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Self-Advocates Respond to Language Used in Movie “Tropic Thunder”
Westchester Arc’s Customer Service Council, a board-level group of individuals with developmental disabilities—or self-advocates as they preferred to be called—gathered on August 13 to discuss feelings relating to the use of the word “retard” in popular culture, most recently in the film “Tropic Thunder.” The film, which has sparked boycotts and demonstrations across the country, features a character named “Simple Jack,” a person with an intellectual disability. In the film, the character is repeatedly referred to as a “retard,” “moron,” and “imbecile.”
“It’s hurtful,” said Shaun.
“Don’t call me that word. It’s just not me,” added Eddie.
“The ‘R’ word is considered offensive by many individuals with and without disabilities, and brings negative connotations to a group of people who have worked hard to dispel preconceived notions,” adds Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director. “The folks here at Westchester Arc, and many other individuals with developmental disabilities, are achieving great things every day, so referring to them in this fashion is demeaning and hurtful to us all.”
According to recent studies, over 7 million people in the United States have developmental disabilities with over 135,000 of these individuals living in New York State. Will, who is also a member of Westchester Arc’s board of directors and a state advocate, stressed the important contributions this group makes to the community.
“We work, we go to school, we are good neighbors,” he said. “I don’t like the word retard. It’s ridiculous. It’s a label and I don’t like labels,” he said. How would people feel if they were in our shoes?”
Perhaps the groups’ sentiments can best be summed up by one council member: “I’m a normal person. I live in Yonkers. I vote. Don’t call me a retard. Just call me Michael.”
Click here to read Letter to the Editor, Journal News, sent by
Customer Service Council
Click here to read Journal News article
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