TimesLeader.com

August 20
Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

The news recently brought to our attention the protests surrounding the new Ben Stiller movie, “Tropic Thunder”. The film includes language and images that are offensive to persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. In the movie Ben Stiller plays a fading actor who previously failed in his bid for an Oscar as “Simple Jack”, a man with an intellectual disability. Stereotypically, Jack has a bowl haircut and bad teeth. A promotional poster for “Simple Jack film bears the subtitle, “Once there was a retard.” A retard……….the “R” word.

Like idiot and moron, retarded was a term once used as a medical/professional classification for intelligent quotient. Unfortunately, these words evolved over time and became less then a professional term, but words used to insult and demean another person. The phrase, “You’re a retard,” is said so casually today that it appears we’ve become passive about its use. So what is the big deal with the movie “Tropic Thunder”?

The big deal is that 200 million individuals around the world and more then 6 million in the United States with intellectual disabilities have paid and continue to pay such a price for devaluation.

The Arc, an organization that represents members of the disability community, recognizes the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities, the challenges they and their families face, and their meaningful contributions they make.

The film industry, a powerful media influence, has a responsibility to promote respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Instead, and despite The Arc’s urging to edit the language and images used, “Dreamworks” and their production partners opted to leave the demeaning pieces in “Tropical Thunder”. Boycott “Tropic Thunder.” A lighter pocketbook is a solid message. Tell Hollywood that it is a big deal to demean and promote the devaluation of any person, including our family members, friends and neighbors with intellectual disabilities. Tell your children why this movie is harmful. -Donald Broderick

Executive Director

The Arc of NEPA