A perceived increase in the casual use of the R-word is prompting comedians to reassess its shock value, according to recent observations and commentary. comedians Joe Rogan and Mark Segura have both noted a shift in societal acceptance of the term, a trend that appears to be diminishing its impact as a comedic device.
In 2024, Australian comedian James Donald Forbes mccann, a touring performer with Shane Gillis, presented a comedic poem illustrating this change. Gillis has publicly defended the reclamation of the R-word, as seen in a YouTube short. McCann’s poem, available on YouTube, recounts a past performance where using the word “retarded” was met with excited approval. He contrasts this with a more recent experience, noting a diminished reaction. “A year ago, I said the word retarded in a crowded room, and I was deafened by the sound of thanks and celebration,” he reads. “I was the John the Baptist of saying the word retarded.” he continues: “Last night, I said the word retarded in much the same sort of way.There was still celebration, but it wasn’t the same at all.The world has changed.” McCann then states the “battle” over the R-word is “fought and won” and expresses a search for a new offensive term to “reclaim,” suggesting “faggy.”
