The Committee of Banned Words
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Emanuel, exasperated upon learning that liberal special-interest groups were planning to run ads against conservative Democrats not supportive of health care reform, blasted the plan as “f—— retarded” over the summer. Naturally, some outrage ensued after Emanuel’s words came to light, with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin taking to her Facebook page to call on President Obama to fire him for what she saw as the equivalent of a racial slur.
Palin, whose son Trig is afflicted with Down syndrome, said she was informed of Emanuel's comment by a fellow parent of a special-needs child and pleaded with the president to “show decency” to the political process by “eliminating” the Chicago native from his inner circle.
In a post titled “Are You Capable of Decency, Rahm Emanuel?,” Palin wrote, “Just as we’d be appalled if any public figure of Rahm’s stature ever used the ‘N-word’ or other such inappropriate language, Rahm’s slur on all God’s children with cognitive and developmental disabilities — and the people who love them — is unacceptable,” adding, “it’s heartbreaking.”
via Obama chief of staff’s ‘retarded’ insult brings fallout, Palin criticism – Yahoo! News.
One of the more interesting features of modern America is this mania people have for flipping over the usages of certain words. This thing with Rahm Emanuel is a perfect example. His outburst is now going to become a national news story because Sarah Palin took offense at the word “retarded,” as opposed to the reason it should be making news — the notion of Rahm Emanuel, a White House official, telling progressive activist groups not to run ads against Democrats, and those groups actually listening. The latter story is a billion times more shameful and obnoxious, but instead of any furor there, we’re going to have to get another soap opera over somebody using a naughty word.
I think we ought to get it over with once and for all and ask all the people who are interested in banning words to get together and form their inevitable committee on word propriety. I think it would be a great thing if we could just get the list together ahead of time, along with what the committee feels the appropriate sanction is for each word. “Ho” we know is a fireable word, as is “niggardly,” but what about “snapper”? How about “curry muncher”? What is the appropriate punishment for a “What’s wrong, do you have sand in your vagina?” joke? I mean there are so many unknowns right now, nobody knows where he or she stands.
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Sarah badly needs some tea-bagging.
“Sarah and Rahm sitting in a tree, T-E-A-BAGGING”
Matt -
Vaginal sand accretion affects millions of bedouin women EVERY DAY. I am saddened and surprised that you would reference their labial plight for a cheap laugh.
Al-Khamsin
“If [Palin] came out and said she has absolute proof that there are seventy-four democrats in the House and Senate plotting to assassinate all republicans in office (without ever showing her list, or sources), would our press just print it up – Front Page? From our talking heads media, would it be just another ‘one side/other side’ presentation with modern ‘objectivity’ (all sides are equal – investigative journalism died with Reagan)? In a revealing conclusion, the cowardice of Palin [endlessly] using her baby in this manner reminds me of how Greg Stillson’s true character was exposed – by holding up a baby in The Dead Zone.”
http://seaclearly.wordpress.com/2009/08/28/mike-huckabee-death-panels-kennedy
http://seaclearly.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/palinesqued
Slightly off-topic, but thought I’d post proof that the CoBW is already hard at work:
http://www.parentdish.com/2010/01/28/school-district-bans-dictionary-reaches-compromise/
I especially enjoyed that the parent complained about their kid “stumbling across definitions for ‘oral sex.’” Not looking it up, mind you, just stumbling across…
I voted for Palin in 2008 and I will vote for her in 2012. That being said – her taking umbrage to the word ‘retarded’ is damned stupid. My God, this is beginning to be like the Nazi word-police, for crissakes! It’s a word, okay? It means stupid, asinine, etc. It’s a word, get over it, okay?
Come on, Sarah! If you want to know what’s at the end of that slippery slope of banning words, than take a look at England. I kid you not – a woman who placed an advertisement for a job in a newspaper wrote that she was looking for ‘responsible’ applicants. The ad was sent back to her with the warning to remove the word ‘responsible’ because it would discriminate against those who weren’t. This is sick. I don’t like a lot of words myself – but dammit – this thing of Nazi Word Police has got to stop!
