The use of the term Retard is quite descriptive. Would you agree?
Are you posting an opinion as individual, or as a writer who feels that this could restrict a writers choice.
Both could be contradictory at times. I will leave that to you as a writer do you encounter conflict in the use of such phrases.
I believe all language should be protected and context be taken into account.
Me, more than willing to listen to both.
I was once berated by a woman on a forum for using the term retard to describe somebody that used to raise the Ire in Unforgiven, but whose name is not too be spoken. Her name was Babe_n_Boxers and it turned out that she was a complete fraud after it was discovered that.
A) She did not have a grandchild with learning disabilities due to a daughters drug addiction and;
B) She was no Babe, let alone in Boxers.
She along with Unforgiven and that other guy, THE RETARD, have all moved on.
I am referring to the whitewashing, wow could be something there, in the attempt to whitewash Mark Twains writings and the use of certain words like Ni66er and Injun. Most only think of Ni66er due to lack of exercising their respective brains, and forget or are not interested in the term Injun.
This is why we need to abolish the language cops. I've been called a Baby Killer, with great affection I might add, by Gerryh. Bear calls me a cracker, I bust Bears chops about bowing down to his conqueror and do you think he gives tiddler wink? No, because when using colourful language the only ones who become offended are those who want to shut you up.
As for whitewashing books. Well heck, or should I say Huck? What's next? Book burnings? Guys in Jackboots kicking in your door.