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ATT had this discussion recently
. It didn't really come to any hard resolution, but I reiterate my view that it's best practice to avoid slurs when possible, and gratuitous slurs should be cut. There are cases when they can be needed for example context, like quoting something for an N-Word Privileges example.
I personally think that words like that should never be used outside of quotes. If they appear in a quote, and the quote is relevant to and absolutely necessary for the example, then they shouldn't be censored. (If the quote isn't relevant or necessary, it doesn't need to be on the page.) I honestly can't think of a case where you wouldn't be able to describe something or someone without using those words.
Edited by Serac
If that word is used in the example text (not a quote) then yes I think it should be cut. There is no need to use the word.
Given that it's a Seth MacFarlane work, and he tends to... not be very politically-correct, I imagine that term is how they describe the character in the show. We can use it in quotes, but outside of quotes it becomes gratuitous.
Considering how it wasn’t being used in quote form, I’d say it’s safe to cut it?
At the time the work was made, "retarded" wasn't a slur. This is similar to the case of "Negro" on works from the fifties.
^^ Yes, cut it. It's not a direct quote, so go for it.
Use Of The R-Word
I was reading one of the trope pages for American Dad! and came across an entry for a minor character. The character was described as “mentally re***” (uncensored on the page, but I refuse to type it in full), which I really must question. I know that phrase used to be used as a medical term, but it just seems... really not polite and kind of shocking on the page itself.
Sorry if this sounds whiny, I have a big thing against slurs.