CNeal said:
But let's just not call dumb people retarded.
I just feel the need to jump in here. I'll ruffle feathers I'm sure, but here goes.
Dumb people are people who can't talk. Is dumb an offensive word too? Maybe to those who are dumb, or those who love them. Or is it just a negative use of the word as an adjective? There are several connotations of words in the english language. While I see your point, I also have mine. Maybe if we realize the spirit of the language in which the word was used, rather than its literal translation it wouldn't be seen as offensive. In the same thread I could have a dog-in-heat, and call it a b!tch and no-one but a 3rd grader takes offense. But if I called my wife one, LOOK OUT!
Again, you have your point, and bless you for what you do with and for the people you help...you are a special person in my eyes (Uh-oh did I call you special?
ANOTHER EXAMPLE).
Being PC offends me. Lets chill out on all that and just quit looking for ways to parade around with our personal beefs. We've all got one and we could be here all day.
Be free to use words. They're just words.