A scholar speaks…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/11/AR2010021103896.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Again, the point is missed.  This is not about political correctness, changing the English language or about contrived terminology such as “word fetish” for people who are offended by a slur.  The real question is when does a word become a slur?  Obviously the word ‘retard’ has legitimate use in the English language but the question is what goes through the mind of those who use it when they say, “that is SO ret—ed,” or  “you ret—d!”  Is the intent to imply someone or something is a slow moving John Deer tractor or a person with disabilites?  What do you MEAN when you say that word?  What mental picture is in your mind?  Some have accused us of trying to ‘change’ the English language.  The irony is we do not want the language changed.  All we want is the language to be used correctly and not as some hateful slur.   When you go to your mother’s house what words do you NOT use around her?  Why?  Do you hold your tongue because it offends your mother, or pastor.  If so, maybe you need to think about the words you use and if they might affect someone around you.  Its not about freedom of speech.  It’s about respect…. respecting that another person, whether they have disabilities or a different color of skin, has the same right to be offended by hateful words the same as you.