Fighting Words

Normally I think the world is completely off its rocker in terms of being "politically correct," but I have genuine difficulty understanding why we use slang words and expressions in casual conversation that began as cruel slams against others, even as adults. I admit that I have done it in the past without thinking. These words are so watered down from overuse that the people who use them fail to see any harm in them. However, they do inflict pain on some who are listening. You will not see me visibly flinch when someone casually uses the word "retarded" in conversation with me, which happens at least once a week, but on the inside I feel the sting and tend to hear nothing that person says for probably a full 20 seconds afterwards. It sounds ugly to me and disrupts my train of thought, requiring me to unclench my teeth and pull myself back together. I can't help but imagine how my son will feel someday when he becomes aware of his differences and hears that word coming from people who love him. How confusing would that be?

I have removed the "R" word and many other words like it from my vocabulary unless they are used in the appropriate context. I hope you will do the same. It's not easy, as they are so ingrained in our dialogue, but I believe it is worth the effort.