re: #48 Firstinla

As with so many other words, it is time to retire “retard.” I have a younger brother who is mentally challenged but he is anything but retarded. He is 53 years old and has the mind of a 4 or 5 year old. But he is incredibly gifted as an artist, he is compassionate to every living creature and has been an awesome teacher for the family. Helen Keller was referred to as “deaf and dumb.” We no longer refer to people who are mute as “dumb.” An evolving society will always refine its speech.

Yes. A 1930 MN school census record asks the questions for each child enrolled: Name, age, Parents names, grade, address and ‘if simple minded’ (yes or no).