I'm beginning to become concerned with a term being used more frequently on the board. Most of us are probably guilty of using this term (myself included) but for some reason, I've seen it a few times in the past few days and it has just struck me in a bad way. The term I am referring to is "retard" or "tard." I know people who have used this term don't mean it in a way that is meant to make fun of disabled people, but that is irrelevant. Using the term as a synonym for "stupid" or "dumb" is offensive. I have worked with children with special needs for my past 5 summers and it has created a much greater compassion in me for the mentally and physically handicapped. To me, it is unacceptable to use this term so freely. I'm not trying to be the PC-police but I just think it's insensitive and we should try not to say it.

What do you think?

The Administrator and the Moderators agree.

Think before you post. This is a "just for fun and entertainment" FISHING FORUM. (And maybe some helpful information on occasion). There is no reason to be harsh or inconsiderate. That doesn't mean you always

need to be politically correct, but we should all try to be courteous to each other.

Everyone is a child of God.

is the term short bus acceptable? LOL

Agreed, using terms like that are in bad form.  I had an English teacher once who said that using poor English, cussing, what have you are just a lazy habit that we fall into.  I do it myself, everyone wants to blend.  We all can use a little self discipline from time to time.

I agree c312. That word should never be used to poke fun at someone. The shortbus is just as bad.IMO

There is no humor in poking fun at any disability. Its just poor taste. Thanks to the administration and to the mods for not supporting or condoning this practice.

is the term short bus acceptable? LOL

:-?

Agreed! Is mook still PC with everyone ?

I am like Martha Stewart on this term---- " The Mook " is a good thing.

Hows everybody doing! ( Opps didn't mean to offend you ) Sorry I

didn't know you weren't doing that good. Is this what the world is coming too?

Hows everybody doing! ( Opps didn't mean to offend you ) Sorry I

didn't know you weren't doing that good. Is this what the world is coming too?

There is a difference in being PC and not making light of the handicapped.  >

Hey Frogtog You said you are new here and don't want to go on the ignore list. This is how it is here we talk to each other and we do a lot of kidding but we have built up a code of respect for eachother So posts like your last one will put you on my ignore list quick  Chill and respect

I don't think retard has anything to do with being mentally challenged.

wow.

Everyone is a child of God.

Amen!

No matter if someone has a physical, mental or emotional disadvantage, everyone is still the same inside. We all have feelings and we all can express them. I am with you guys 110% that those terms should in deed be prohibited. I respect everyone I meet (unless they can't afford to give me respect in turn), especially those who are impaired. Not just because I feel bad for them, but because I understand what they are going through; a rougher life than I am and anyone who is let's just say "going through some hard times in life" I always show sympath for.

No one's life is perfect. We all have mishaps and we all have problems. There's no need to point out those problems to make fun of someone or to gain attention, it is wrong. >

Everyone one in the world needs to be mature about these kind of things and respect everyone. But yet people are cruel and heartless (some people are...I am not saying everyone is).

JMO and I am not trying to preach or anything or offend anyone but someone who uses those offensive words to hurt people or gain attention, needs to mature a whole lot more and get a life! >

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/retard

Retard is slang for a mentally retarded person. I'm not against what you guys are saying but im just posting a other side of what "retard" is.

I tried for the last 30 minutes to pen a response to this thread. I have deleted it repeatedly.

This is just kind of dumb...

Which is in no way an insult or slight directed at those members who may be somehow associated with an individual or individuals that are without hearing or speech.