Please consider language. I understand a high school girl's frustration with MNDot, but believe the post's title could have used more thought.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation#Alternative_terms

Sorry if you were offended, but I think this is the perfect title for this video!

I've struggled with whether the word "retard" is PC or not. See On the use of the word "retard"

I would never refer to people with actual learning/developmental problems as retards. I reserve it for uses such as the title of this post.

The voice recognition things suck ass. I can't believe people choose those systems. Have you ever been in public on the phone and had one of those retarded systems ask you for your credit card number? Yeah, I want to announce that to the coffee shop.

The timing on this is funny (the comment on the term "retard"), because I was just saying that I have slipped into using the term when it's clear I'm not picking on people with disabilities.

It's one of those words that's slipped the rails and become the right word for the job.

now, about the film:

Sometimes, the simplest moments evoke the most head-nodding. I love your work.

I guess I'm alone in thinking it is improper.

Perhaps with the title, you are saying MNDoT is stupid and frustrating. Since my daughter is considered "retarded", would she be stupid and frustrating too?

I know it's a logic fallacy here, but this is what runs through my head when I see the title.

I am sorry to ruin the fun today, but felt the need to share my thoughts.

I figured you wouldn't have been offended unless someone close to you has a mental disability, so you are understandably sensitive to the word.

As I think everyone is saying (justifiably or no) - there are different uses of the word "retard." Obviously the girls in this video, and the title, aren't directed at people with mental disabilities. I think we'll be going in circles if I say anymore. :-)

My last word - Minnesota Stories is bound to be offensive to everyone now and again. I pride this site on being able to show uncensored snippets of real life you might never see in broadcast media.

I'm a big fan of Chuck's equanimous approach to MN Stories posts. I appreciate its inclusivity and it makes for an interesting mix of stuff to watch.

That said, I think your comment, Chuck--"I figured you wouldn't have been offended unless someone close to you has a mental disability, so you are understandably sensitive to the word."-- was bad and out of line with the spirit of the hosting. I interpreted this as an unfair, disrespectful assumption about someone else... which I see as quite different than your overall approach to MN Stories (inclusive, respectful, etc.).

Aren't they driving a little fast for slick roads?! ;-)

Michael: Yeah, you're probably right. I was merely saying, from his comment I suspected someone close to him had a mental disability, which indeed turned out to be the case (as far as we know).

I certainly strive to be inclusive, but I'm also not going to walk on eggshells.

So if MNDot was refusing to fix the pothole on the street because they didn't feel it was worth spending money on it, would the post be called... MNDoT is Jewish?

Just because a word like "retarded" is commonly used, doesn't mean it's the right word you should use... these posts say it better than I could.

http://www.jennaglatzer.com/pledge_to_stop_the_word_retard.htm
http://www.opportunityinc.org/Documents/PDF/RobJohnsonarticle.pdf

Let's not get carried away! Lori mentioned the perfect analogy... the word "lame." That originally meant someone with a physical disability. We could go on and on with this. How about "gay." LIke, "this thread is pretty gay." :-)

I understand a couple of people are offended by the title, and that's fine and justified. But the title of this video is exactly perfect for what those girls are saying in the video, it reflects reality and it's not meant to be taken seriously. Your mileage may vary.

If you want to get really offended, you might want to start here. But the day before that was a very female-positive video called Tracks of the Land.

We cast a pretty broad net here!

I've seen all the videos Chuck. Look, I appreciate this site, and what it has to offer Minnesotans and beyond. You have something real special here that I believe can do a lot of good.

It's these posts like this one, and...
http://www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/07/review_crema_ca.html
http://www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/07/corky_on_kare-1.html

... that have me uncomfortable sharing mnstories.com with my friends and family.

I appreciate this conversation Chuck, and I will continue watching. Perhaps sometime you will show one of mine.

I appreciate the conversation too, and am really so glad you spoke up in the comments. I'd gladly feature one of your videos!

I think it's interesting that this thread ended up about something totally off scope of the video . . . but that's also what I love about the web.

Here's a link to a radio story I heard yesterday on this topic (the one in the thread, not in the video . . . sorry!): http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6943699

It's about a new term created recently to replace the word mental retardation.