Carmine DePalma | Aug 21, 2008

This topic has been ongoing and controversial for years. The stigma of labels and the consequences of such have circulated throughout the special needs communities for decades.

Let's look back to the equivalent to the DSM IV classifications of the 50's. Terms such as "imbecile" , "idiot", and "moron" were actual clinical classifications for people with a certain IQ level. These terms have, through the years, become less clinically recognized and are now used as frequently as one might use the words "stupid" or "foolish". The connotations have changed, thus, so have the actual definitions.
The issue is not a new one, but a sore one.
On countless occasions I have turned on the television only to cringe at the term "retard" being used on mainstream, family shows. I have taught my own children not to use this term so vehemently that my young daughter once exclaimed, "Dad, they used the word 'retard' on my pajama label!" She didn't realize that the term referred to the fire retardant used on the garment. That was a learning/teaching moment for us, but I'm afraid many parents don't frequently have those moments.

My children understand why they cannot use the 'r' word, but I'm afraid my argument has become dilute recently due to the ubiquitous use by adults. How do we teach tolerance and respect for those with disabilities if mainstream media pokes fun of the very people we advocate for? I have no answers. I'm afraid that this term, like the terms of the past, will have to be replaced with yet another.
And the cycle continues.
We must continue to serve our special needs population with dignity and respect, and hope that the few who share this view spread the word.

I will not waste my hard earned money on that movie, nor will I allow my children to see it.

Alison | Sep 4, 2008

It's sad that name calling of still persists and that it is hurtful. Who ever came up with the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" was totally incorrect. They hurt emotionally as opposed to hurting physically. I also will not waste my hard earned money on a movie with such definite opinions of the disabled.

Anonymous | Sep 4, 2008

Many are outraged when individuals use derogatory terms that are racist or sexist. In recent years, there has been a huge outcry against this type of behavior. We must show the same outrage and intolerance against those, who use derogatory terms regarding those who have disabilities. This demeaning behavior should not be tolerated and those who exhibit this behavior must be called on it and harshly.

Alice Elliott | Sep 4, 2008

It is so painful to see irresponsible media. The idea that they would consult with African American groups, but not disability groups is shocking. I'm participating in a panel at NYU on September 12 at the Center for Media and Culture on Disability. Also have lectured my NYU class about responsible film making.

Andy Heugel | Sep 21, 2008

As opposed to some who have commented on this movie, I actually saw it, but not by my choice. I was filling in at a Westchester Arc group home and was told that we'd be seeing this movie as we were heading out the door. I expressed my concerns, but we were on a schedule.

What I found was a film that was in poor taste for a variety of groups, but not meant to be offensive. The "Never Go Full Retard" line was in reference to Tug Speedman's (Ben Stiller's) character, "Simple Jack," where he just tried to be as stupid as he could be when playing his character. He was advised that this was the reason for the failure for this film within a film. A number of films, such as Dustin Hoffman's "Rain Man" were talked about regarding realistic portrayals of developmentally disabled people in this scene.

However, the T-Shirts were offensive!

Then there was the obviously Jewish character who wanted to collect the insurance money, rather than paying the ransom for Tug Speedman. There were the Asian villagers who have never seen another movie and adore "Simple Jack." There is the white guy (supposedly an Australian) in black face bantering w/ a real black guy.

I found the movie itself to be in poor taste regarding a number of groups, but not outrightly offensive, as the T-Shirts were.

As we continue to move the people we serve into the community, we will get some unkind commentary. Our goal should always be acceptance and inclusion, rather than worrying political correctness, unless (as the T-Shirts were) something is really offensive.

In the meantime, "Tropic Thunder" has come and gone as I sat in a mostly empty theatre. The ribbon cutting has come and gone. Now it's time to end the demonstrations and celebrations and get back to delivering the best services we can to the people we work with...

Emily Kingsley | Dec 2, 2008

Dozens of disability groups have joined together to protest the language and depiction of an individual with developmental disabilities in this film. I sit on a committee called the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts which works for better and more realistic representation of people with disabilities in all facets of media.

Recently representatives of this committee as well as some other groups, including Tim Shriver from Special Olympics, Gail Williamson from the Media Access Office, and others, met with a top executive from Dreamworks Films to discuss a program to enhance understanding and appreciation of people with disabilities in the major motion picture industry.

Jason attended this meeting and spoke eloquently to the movie executive about his feelings and reactions to TROPIC THUNDER and other offensive films. He was a fine advocate and made some very good points.

This initiative is taking form and meetings are being set up with executive of many other top film production companies. I am hopeful that we will be able to raise some consciousness among producers and writers in the entertainment world.

The energy behind this initiative is high and we are committed to make a difference. I will keep you posted as we continue in this important work.

Tony DiMarco | Dec 4, 2008

I was taught at an early age that "sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me." Unless we let them, names are harmless. Each generation replaces the previous generation's with its own. The best example is the use of the 'n' word which carries such a stigma that I won't even use it, but I believe it has a space in the American language.
What matters is how we as individuals and a society, a state, a county, a neighborhood, a family perceive and understand the issue of developmental disability and make policy to respond to it. The more we know objectively the better we can proceed in dealing with this and every other issue facing us.