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Kaypea
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
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 Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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It's a good point! I should try not to use that word anymore. I should say "silly" instead, which I think originally had a similar meaning...
I used to teach at a kindy hogwan where one of our most popular storybooks was called "Silly Sally". One of the students was nicknamed Sally, and one of the teachers-- just being cute and funny-- would sing the "Silly Sally" song to this kid, who of course loved the attention. Anyway, the kid's parents found out about this, looked up "silly" in some silly dictionary which was silly enough to define "silly" as "retarded", and the teacher got a major complaint against her.
I think in good conscience, though, I can use the word "silly" to describe people or situations which are just... silly... because I honestly don't make the connection between "silly" and people who are actually differently abled. I should stop saying "retarded" though, because... well... would you use that word in front of a person with a mentally handicapped kid? If not, maybe you shouldn't use it.... ? |
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caniff
Joined: 03 Feb 2004
Location: All over the map
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| Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| pangaea wrote: |
| At that time, we were taught in training classes not to refer to people as "mentally retarded," but as "people with mental retardation." |
I'm sure that made them feel much better. |
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jrwhite82
Joined: 22 May 2010
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| Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Kaypea wrote: |
It's a good point! I should try not to use that word anymore. I should say "silly" instead, which I think originally had a similar meaning...
I used to teach at a kindy hogwan where one of our most popular storybooks was called "Silly Sally". One of the students was nicknamed Sally, and one of the teachers-- just being cute and funny-- would sing the "Silly Sally" song to this kid, who of course loved the attention. Anyway, the kid's parents found out about this, looked up "silly" in some silly dictionary which was silly enough to define "silly" as "retarded", and the teacher got a major complaint against her.
I think in good conscience, though, I can use the word "silly" to describe people or situations which are just... silly... because I honestly don't make the connection between "silly" and people who are actually differently abled. I should stop saying "retarded" though, because... well... would you use that word in front of a person with a mentally handicapped kid? If not, maybe you shouldn't use it.... ? |
While I think the above situation about the teacher getting into trouble is ridiculous. It serves as a good reminder about the appropriate use of humor in classrooms. You have to be really careful how you joke with children. Even if you have the best intentions, it can often be misinterpreted. Then add on the fact that we are doing it in their second language, it makes it even harder. Humor can be a powerful motivator and a great way to engage children in lessons and also can help to create positive relationships with them, but you have to use it carefully. |
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