To the Editor:
This is a letter in response to Christiana Nelson’s article
discussing the dangers of tanning indoors (Oct. 30). I regret to
say that for me this well-conceived article was overwhelmingly
overshadowed by poor decision-making on the part of the author.
Specifically, the following quote was troubling to me. “I would
feel retarded if I didn’t tan because I would glow in the dark
otherwise.”
I see the use of the word “retarded” in this context as
extremely offensive and problematic. I understand that this was a
direct quote from someone interviewed, however publishing this
excerpt in the lead article on the first page of the paper reflects
poorly on the author, editors and paper as whole. This perpetuation
of stereotypes is counterproductive to the inclusive community we
are trying to create at CSU. The assertion that “retarded” is
somehow bad or bizarre is frankly offensive. Language has the power
to shift thinking, and the staff of The Collegian should be more
aware of their use of this powerful tool.
Ryan Barone,
Graduate Student in the Student Affairs in Higher Education
Program
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.