In yesterday's blog, I referred to an article by Ian Birrell in the The Independent about the casual acceptance of language offensive to people with physical and learning disabilities.
Today The Independent is running a series of responses to Birrell's commentary, which criticised the use of words such as "retard" in everyday conversation and the effect they have on attitudes towards disability.
Hearteningly, the correspondents back Birrell's position.
But I would still like to have read a justification (excuse?) from just one person for the use of such language, given, as one correspondent points out, that some of the offensive words have been uttered on BBC television's Have I Got News for You and Radio Four's Front Row.
If you think that is a curious thing to wish for, it is only because I don't get the joke and am stumped by what is going through their minds.
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