Sarah, I know you have good intentions for not wanting certain words used – but trust me, good intentions is what the road to Hell is paved with.
News Flash!
Rahm’s boss violates the Committee of Word Propriety, says “”Don’t blow a bunch of cash on Vegas”. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) says, “The President needs to lay off Las Vegas”.
To your point, we don’t talk about Las Vegas overbuilding (City Center – a bankruptcy in the works, or residential homes – rampant speculation, unscrupulous lending practicing, not enough potable water). But it’s okay to make it headline news when Las Vegas is used as hyperbole.
I never fail to say a hearty hello to the bagboy at Safeway with Down’s Syndrome. I think it’s due to my conscious mind occasionally receiving messages (bubbling up from my unconscious mind) that remind me, in no uncertain terms, that I AM, and have ALWAYS BEEN, a tard. Sort of a ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ thing.
I have an intuition(fervent belief) that Sarah Palin and I are of like minds on this matter, perhaps even soul mates. I know that when we finally meet she will immediately recognize our SPECIAL bond of friendship. Then, and only then, will we both tell all of you haters to shut your dirty pie-holes! On our behalf, and on the behalf of all the others out there who don’t… really get it in the first place.
And don’t go callin’ me & Mrs. Palin tards. Only we can call each other tards, K?
“Fucking retarded,” as opposed to “fucking retards” is permissible usage. But, what? I quibble with Sarah Palin for Gosh sakes.
More seriously, PC demands that we call illegal immigrants “undocumented workers.” Ergo, we give them documents and voila we’ve solved the problem, eh? How semantically convenient for corporations and PC lefties alike.
PC demands that we call illegal immigrants “undocumented workers.”
Oh.My.Goddess. I feel so chastised — I’ve always called them wetbacks.
In response to another comment. See in context »Yes, the real scandal is that Emmanel is chief-of-staff.
Saw the apology while at the gym. Surprise – Palin seemed to be getting more air time than Emmanuel. I’d just like to see some good results from Rahm’s work. I’d like to see less of SP, but that’s a fool’s dream.
Well, the other interesting thing about this whole flapdoodle is that Rush Limbaugh used the same word a half a dozen times — proudly and defiantly — on his radio show. Is Lady Sarah going to call for HIS firing? I won’t be holding my breath. This is yet another example of her using her kids to score cheap political points. RE used the word in a private meeting and, as you rightly point out, the substance of the meeting was a hell of a lot more troubling than the language he used, but what are we going to focus on? Whether or not the word retarded is an okay word or a not okay word. But that’s a perfect example of the utter insanity that has gripped our nation–a microscopic focus on the personal, the inane, the gossipy, while completely ignoring the issues that are have a major impact on our very survival as a country and even as a planet.
I despair. And I admit, I’m enough of a coward to cut “retarded” out of my vocabulary. I’m going to miss that word. I really liked it.
Rick Ungar commented on this as well. Check out his link to Plumline: (http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/political-media/palin-camp-rips-limbaugh-hits-his-retard-comment-as-crude-and-demeaning/)
I disagree that you’re a coward for simply choosing not to use “retard” – unless you’re only doing it because of Palin. As mentioned by another poster, “retard,” “tard,” and “retarded” are all terms used by kids as insults in the schoolyard. Then hopefully the kids grow up and choose their insults more wisely.
I don’t mind colorful language in general, and I’m not into banning words, but I do think there should be some consideration for those who have a genetic disadvantage in mental capacity. And again, context matters (and yes, Emmanuel just pisses me off in general, so I find myself hard-pressed to defend him).
In response to another comment. See in context »There’s a more than a mere hint of irony in the fact that Palin couldn’t resist the exploitation of Emanuel’s usage of this word. I must confess to it being the very first to run through my mind upon hearing that McCain had picked her as his running mate.
[...] Matt Taibbi on Retardgate: “One of the more interesting features of modern America is this mania people have for flipping over the usages of certain words. This thing with Rahm Emanuel is a perfect example. His outburst is now going to become a national news story because Sarah Palin took offense at the word “retarded,” as opposed to the reason it should be making news — the notion of Rahm Emanuel, a White House official, telling progressive activist groups not to run ads against Democrats, and those groups actually listening. The latter story is a billion times more shameful and obnoxious, but instead of any furor there, we’re going to have to get another soap opera over somebody using a naughty word.” [...]
