Using ableist slurs is never okay. Ever.

PSA: using ableist slurs is never okay. It’s not okay in advertising, it’s not okay when referring to people or things. It’s not okay to call someone these words. Examples of ableist slurs are “stupid”, “retarded”, “insane”, “lame”, “crazy”, “dumb”.

Alternatives to using such slurs could be thinking thoroughly about what you are trying to say before speaking, trying to say what you mean to say instead of taking a shortcut and insulting people, or using any of the following:

Instead of “stupid” or “dumb” or “retarded”: “I’m not sure I understand how what you are saying pertains to this discussion” or “can we think this through more thoroughly?”

Instead of “lame”: “that upsets me” or “that’s disappointing”.

Instead of “crazy” or “insane”: “that viewpoint seems extreme to me. Could you please clarify?” or “it seems like this is a subject that can bring up a lot of emotions for people. Let’s not try to hurt or attack one another because we are hurt ourselves.”

It’s not hard, but yes it does take practice. Do this; don’t use slurs. They hurt.

This has been a PSA.