the Correct Way to Correct Someone (and stand corrected)...

[rucky]

A Savage Love column got me thinking about similar exchanges of "PC-ness" we have on DU - that usually don't end well. Often because they don't start well. Here's the letter to Savage from a reader that's pitch-perfect, IMHO:

Stop using the word "retarded" as an insult, Dan. I know it can be hard to break a verbal habit, but make an effort. Perhaps you should have a "retard jar" that you put a dollar in every time you use the word. When the jar is full, send the money to the Special Olympics.

Whatever you do, though, try to remember that you have lots of listeners and readers who have loved ones with mental disabilities, and we don't want to hear you misuse the word "retarded." Please don't tell me to read or listen to other people if I don't like what I hear. I want to read your column and listen to your podcast, but without the put-downs directed at people with mental disabilities.

The Real Other Sister

Then Savage's response - he admits to the mistake in a way that keeps his trademark snarkiness intact without offending the reader:

I'm going to turn over a new leaf, TROS, and make a conscious, conscientious effort to break myself of the bad habit of using the word "retard." But I don't think the "retard jar" is for me. Instead, I'm going to use a substitution for the word. From now on, instead of saying "retard" or "that's so retarded," I'm going to say "leotard" and "that's so leotarded." I won't be mocking the mentally challenged, just the physically gifted. I will pick on the strong—and the limber—and not the weak.

I just really enjoyed that exchange and thought I'd share a new word.