So Sarah Palin is stupid and Glenn Beck is nuts, and Fox is evil, and GWB was a bad president. All true! But it doesn’t change the fact that Democrat Senators and our own democrat president are owned by the banks. Taibbi has stoked the fires of revolution and has given credence to the libertarian movement. He can growl and snort all he wants about how selfish, ignorant, and uncool these people are. But the truth remains: There is more common ground between libertarians and the left than all you silly whiny wise-mouth pinkos are comfortable with. It’s a hoot!
Must you wusses be reminded who invented political correctness?
The people who are really offended are too put off to complain. Being offended on behalf of some other group is usually a cheap shot power play. If you are really offended stand up and go face to face instead of lobbing retarded little pot shots from around the corner. A glove across the face followed by a duel at sunrise – a brace of pistols will do just fine. We have to stop being such a bunch of whiners. C’mon, grow up, willya?
So if someone is offended by a slur, they just need to “grow up”? Guess the world just needs to accept itself on your terms.
While “retard” means literally “slow”, it doesn’t differentiate between those who’ve been damaged (genetically or at birth, in a car wreck, in war or other trauma, through senility or Alzheimers), those who may do worse at one subject than others through natural ability or inclination, those who may learn though different patterns (some start off slower because they’re applying what they learn wider, some learn visually, some through repetition, etc.), and a variety of other issues. It’s simply a pejorative, and quite frankly a rather juvenile one – it’s hard to imagine an adult using the term as an insult, especially one who’s in the White House. It makes me think of another smug immature type, using the term “fart blossom”. Sad that these are the “leaders of the free world”. Can we get some adults over there? Wait, mustn’t go insulting kids, these are simply peculiar people with stunted social development.
In response to another comment. See in context »I wonder if she is also holding Rush’s feet to the fire after he used “retard” at least 6 times in succession on his radio program? Could that make her a hypocrite? Nah, not Sarah
Well, let’s all go with my stance.
“Offended people offend me!”
At some point we will all be fired by the Political Correction Police, because face it everyone offends everyone at some point throughout the day.
Maybe… just maybe we will realize the stupidity of political correctness.
Matt – Great point – as always….but since this Napoliantic twit won’t be called out for his tyranny….I love watching him pay for not being PC…..
Insensitive fucking midget that he is…(oops ..used the M word….my bad..:)
I thought the Palin/Republicans/Tea Party were all against political correctness??
In case you didn’t watch SNL last night, Rahm Emmanuel as played by Andy Samberg gets the last word(s). Outstanding!
This link was funny. And Lewis Black (http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-8-2010/back-in-black—the-r-word) (no, I haven’t gone to the html site yet b/c I’m procrastinating in so many directions) might have just convinced me; I’m not sure yet. Not that i’ll be going back to using the insult, but I might be willing to cut some slack. But satire – no way baby (barracuda)! ;~)
In response to another comment. See in context »sure, the word retarded has acquired a negative connotation after being associated with developmental illnesses for so long, but the word means:
“less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one’s age.”
if you ask me, it’s not just liberal interest groups that are retarded, its the whole damn electorate.
I don’t blame Sarah Palin for saying something. I’ve worked with adults with developmental disabilities and its quite shocking to see the so-called “normals” in society that will jeer and make rude comments to these people.
Mental Retardation is still used in medical charts and as a diagnosis.
I guess in response to Matt Taibbi’s question of where we draw the line, its really a matter of maturity don’t you think?
Maybe you could try out these words on friends and family and see how they react (if you can’t determine with a logical and intelligent brain when you should or shouldn’t use them).
I had a long “discussion” with a guy last summer about the c*nt word. He basically was saying the same thing as you did. He didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong in it. So, I told him next time he sees his daughter, give her a hug and say something like “how are you sweet c*nt?” Maybe his daughter will be understanding or maybe not even notice.
