One of the greatest social problems that people are largely either ignoring or propagating is the inequality and disrespect toward the disabled and mentally retarded.

What makes it worse is that parents, other adults, and even teachers are encouraging this hate-filled and ridiculing attitude against those who can barely defend themselves.

The most blatant show of disrespect is found in the use of the words “retard” and “retarded” in a derogatory manner.

For many people, this is the same as belting out the n-word or another equally horrible racial or ethnic slur because such words promote discrimination and close-mindedness. Saying “retard” and “retarded” as synonyms for “idiot” and “stupid” continues the stereotype that being handicapped or disabled makes one unintelligent and worthless.

Other times, television shows make fun of special education students and the mentally retarded to get a laugh, yet from previous letters to the editor we see firsthand how truly degrading and hurtful this is, especially since it is encouraging bullying and harassment within our schools and city.

Not surprisingly, I discovered that students who wrongly use “retard” and “retarded” have used or were more likely to make racial and/or ethnic remarks. To top it all off, our foreign exchange students are picking this filth up!

Honestly, if we can't teach our children to tolerate those with even a minor disability, then there is no way we can expect them to respect and tolerate others with any other differences.

Valerie Smith

Auburn