Oppo PSA: Reminder of the unspoken rule

"Slant6" (slant-6)
04/29/2016 at 14:19 • Filed to: None

About using the R word.

This is actually an airline logo, but it looks neat. Don’t use the R word.

Overall we’re pretty good about it here, but I’ve seen it used a few times. Even if you’re against political correctness please consider that using this word hurts so many people.

http://www.r-word.org/

There are so many other words that mean what you use the R word for, use an online Thesaurus and be on your way. I understand that most people use it innocently, with no ill intentions, but I would appreciate it if you just don’t.

/psa

DISCUSSION (74)

coelacanthist > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:22

Thank you for posting this.

Shane MacGowan's Teeth > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:23

Reddit?

Big Bubba Ray > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:23

YES. Thank you for saying something.

Slant6 > Shane MacGowan's Teeth
04/29/2016 at 14:23

Check the link holmes.

Slant6 > Big Bubba Ray
04/29/2016 at 14:24

I’m getting tired of correcting people in posts. Thought I’d just do a post as a reminder.

Justin Hughes > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:24

It amazes me that I once did work related to transportation clients of the Massachusetts Department of Mental R*****ation. That was the actual name of the government agency. Fortunately, they’ve since changed it.

TheHondaBro > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:25

I use the r-word in its original dialect- Italian- when I play music, because it’s actually used in sheet music (to slow down/reduce tempo). Other than that, there is no reason to ever say it.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:25

It took me a minute to figure out what you actually meant. But now that I have realized, I fully agree with this post.

Slant6 > TheHondaBro
04/29/2016 at 14:26

And that’s ok. There are some other instances when it’s appropriate, like if your engine timing is a little slow, that’s a common usage.

dogisbadob > TheHondaBro
04/29/2016 at 14:26

There’s even a substitute for that: rallentando :)

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:27

How can I talk about engine timing now?

dogisbadob > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
04/29/2016 at 14:27

Cher wrote a song about that

Slant6 > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
04/29/2016 at 14:28

A genius part about the campaign is that it makes people look it up. If I just straight out wrote the word people would see it and forget about it. Having a buffer word (the r-word) not only keeps the poster from using the word but has readers wonder, and get involved.

Party-vi > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:28

Ok but I have no idea how to disable or handicap my ignition timing.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > dogisbadob
04/29/2016 at 14:28

That’s similar, but used differently.

http://colorinmypiano.com/2010/09/03/ral…

Slant6 > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
04/29/2016 at 14:29

In that use it’s ok. Although you could just say that it’s slow or off. It’s about context really.

There are better words to use most of the time people use it.

TheHondaBro > dogisbadob
04/29/2016 at 14:30

They’re used differently though. Rallentando means to slow down, but ritardando means to slow down gradually.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:31

More specifically if your timing is to far advanced, then you need to retard it a bit. It is all about context and meaning.

Shane MacGowan's Teeth > Justin Hughes
04/29/2016 at 14:32

That was the medical term for a long time. It gained the negative connotation from people using it as an insult- much like “moron”, “imbecile”, and “idiot”, which were all once used in psychology.

Ash78, voting early and often > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:33

Oh, well, I guess we'll have to go back to carpet bombing from high altitude if we can't even discuss our tactical, um...aerodynamically delayed bombs. Collateral damage is a small price to pay for political correctness.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:35

Yeah. That’s really clever

The Dummy Gummy > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
04/29/2016 at 14:38

I too was confused. People would lose their minds if they couldn’t say “because racecar” anymore.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:38

Then how the hell am I supposed to explain setting the timing of an engine?

Justin Hughes > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:41

I like resorting to Beavis and Butt-head insults, personally. Bunghole, fartknocker, buttmunch, etc. are all insulting to the intended target without being offensive to other groups of people. Plus they sound silly.

Slant6 > Justin Hughes
04/29/2016 at 14:42

I was more of a Daria fan myself, but that show did have some good ones.

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 14:43

*gets same joke about engine timing 5 times*

There are other words to use. It’s also ok in this situation, since it’s the actual word you’re supposed to use.

