They were calling each other “Retard” because name-calling involving people with intellectual disabilities is one of the few – perhaps the only – forms of hate speech routinely tolerated today.
In a world slowly but increasingly embracing more and more different kinds of people – those of various skin colors, sexual orientation, race and religions – people with cognitive impairments are generally not being asked to the party. Think about it: How many people with intellectual disabilities do you know, let alone socialize with, even casually?
As a teacher, one of the few of my most strict rules is to NEVER use this word (or “gay”). I have a zero tolerance policy inside and outside the classroom!