That said I agree that a declaration of taboo on the word will only make it a more potent insult, especially for people who are actually mentally handicapped in any way.

I use the term often enough. If I’m not just reflexively using it I tend to avoid it, in all honesty. But what I DO NOT do is crusade against people who also drop it reflexively. Its use in “polite society” is already gone. If there’s a war to be won against “the r-word” that’s as close to a win as anyone will ever get and they’ll just have to be happy with that.

How? In their feelings? Because they prefer to act as if the word, being used in one way, is actually being used in a different way? Sorry, no one is obligated to cater to that sort of nonsensebrain.

The only thing that changed with the word retard (and plenty of other words) is that people just look for a reason to get offended. Unless somebody is using a word in a malicious manner, there is no reason to be offended, much less chastise a person for using a word. A word can only offend you if you let it, so grow some balls and remember the age old adage of sticks and stones.

The only way to have a fairer society is for people to set aside their constant self-exaltation (“MY offence trumps YOUR right to express your views”) and proceed rationally.

Also, I’m extremely glad JonTron didn’t apologize for what he said. I can only hope other people follow his lead because Social Justice Warriors are retarded.