Shut Up!

My greatest pet peeve. I was listening to a conversation between some friends at lunch last week... and I was a little disturbed by what I heard. And what's worse is that what disturbed me is common language today... But why?

I can deal with cursing, but the one thing I cannot deal with is when people use insults such as "retard" or "gay" as an insult... and still turn around and say that being mentally challenged is not a bad thing, and some even support gay rights... but still, gay is an insult? Why?

Using "gay" as an insult truly isn't a smart idea. It's a personal choice. It's especially unacceptable to use if you have friends who are homosexual, or support the homosexual rights. If you want to call someone or something gay... just find another word. Find something less offensive to say.

Personally, the "retard" insult is completely unacceptable. Would you say that to a child who truly does have mental disabilities? It's a joke to those who don't have to deal with a disability, but can they imagine how it really feels? When you tell someone that you are a "retard", just shut up. Rephrase it, and just say "I'm stupid," because honestly, that's what you are... especially if you think using that word as an insult is okay. Actually... using it at all isn't really a good idea, its derogatory in every sense of the word. So just shut up, okay?

And if I yell at you about it just ...smile because it happened.