In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan stirred controversy by calling the return of the disability slur “retard” a “great cultural victory.” He casually used the term while discussing political commentators, indicating that its resurgence might be linked to the podcast movement.
Historically, this particular word has been deeply associated with ridicule directed at individuals with intellectual disabilities and had largely fallen out of favour due to its offensive nature. However, a backlash against political correctness, often linked to the supporters of former President Donald Trump, appears to have contributed to its revival.
Trump himself reportedly contemplated using the term “Retarded Joe” in reference to Joe Biden during his 2024 campaign, only to opt for “Sleepy Joe” under advice. Additionally, at a fundraiser, he was noted for employing the slur against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Elon Musk, a prominent figure alongside Rogan in this discourse, has also shown support for the controversial usage of the term following his acquisition of Twitter. His changes to the platform’s policies on hate speech have allowed him to frequently share the word with his vast following on social media.
While Rogan appears unfazed by the term’s recent absence from common parlance, he passionately celebrates its comeback, attributing this cultural shift to the influential space that podcasts provide.
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In a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan called the return of the slur ‘retard’ a ‘great cultural victory’, sparking outrage. The term, historically associated with mocking those with intellectual disabilities, has resurfaced amidst a backlash against political correctness. Figures like Trump and Elon Musk have also embraced its use, reflecting a growing trend that raises concerns about the impact on marginalized communities.
Joe Rogan’s remarks on the slur ‘retard’ highlight a troubling cultural shift where derogatory terms are being celebrated as victories against political correctness. This phenomenon echoes among other public figures and indicates a larger societal conversation regarding the reclamation of offensive language. As provocative dialogue continues, the implications for those affected by such terms remain significant.
Original Source: www.latintimes.com
