@agnophilo@xanga - That's the point.  Mental Retardation is still a clinical term.  It should only be used as such.  Using it in a way to describe inept people in general is wrong.  It shouldn't be thrown around as an insult while being simultaneously used to describe people with cognitive disabilities in a clinical setting.  Essentially you are implying that being autistic is something to be ashamed of, something derogatory.  If you think about what you are really saying and where the word derived, it is hurtful to basically insult people by using a clinical term to describe someone with a disability.   

@agnophilo@xanga - They don't use the term retards but the term mental retardation is still clinically used.

@NeverSubmit@xanga - Agreed.

@AgainstTheWind1@xanga - Okay I didn't want to go here, but I'm going to.  So then its okay to use the word Nigger?  Its okay to use the word Kike?  Its okay to use derogatory terms toward people that marginalize minorities?  The only reason you think its okay, is because there is still so much dehumanizing of the disabled in this society.  They deserve respect.  When you use a term that is clinically used to describe a disabled person and then you turn that word into a tool to insult people, you are taking what it means to be disabled and saying that being that way is something that is "stupid", something that is "lame", something that is "dumb".  You are referencing the disabled and then saying that being that way is a lesser form of being, so lesser that it is okay to take that word and use it towards other people as an insult.  You are looking down on every disabled person and saying, "your way of being is less than."  Maybe when you rap along to a song in the car and utter the word "nigger"  you don't mean anything by it.  Maybe its just a word and there are bigger fish to fry when it comes to equality, but that doesn't mean it is appropriate to use it.  It is a loaded word.  People who have understanding think twice about using those kinds of words, because they know where they derive and the history behind their uses.  Maybe its a lot of work on your part to take the extra time to think about the words that are actually coming out of your mouth, but it is the right thing to do in respect for your fellow human beings.  Its about more than changing your word-choice.  Its about changing your mindset.  Its about awareness.  Its about learning what it really means to be disabled and deciding to respect those people more.  This isn't about hurt feelings.  Its about equality, understanding and respect.

@AgainstTheWind1@xanga - Just words.  So then it is okay to use the word "nigger" in your opinion?  I'm not saying it is my job to police everyone.  People have to make their own decisions whether or not I think it is right or wrong.  But the more educated people are, maybe the more likely and inclined they will be to have respect for others with their word choices.  And yes, a change of heart is obviously the precursor to changing our words.  That's why we want to change people's take on the word "retard".  Because it requires people to examine what that word really means and how they view disabled people.  I do think it is each individual's responsibility to decide whether or not they are going to choose to use respectful words towards other people.  If ultimately you decide that you don't want to choose respectful words, that's your decision.  This has nothing to do with thin-skin, ask any black person if they like to hear the "n" word used in a derogatory.  You call it thin skin, I call it choosing respect and understanding over ignorance and inequality.

Well you evaded my questions and points while changing the topic.  The question you asked has deep sociological roots.  I could go into it, but you made it clear that you do not want an answer, merely a justification for your use of hurtful words towards other human beings.