‘Thunder showings set in wake of complaints’
August 8th, 2008From the New York Times:
DreamWorks and Paramount executives have agreed to screen “Tropic Thunder” for members of disability-advocacy groups around the country. The executives also told representatives of several groups — including the Arc of the United States and the Special Olympics — that they were revising some advertising materials to change references to a developmentally disabled character, Simple Jack, who is played by Ben Stiller in a portion of the film. The groups had objected particularly to the repeated use of the word retard in the film and promotional materials. “We think that’s hate speech,” said Peter V. Berns, executive director of the Arc.
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August 8th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I have spent 18 years of my son’s life trying to change the hearts of people I come in contact with and now I feel that one huge film company has an opportunity to aid in the acceptance of people with mental retardation or drive a wedge in the gap that naturally occurs among ‘typical’ people and those with ‘learning differences.’
I’m all for poking fun with people who are able to understand and laugh with you, but to pick on an entire population of people that are unable to defend their reputations is absolutely unacceptable and disgraceful!
We wouldn’t dream of saying, “Once upon a time… There was a Nigger.” To me, there is no difference in the insulting language. My child is not a ‘retard’ and I find that kind of language insulting. People with mental retardation have more respect for others than these movie producers could ever dream of having for their fellow man.
I will be letting everyone know that they should avoid this movie!