I don’t know if its the lack of sleep, the non-stop pouring over this book, or the fact that I need coffee, but I just got to one of the last projects for chapter 10 (there are 3 or 4 of them) and I’m seeing the direction to name a Media Element the name of “ME”.
I saw that and started internally jumping up and down.
Why?
Because I’m crazy!! … and because I’ve seen that this was a major discrepancy that entirely breaks part of the application a few pages from now. The author, Victor Gaudioso (are you as used to reading the name as I am to typing it?), has in a page dedicated to book updates, the bold letters regarding this flaw.
Not sure why – but I feel as though I just “Dinged” in levels by reaching this point (for those of you who are not gamers, that’s a common phrase used among MMOers who increase in level of skill. Quite often, the game will let off a “DING!” coupled with particle effects and text in some form or another which tells you that you’ve increased in skill/level/whatever.).
Update: Now I’m a complete retard. I was mistaking this naming for the other. The other was a section which I had to skip to come back to as I couldn’t get it to behave in the way specified and instead of sitting there going back and forth like a mad person comparing over and over and over again until my eyescrossed, I decided to move on and hope that my abilities and proficiency has improved enough to be able to notice the error.
Convoluted explanation. You could have just stopped at the sentence, “Now I’m a complete retard.” and you would have been good.
Popularity: 72% [?]
I stopped at the sentence “Now I’m a complete retard” but only because I can’t believe that people actually still use this word who aren’t in third grade. Ever consider how that sentence affects people with special needs? No, I didn’t think so. Slurs hurt any way you look at it.
You have a valid point, Mary. I apologize if my comment offended as it was not the intent.
Have any suggestions as a replacement for the use of the word? Expression being something that is characteristic of a person who has to describe perception, feeling, and design – it is a key in communicating ideas and concepts as a designer.
In light of that, I’d be interested in replacing that word, but continuing the allowance for creative expression – without the negative connotations.
People who have mental disabilities don’t, usually have the mental ability to get offended at the word Retard; Just stuffy pain in the ass, overly politically correct, bitchy people like Mary. Get over it! If you don’t like the word then don’t use it and stop worrying what everyone else does.
I find it more common that someone who would become offended by the remark are those who have a lot of work which they do taking care of and assisting those with a mental disability. In as such, it is somewhat of an insult to them when compared to the monumental landmarks which they see in the individuals which they are caring for or knowing as friends.
That being said, the use of the word as slang precedes the date of it being used in reference to “Mental Retardation”, as it is rooted back to the 1700s and used in a form meaning to hinder, slow or otherwise impede normal progress. The use of the term “Mental Retardation” was an advent of the mid 1900s.
I find more and more where those who are comfortable with who they are, are less likely to become offended by quips. Sometimes a person is uncomfortable with the state which someone else is in, and so finds offense to that as well instead of noting the reality and being ok with it. When denial kicks in, it allows one to become easily offended.
For someone like myself, I find that I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place when trying to creatively express myself. I either am vanilla or I’m offending.
LOL… I didn’t realize Dan you were following Ariel’s blog. she does good stuff.