The Changing Meaning and Implications of “Retarded”
Words: 476 1385The term "retarded" holds a lengthy and intricate narrative, originally entrenched in medical jargon but presently acknowledged as derogatory and hurtful. Historically, "retarded" served as a clinical descriptor for individuals grappling with intellectual disabilities, with phrases such as "mentally retarded" crafted to convey descriptive rather than disparaging connotations. Nonetheless, as linguistic norms and societal perspectives evolved, so did the connotation and usage of this term. During the early 20th century, medical practitioners utilized "retarded" to classify and diagnose intellectual disabilities […]