Beverly Beckham, writing in the Boston Globe about “Tropic Thunder,” says the movie is

the worst thing to come along for the developmentally disabled since public schools used the dunce cap to humiliate. Because in 107 minutes the word “retard” (or “retarded”) is said 17 times. This gives a green light to the movie-going public: If “retard” can be tossed back and forth on the big screen, getting laughs, getting legitimized, why not use it on the schoolyard or at the water cooler?

… It seems at first glance to be an equal-opportunity insulter.
But it isn’t. Body parts cannot take offense to what is being said. And excrement is only excrement. These words are just crass. Nothing more. “Retarded” is personal. “Retarded” targets people. “Retarded” hurts. This is why advocates for the mentally disabled are speaking out.

… “Retarded” is a stereotype too long perpetuated by Hollywood. No much different from Step ‘n’ Fetchit. Condescending. Controlling. And however unintentional the result may be, this new “don’t take it seriously” version of the retarded man is serious because it stirs up and serves up some very old themes.

See also:

• Second thoughts on Tropic Thunder boycott — Pamela Wilson of Bellaonline.com originally supported the boycott. Upon further reflection, she says she wants everyone in her community to see ‘Tropic Thunder’ so they will understand what offends the disability community.

If everyone sees this movie, many more will appreciate the concerns we bring to their attention. Everyone capable of reflecting on what they have seen has the capacity to understand our protest. We want other parents, human rights activists and others in marginalized communities to experience the language and imagery of the movie so they can make informed decisions about whether to restrict their children’s access to it.

It may be too much to expect from the writers of Tropic Thunder to comprehend that merely using language that demeans, humiliates and intimidates people with disabilities is a form of bullying. But I have higher expectations of people in our community who hear our stories, and hear from our sons and daughters. We must continue protesting, sharing our perspectives, and standing firm against attacks on people with intellectual disabilities. Our children and families are full members of our communities and we want businesses to know we consider their needs while expecting them to consider ours.

• Can we all stop using the R-word? — Paula Scafe in the Austin American-Statesman
• What’s in a word? Plenty — Charita Goshay in the Norwich [CT] Bulletin
• Those insulted at ‘Thunder’ don’t get joke — Chris Hicks in the [Salt Lake City] Deseret News

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, Tropic Thunder, celebrities, intellectual/developmental disabilities, language, movies, personal stories, public attitudes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post