Recently, I've seen commercials and other forms of media talking about how we should stop using the word "retard(ed)". Now, while I understand the heart behind it, I think that's dumb. Music is mostly written in Italian, so when there are words above or below the notes, they're typically in Italian. When a passage needs to slow down, ritardando (rit.) is written under the staff. We call it a "ritard" (not rEtard). I have to admit, that when I teach this word to young musicians, they snicker initially, but after I explain that it's a word that musicians use to slow things down, and any improper use is unacceptable things are good and I never have a problem with it again. Here's the thing: some people really are mentally, emotionally, and physically retarded. This can be due to Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, any number of behavioral disorders, and an assortment of other things. I think that by calling it a 'nicer', less politicall...
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