Also if you do an oppo search on the r-word you’ll see 99% of it’s usage has nothing to do with engine timing. Most of it is used as an insult.

dogisbadob > Party-vi
04/29/2016 at 14:44

Just use regular :)

MUSASHI66 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:45

Considering than an online thesaurus shows the real meaning of the word

adjective

characterized by a slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc.

maybe you shouldn’t tell people to look it up if you don’t want them to use it.

Let’s face it - there is nothing wrong with the word. It is the fact that people use it when they are trying to be offensive.

But, today, when everyone needs a safe space and words hurt...

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:45

What ever happened to picking our battles? Not once have I seen someone on here slinging around this insult, but I have seen bigger issues, such as sexism and trans-phobia on here before. I’m on the Autism Spectrum, and I believe that some things are more important than others. In short:

Kinja'd!!!

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 14:51

Search the term on Oppo search. It happens quite often.

And the other thing you brought up are also valid causes to fight for, not saying any of them are more or less important than this. This is just something that’s so easy to stop because most people don’t know they’re doing it.

We already have be inclusive in our rules. Sexism and transphobia are violations of the rules and are treated as such. The use of the R word is an unspoken rule and can easily be combated by awareness, where other issues require and intervention on a case by case basis. I’m getting tired of dealing with this on a case by case.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:52

...So what would you prefer to be called?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
04/29/2016 at 14:53

Duratec don’t need no timing adjustment!

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 14:53

Are you being serious?

iSureWilll > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:54

I grew up in a world where saying it was the norm, not that it makes it ok, so I used to use the word regularly. Since then I’ve met some great people who helped me realize a lot of different things and grow up a lot. Now I notice when other people use it and I get a little offended...

Slant6 > iSureWilll
04/29/2016 at 14:56

I probably said it a few times in middle school but I really didn’t know back then. It’s such a small thing to correct but can make a significant difference.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 14:56

There are two types of reactions to this insult - take it on the chin, or get out of shape. Thank you for being the former.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 14:58

Sorry, but that’s such a bs response. And a violation of rule #1.

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 15:03

I think you’re missing something here. I like you, we’ve had good back and fourths here for years, I don’t think you know exactly what you’re doing here, you don’t want to get on my bad side.

I’ll give you an ignorance break here, you’re a good member and such and I’d hate to not like you over this, but seriously man, you’re going to call me an insult (which really shouldn’t be an insult, point of this post) on a post about not using this word as an insult?

Do you need some further explaining? I’d be happy to oblige. I don’t really understand how you can have a problem with this, but if you have a good reason I’d love to hear it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > haveacarortwoorthree2
04/29/2016 at 15:04

I’m sorry that my comment offended you.

Slant6 > Party-vi
04/29/2016 at 15:06

Hey, nothing really bad or close to ban worthy, but I’m getting a little abrasion/ combativeness on this thread and if you could skim it over that’d be great. I like the guy enough but calling me the R-word on a post about an R-word seems a bit off.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/so-what-would-…

If you could just skim it and maybe find out what’s wrong I’d appreciate it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:11

Sorry to get on your bad side. I’ve been dealing with some other issues recently, and my frustration and apathy sometimes comes across via the keyboard. My main issue with this is that removing the word makes mental illness taboo, which is the opposite of what we want to achieve here. People have gotten so comfortable using it, that even several people with ASD like myself see it not as a bigoted term describing people with mental health conditions, but as a playground insult, like “twat.” Raising awareness means raising awareness of it’s previous connotations, which will not help people become enlightened about mental conditions. I see it as humanity moving over the speedbump that is mental illness.

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 15:16

I suppose your reasons are justified. They do provide a useful incite for someone like me, who is involved in college campus campaigns about such issues.

I do have a rebuttal to what you’re saying but it can wait. If you ever want to bring it back up when things aren’t as hectic for you feel free, we can have a good conversation on it.

No hard feelings man, being this combative isn’t like you.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:19

Sorry again. Rough week, bottomed out. Cut my leg for the first time in months, and took an extra pill. Shit happens, and I’m not good at dealing with it. Still quite tense.

Party-vi > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 15:20

This is me giving you shit as a Mod but then not giving you shit because you apologized like a decent human being.

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 15:20

Take it easy man. Sorry if I offended you.

Party-vi > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:21

He was being a dick, and the insult was implied. He did apologize. I pointed it out to him but also gave kudos for apologizing.

