A couple times a year, I get anonymous comments complaining that the name of this blog is offensive and that I’m an insensitive asshole for choosing it. Most times, I ignore the comments. Occasionally, I find out that someone I know has a problem with the name. I’ve dealt with these situations through email and they’re usually resolved. I’ve never felt the need to write a post about the name choice, but maybe it’s time.
I could spend awhile relating how the name Beer Retard stems from my description (by myself and others) for decades as socially retarded, but there’s no use wasting time on a long, drawn-out explanation. The important thing to me is that “retard” is just a word. In my writing, I never deride people with handicaps. I’ve never shown any intent to use the word in an offensive way. It’s just the name of the blog.
I realize that, for some people, any use of the word “retard” is offensive. All I can say is, it’s unfortunate if you’re truly offended, but I’m not changing the name. I inadvertently offend people constantly. If that means some people won’t read what I write (except to criticize my blog), or won’t have anything to do with me when they meet me, so be it. I’m not going to apologize for the name, nor waste time worrying about whom I may offend. I’m too busy worrying about the fact that I’ve lost my passion for writing about craft beer. But that’s a topic for another post…
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