You mean it’s possible for words to have more than one meaning, or have their meanings change over time??
Exactly, and you cannot have a serious conversation about the attitudes of yore if you censor the words they themselves used.
Back then, it simply meant “developmentally delayed”.
In german medicine it’s still completely fine to use. Retard capsulas for example is medicine that will have a delayed effect after taking them. Someone with brain damage who has issues following a flashlight with his eyes has a retarded response.
In English, it’s also pretty fine outside of developmental disorders. It’s common to refer to fire-retardant fabric. Adjusting timing in an engine is retarding or advancing.
The way I saw it, it looked as if you were looking for a backdoor way to use ‘retarded.’ for a cheap laugh.
I agree, people get upset if you use the terms Negro Baseball League or subnormal children, when those were commonly used terms at the time.
On the other hand, the internet is full of people acting in bad faith. I’d suggest that in the future you don’t just post, but take the time to add context. My opinion.
For what it’s worth, you have my upvote.