Words Are Powerful

I believe a message can cause much impact on an individual by the words that are chosen. The saying “choose your words wisely” applies to this entry because what we say can often be misinterpreted. In some cases, a words meaning could have changed overtime. One word which I feel is often used and its meaning has changed is retarded. As defined in dictionary.com, the word retard means to make slow; delay the development or progress of. When someone calls you retarded or says that something is retarded it usually refers to that person as being challenged or boring. I feel like some people say retarded without even thinking what its original context means. This is the greatest form of ignorance. People who use the word do not consider it to be offensive. There are times when people feel the word is socially acceptable but times when it is not. For example, a person may say, “You’re so retarded” and not think twice about who they just said it to and if it hurt their feelings; but if someone said the same quote to someone who is mentally challenged or someone who knows a mentally challenged individual the context may be much more powerful. Sometimes a word like retarded doesn’t really mean anything to an individual because it does not affect them; however if this applies to you or someone you know, it takes on a whole new meaning. I do believe that the selection of one word can be much greater than another. Using words like “silly” “boring” or even “dumb” rather than retarded can lighten situations or avoid hurtful sayings. There is no appropriate time or instance to call someone retarded but changing the word to another could make a significant difference in the way a person interprets what you say.