Twitch is a wild and unpredictable place, and sometimes people say things that are hurtful and offensive without even realizing it. One question that has been asked recently is whether or not it’s okay/allowed to say the word “retard” on Twitch. This is a valid question, as Twitch is a popular streaming platform with millions of users, and it’s important to understand what kind of language is acceptable and what isn’t.
Perhaps you’re a new user on Twitch and you’ve heard someone use the word “retard” in a stream, and you’re wondering if it’s okay to use that word yourself. Or maybe you’re a streamer who’s unsure about whether or not you should allow that kind of language in your chat.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand the impact that our words can have on others, and to consider how we can create a more positive and inclusive community on Twitch. In this article, we’ll explore Twitch’s community guidelines and the use of the word “retard” in more detail to help answer the question of whether or not it’s okay to use this word on Twitch.
What does the word retard mean?
The word “retard” originally meant to delay or slow down, and it can be used as a verb or noun. It has been applied to a personal mental faculties which are perceived to be ‘slower’ than the average. Perhaps at first it was used to simply crudely describe someone with learning difficulties and not to offend but its modern use has changed to offend first, describe later.
Is the word ‘retard’ discriminatory?
Yes, the word “retard” is discriminatory when used as a derogatory term to insult someone’s intelligence or ability, particularly towards people with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders.
Discrimination is treating someone unfairly or differently based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, or disability. In this case, the characteristic is learning difficulties.
It perpetuates negative attitudes and discrimination towards people with disabilities, and it can contribute to a culture of exclusion and prejudice. It’s important to use respectful and inclusive language towards all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Can you say the word retard on Twitch?
No, according to Twitch’s community guidelines, the use of offensive language, including the word “retard”, is not allowed on the platform. Twitch considers the use of such language to be derogatory and harmful to others, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders. Twitch aims to create a safe and inclusive community for all of its users, and the use of offensive language is not tolerated.
Specifically:
Twitch does not permit behavior that is motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance, including behavior that promotes or encourages discrimination, denigration, harassment, or violence based on the following protected characteristics: race, ethnicity, color, caste, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, serious medical condition, and veteran status.
Twitch Community Guidelines
Even if the word is used ISN’T motivated by hatred, it is not allowed because it encourages discrimination. This is the same as the n word, faggot and slut from a very short list of banned words.
Using the word retard perpetuates negative stereotypes and reinforces the stigma associated with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders, which can contribute to a culture of exclusion and prejudice. It’s important to use language that is respectful and inclusive of all people, regardless of their abilities.
Can streamers say retard on Twitch?
No, streamers abide by the same community guidelines and are more likely held to a higher standard than chat users. That being said, ShivFPS
found out the hard way.
As was Destiny, who explained in his vide below.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether or not it’s okay to say the word “retard” on Twitch has a clear answer: no, it’s not allowed. Twitch’s community guidelines prohibit the use of offensive language, including words that are derogatory or insulting towards specific groups of people. While the word “retard” may have had an innocent origin and can be used without malicious intent, it has become a hurtful and stigmatizing term that perpetuates negative attitudes and discrimination towards people with disabilities.
As users of Twitch, we all have a responsibility to create a positive and inclusive community. This means being mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have on others. By choosing language that is respectful and inclusive, we can work together to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
In the end, it’s not just about following the rules and guidelines set forth by Twitch. It’s about being a decent human being and treating others with the respect and kindness they deserve. So, let’s all do our part to make Twitch a more positive and inclusive community, and leave harmful language like the word “retard” in the past where it belongs.
