Oh! I've forgotten to tell you the latest, greatest Ma Jaracz story!
When I visited them the last time I was in Chicago, I "innocently" asked my mother if she was watching the Sarah Palin reality show. I say "innocently," of course, because I know Ma J is not a Palin fan, and that she'd probably have an opinion or two about her and the show. What I didn't expect was the several minute diatribe about Palin and the fact that she was pimping herself on TV and had better not run for President because she was a quitter--but I was not prepared for how she wrapped up her rant:
And what I want to know is, who's taking care of the retarded kid?
Readers, I could not have asked for better comedy gold. I don't mean to exploit my aging parents, but senior citizens say the best stuff!
At the time, I laughed, because, really, no one says "retarded" anymore in reference to someone who actually has mental retardation. In fact, "retarded" can be considered a derogatory word--well, except here in Boston, where any jerk can be and is quickly deemed a "fuckin' retahd."
My mom, to her credit, defended herself--because from the way she was saying it, she did mean actually mentally retarded. She just didn't use the phrase "baby with Down's Syndrome," which is apparently more acceptable and/or the correct way to phrase it (this I picked up from my medical editor and educator friends. I didn't realize "Down's Syndrome baby" was not accurate).
I don't know if she'll ever change the way she phrases things, but I do have to agree with her--who is taking care of Trig these days?
Your pal,
Jill
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment