While its probably not an accurate meter of social awareness it is interesting to note what people are looking for on the Internet when they use the search term “retard”. 

Here is today’s top ten search terms from some of the Internet’s major sites.  Would our society settle for this if the word retard was replaced with a racial slur?

Google
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal 

1. retard
2. retard jokes
3. burgerking retard
4. retard song
5. rappin retard
6. burger king retard 
7. gary retard
8. bk retard
9. rapping retard
10. retards

Yahoo/Overture
http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

1. retard
2. retard sex
3. retard porn
4. guitar kid pokemon retard sing singing webtard
5. gary the retard
6. i retard should
7. retard pic
8. retard o bot
9. retard picture
10. tenuate retard  

 YouTube – Search results for “Retard” about 25,800
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=retard&search=Search

1. BF2 Retard
2. The Retard Hunter
3. Rosie O’Donnel Retard
4. Basketball Retard
5. F**n’ Redneck Retard! (A Double Slur!)
6. ET the Retard
7. Funny Stupid Retard Moron
8. jaike is a creepy retard
9. Beetlejuice vs. Gary the Retard
10.Ultimate BK Retard Ding Fries Are Done Tribute

A slur is defined as, “To talk about disparagingly or insultingly.”  Far more recognized in our society is the term ‘racial slur’.  A racial slur is defined as “A derogatory or disrespectful nickname for a racial group, used without restraint.”

We came across this from a recent MySpace Bulletin: “… is like racing in the special olympics; even if you win, you’re still retarded.”

What is the difference in this and derogatory comparisons of people’s skin color?  If we accept that one kind of slur is wrong, why is another kind acceptable?

Here are some others we have heard recently directed towards people with disabilities.

“They have the best parking places in the world.”

“I don’t know why they let those people live.”

Activists back plan to rename state Department of Mental Retardation

By Dirk Perrefort
THE NEWS-TIMES
DANBURY — Patricia Healy doesn’t like it when people use the “R” word — in fact, it offends her.Healy, a Ridgefield resident with Down syndrome who works at The Greenery Cafe on Main Street, said people who use the word “retarded” usually don’t realize the negative effect it has on those with disabilities.

“It’s degrading, and it doesn’t sound right,” said Healy, 51.

“When people use the ‘R’ word they are making fun of us,” she said. “But it doesn’t hurt me as much as it hurts them. It shows their ignorance.”

( Follow this link for the rest of the story: http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1045771 )

One Student Would Like the Word To Not Be Used Anymore

(CBS) CHICAGO What’s in a word?

When a word is used carelessly, it can be hurtful, even if it’s not meant to be.

CBS 2’s Rob Johnson has the story of a suburban high school student whose mission is to stop people from using the slur “retard,” or what others might call the “R” word.

Soeren Palumbo of Palatine may look like any other Fremd High School student.

But he’s not. Two months ago, at the school’s writer’s week event, this 18-year-old senior gave the speech of a lifetime.

“In an era of political correctness, why is it that retard is still ok?” he said. “Why do we allow it? Why don’t we stop using the word.”

( Entire Article: http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_112214637.html )

(Read Soeren’s Entire Speech: http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/ARC+of+Illinois+Reprint.htm )