only one here who finds it offensive. What are your thoughts?

This isn't intended to be flamebait, just a legitimate test of public views.

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Originally by: Locke DieDrake

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Originally by: General Windypops

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Originally by: Valan

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Edited by: Valan on 16/08/2006 19:02:01
You have to take into account cultural difference, The word retarded is probably frowned upon by most in the uk. If you use it here I immediatley discount the person entirely as not worth listening to. Americans use it more freely and you have to allow for it.

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A very interesting point. Also interesting that if you look at the posts made 'overnight' by UK time standard (i.e. predominance of US players) they support use of the word, whereas during EU active times there's more dislike of the phrase.

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I don't speak for all of us here in the USA. But you do realise we aren't so much supporting the use of the word as supporting your right to say whatever you want.

I personally find it repulsive that people use it this way, but I will defend to the death their right to do so.

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Originally by: Baldour Ngarr

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shouting that N-word in front of a black police officer. (Yes, that word is officially outlawed in the United States. Think your constitution makes that impossible?

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Quote:

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My god, children are starving in Africa and people are whining about certain words in their language.

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Originally by: Montague Zooma

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Quote:

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My god, children are starving in Africa and people are whining about certain words in their language.

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Then why are you wasting time on a stupid computer game? Get out there and solve the world's problems.

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Originally by: Zhelavar

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Y'know, I miss the days when retards and barrels of dead babies were considered FUNNY. :(

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