If you ever notice, most the words that are most offensive have connotations of Power over another. The word N*gger (and I’m using asterisk so the computer will take the comment) referred to a person with no power politically, economically, and who had subservient status. Women have been been consistently called by the derogatory sexual names.
The whole point is WORDS have power and they have impact. Maybe YOU don’t understand why someone might feel calling someone a retard is bad, but its a slur on all those people that are born with a disability that they did not ask for. To be quite honest the developmentally disabled are some of the most loving, sweet, innocent people on earth. They are also the most abused group in all ways. So, a grown MAN like Rahm should no better. He’s not a child. He needs to grow up and act like a man. Nobody should even have to say this to an adult. Also, the guy is sitting in the White House, in a position of power.
As the U.S. government slides into an abyss of corruption, darkness, and immoral conduct, SO TOO the citizens go. The American people are becoming as evil, degraded and immoral as their government. Words may only be words, but there never was any truth in that old saying “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. Not true. Words can be violent, they can be degrading, they can cause awful things.
When individuals can no longer tell how to address one another, which is just another symptom of the total decline in value for other humans, then it really isn’t so surprising that such a nation can feel nothing or care nothing about those it slaughters over seas.
Its really an insane society. I look forward to leaving next year. There just really is no other society so degraded as the U.S.
The
Thanks for expressing this so nicely. Yes, words have an amazing amount of power – look how the Democrats run to avoid being called “soft on terror”. The party’s completely traumatized. Individuals as well. I have a disabled kid who in some ways is moderately advanced for that age and in some ways is quite behind. Society has no way to split its expectations – anyone a bit different must be a moron, and that training starts early. (Saw some psychological test recently where A/B pictures used to decide “more beautiful”, and it was all tightly confined around which had less deviation from a particular spatial/accepted standard of a face – but at least we can try to modify our programming).
In response to another comment. See in context »snapper?
I’ve thought about this, and it seems to me that saying “retarded” is certainly not the same thing as using a racial epithet or using “gay” as a pejorative, even though you might be offended, particularly if you know someone who is mentally handicapped. Because saying something is “gay” meaning it’s “stupid” implies that being gay is bad, and that’s offensive. Saying something is “retarded” implies that being retarded is bad. But the thing is, being retarded IS bad. I mean, retarded people aren’t bad, but being mentally handicapped is uncontroversially undesirable. So using the word may be slightly insensitive, but it’s not intrinsically morally offensive, not in the same way that the pejorative “gay” is.
Well, here’s the thing. I’ve decided that I refuse to give up the word “retarded.” I’ll take my lumps, but the word’s just too good to give up on.
I think that people who object to the word because it “insults people with intellectual disabilities” have it ass-backwards. It IS offensive to call someone with intellectual disabilities “retarded.” As naphini points out, it’s not like taking a word and making it mean something offensive (like gay). What’s wrong is taking an insulting word and applying it to an undeserving group of people. On the other hand, applying it to people who deserve the insult is, well, just proper usage. So I hereby promise never to call a person with intellectual disabilities “retarded.” Sarah Palin, I will call retarded every day of the week.
And as for the side conversation about the C word, I think we women can be a little hypocritical on the subject. We recoil from the word in horror — it’s so sexist and abusive and evil! — but we’ve got no problems calling a guy a prick when it’s appropriate. I reserve the right to use either word when the situation (or person) calls for it.
And now the commentators on the TV box are actually referring to the word “retard” as “the R-word”! First “black”, then “gay”- my god where will it end? To the self-appointed arbiters of protecting people’s feelings, I say g-word f-word y-word(s)!
It seems that Bailin Palin will do anything to get noticed. Being the mother of a severely RETARDED son I find it reprehensible that she would stoop so low as to create yet another ‘tempest in a teapot’ by using HER retarded son just to get more national press.
Sadly, her hissy fit simply made the true meaning of Emanuels’ actions get lost in translation — as you put it, Matt — the real story should be that he is doing everything he can to keep the real progressives from accomplishing anything in this nation and I find that just as reprehensible as Palin’s behavior.
“When you’re born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you’re born in America, you get a front row seat”.
George Carlin