An open letter: Things that should not be said.

By Harold Price in Untagged on Jun 12, 2009

Dear Videogame Podcasters and Writers,

There are so many talented writers and podcasters on the Internet, and I enjoy listening to and reading the work of these individuals. However, I am saddened by the continued use of the word "retarded" by these individuals.

I currently work as a teacher's aide in a pre-kindergarten autism class and am the son of a veteran special education teacher. I have grown up around people with various mental disabilities, and for so-called professional writers/podcasters to trivialize the word "retarded" like they were in elementary school, it is inexcusable. Use "stupid", "dumb", or even make up a word, but using the word "retarded" is tasteless and irresponsible.

On a personal note, I suffer from Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the high end of the autism spectrum. Despite having an above-average intelligence and being in gifted classes, I was often called "retarded" or "retard" by classmates, largely because of my social ineptitude. What you all need to realize is that words hurt.

I'm not calling out any specific site here- there have been several offenders on multiple sites and podcasts. I just wish you would all consider the words you say before you say them on-air or post them online.

Thank you.

Harold "Hbomb" Price
Cross Border Gaming Podcast

Comments (7)

I will admit I am the biggest RETARD sometimes as my actions and words come off the wrong way. How ever in understanding the definition as to where the word came takes a lot more time to do. So on a lower end scale RETARD can sometimes be the best thing to be called even when taken out of context. So I am going to have a very retarded weekend with my wife and kids.

On a more serious note for every child it is ultimately up to his or her parents to teach them not to say bad words.

Toby Davis , June 13, 2009

-1

You listening, 1up?

Michael Burridge , June 13, 2009

Hey, were you the one who wrote to Rebel FM and told them about this (and then they read your letter on the air)?

Adam Jorgensen , June 13, 2009

You make a good point, Harold. For a lot of people (including myself) retard is a word that's a part of our vocabulary. I've never referred to someone who had autism and other health conditions as "retards", but I sometimes say things like "that was retarded". You're probably right that it's better to avoid using phrases like that, but sometimes it's hard to stop when you have for so long.

Brian Shirk , June 13, 2009

This make sone question other words. I was an RA at my university, and i worked witha staff that had many gay people in it. So needless to say using the term gay pejoratively quicks stopped. The simple fact of the matter is that if someone said, boy that sure in rather christianly of you to do, ina pejorative sense, it would piss me off. Over all, i ahve to say that this is a very good point. You have me there, i cant think of a reason why one couldn't use other phrases instead, especially when we could combine words like to make terms like Fuckwad. and frankly using the words like gay and retarded in this way is far less creative than some of the more epic insults ive heard in my day. I tip my hat to you sir, becuase while im trying to play the devils advocate i simply cant think of any good reasons not to do as you've requested.

David Arnold , June 13, 2009

Thanks for speaking up, Harold.

Adam Coronado , June 13, 2009

Adam J., yes, that was me. And they haven't even been the worst offender.

Michael, I don't read 1up, but are they anywhere as bad as GameSpy? They've used it in both in print and podcast.

David, thank you. Using "gay" in the same sense is just as wrong as "retarded". Rebel FM even got into that a little bit when they read my e-mail that Adam J. was referring to.

Unfortunately, I keep having to go back to this topic regularly since I went into a rant about it on my podcast (http://crossbordergaming.com) since people just don't learn. Thank you all for your support.

Harold Price , June 13, 2009