Slant6 > Party-vi
04/29/2016 at 15:22

It solved it’s self. He didn’t really mean it, but thanks for coming in as backup. We’ve worked it out.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:25

You didn’t offend me. It’s just that I make poor decisions when I’m stressed.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Party-vi
04/29/2016 at 15:25

Sorry again. Hopefully I’ll be back to my old self by the end of the week.

Slant6 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 15:30

Sorry to get mods involved, it was just a necessary procedure. If you ever want to talk my name is posted many places on my profile and you can find me on facebook. You can also email me at laleveejt@appstate.edu anytime.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:31

No problem. I was out of line.

Slant6 > MUSASHI66
04/29/2016 at 15:35

Using the thesaurus to find other words to use. Like instead of using the R word us a word like silly, or some other word that uses what you mean.

Urambo Tauro > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
04/29/2016 at 15:41

Just advance it 358°; that oughta do it.

MUSASHI66 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 15:47

Yeah, no.

Chinny Raccoon > The Dummy Gummy
04/29/2016 at 16:05

I thought it was the other R word that’s frequently used away from the original meaning. Or Renault.

jkm7680 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 16:08

...

Chinny Raccoon > Shane MacGowan's Teeth
04/29/2016 at 16:10

That’s very common, The UK charity Scope used to be The Spastics Society. It was a common term, but limited in accuracy and changed once it became known as an insult.

Slant6 > jkm7680
04/29/2016 at 16:15

Can I help you?

jkm7680 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 16:24

This is an internet car forum.

Slant6 > MUSASHI66
04/29/2016 at 16:24

Well, I hope you’ll come around to it.

Slant6 > jkm7680
04/29/2016 at 16:25

Yes it is.

jkm7680 > Slant6
04/29/2016 at 16:31

I hope this isn’t the start of a PC takeover.

Shane MacGowan's Teeth > Chinny Raccoon
04/29/2016 at 16:31

I looked it up, apparently the WHO still uses “Mental R...” in some of it’s codes.

Slant6 > jkm7680
04/29/2016 at 16:34

There are worse things that could happen. Although be aware that Oppo is a diverse community and is susceptible to being offended by things that usually fall under political correctness.

It’s actually in the rules here, being excellent to each other ie: not offending people.

Big Bubba Ray > jkm7680
04/29/2016 at 20:54

I really don’t like the word and here is my story about why. Go ahead and read it if you please.

At my previous job, I worked with a girl named Sarah every Thursday. Sarah had Down Syndrome. I really got to know this girl well during my time spent with her and when I started to get sick of my job, working with her each week was the only thing that kept me there.

Sarah came into work one day in a bit of a sour mood and I asked her what was up. She told me that somebody at school was making fun of her that day and called her a retard. Sarah was 18 at the time, so in senior year of high school and one of her fucking classmates, also a senior, called her a retard. Can you imagine how that felt for her? She knew she was different from everyone else but couldn’t quite understand how or why. I was heartbroken hearing her tell me this. I was literally crying along with her when she was telling me about her shitty day.

Even though I left that job, Sarah and I still keep up with each other. We text from time to time and I went to her 20th birthday party just a few months ago. She holds a special place in my heart. If I were to ever hear somebody call her a retard to her face or in passing, I’d legitimately punch them right in the face.

People make fun of me for having such an negative reaction to using this word as an insult, but fuck I cannot stand it. It’s offensive, plain and simple.

jkm, I hope you don’t take this as an attack. I still love you man but I hope you realize that this is more than just a word and us trying to be PC.

jkm7680 > Big Bubba Ray
04/29/2016 at 21:23

I read the entire thing, I totally respect where Sarah was coming from and I’m glad everything worked out for her.

That use of the word, I can’t stand. Deliberately trying to offend people for something that they were born with and had no choice over. That’s just plain wrong and I don’t stand for that at all.

I don’t take it as an attack at all man :)

Big Bubba Ray > jkm7680
04/29/2016 at 21:48

Awesome, thank for reading even though it was a bit of a TL;DR comment from me haha

The word just sucks.

jkm7680 > Big Bubba Ray
04/29/2016 at 22:16

I totally get it man, glad to read it!