We live in a time where individuality and creative license is at an all time high. Now, more than ever, kids are encouraged to think for themselves and express their opinions openly. Going along with the crowd is out and being your self is in. Unfortunately, those who chose not to learn about and understand these ideas are often ignorant of ideas and beliefs that may differ from their own.

People need to start being more conscientious of decisions. Often times people do not realize the impact that their words and actions may have on others.

Through television, movies, music, and the Internet the media has taken these new philosophies to two very different extremes.

On one hand, formally controversial issues such as, sex, religion, profanity, and family structure are depicted in a majority of these mediums. In doing so, these beliefs are popularized and made more accessible to a larger audience.

On the other hand, by being more liberal with these issues doors are opened allowing people to scrutinize and dish out more criticism. Often times these people are criticizing on topics that they know virtually nothing about.

A student, on any given day, can walk down the hallway and hear terms used that degrade women, slander homosexuals, demean the mentally challenged, and insult religious groups as a part of casual speech.
Stereotypes run rampant and roll off people people’s tongues without them giving a second thought.

Words expressing ignorant thought will undoubtedly offend those who are being viciously slandered against. A majority of the time these people are not the target of these mindless insults, but are innocent by standers.

We are not claiming holier than thou, but we are saying that as long as effort is made, we are taking steps in the right direction.

So, every time you use a word like “retard”, think about the true meaning of the word and who you might be offending.