https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retard The word is not hate speech, it’s a legitimate word long associated with a concept rather than personal trait or identity.

We’ve allowed our online spaces to be a bastion of idiotic ideas, giving every bad and unintelligent thought a platform and inherent validation. Effectively creating a post-truth reality.

On principle I won’t enable that. Again appreciate the offer, do what you have to do. There are real-world sociological consequences.

[–] anzo@programming.dev 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh, I see. That definition gives me a new perspective... I always thought of it as ableism.. before online spaces, and even before the word ableism came to my life. As a kid, I always heard that using retarded as an insult was wrong.

I guess I will have to add this to my todo list, right after invention of time travel ;p hehe. Imagine a kid quoting the dictionary to an adult.

In any case, your comment stays and my person has learned something new for moderation, beyond this terminology.. the context is very important. I actually felt like removing the comment would have been wrong. It seemed your words were too harsh but still, they were going for a point, without raw intent to insult or carry any ad hominem fallacy. I see my instinct was right :) hooray!

[–] Grail@multiverse.soulism.net 1 points 1 week ago

No, the word didn't enter the popular lexicon because people loved the French language. It entered the popular lexicon because people with disabilities were seen as acceptable targets. Citing the prior history of the word is a false etymology. There's a reason people use that word instead of "delayed" or "slowed". Can you imagine if I said "This rhetoric from people I disagree with is fucking slowed." It doesn't have the same bite, because it doesn't use disabled people as punching bags.