From the New York Times.
By MICHAEL CIEPLY; Compiled by Julie Bloom
Published: August 5, 2008
DreamWorks executives have agreed to talk by telephone and in person on Wednesday with representatives of more than a half dozen disabilities organizations to discuss the groups’ concerns about the portrayal of a developmentally handicapped character in the coming movie “Tropic Thunder.” “We want to be really plain about what our issues are with the movie,” said Anne Sommers, the policy counsel for the American Association of People with Disabilities, who helped organize the meeting. Debate has centered on the film’s approach to a character named Simple Jack, right, who is played by Ben Stiller’s character, an actor, in the movie. Movie and marketing materials refer to the character as a “retard.” Ms. Sommers said the groups, which include the National Down Syndrome Congress and the Special Olympics, had not yet formulated specific requests for DreamWorks. DreamWorks executives have said the film, a movie industry spoof, aims its humor at the industry, not at disabled people. The company, a unit of Paramount Pictures, plans to release “Tropic Thunder” on Aug. 13.
I am not thrilled about this in any shape or form. Just as I was not thrilled when the "R" word was used in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". With that being said this movie is going to be rated R but come on. Dreamworks can keep smoking what ever they are smoking to make them think that are making fun of themselves and not people with disabilities. Ben Stiller should know better.
But with all that said here is my big question:
WHERE ARE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WERE SCREAMING FOR DON IMUS'S HEAD?
Where is Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and the other civil rights folks on this? Is it ok to use the "R" word just not the "N" word? Where is Whoopie? Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh talked about the Imus thing for days, have they even mentioned this? NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, FOX, MSNBC?
No, and they won't because those with a disability and family members like me are just not important.
Well it's time to change that starting right now!
Ladies and Gentleman there are 65 million individuals with a disability in this country not counting mom, dad, brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. You do the math what does that add up to?
If this movie is released as scheduled then so be it. But let's ask everyone connected to a disability to stay home from ALL movies for that week. Not just that movie but all of them. Think the movie industry and others might get our point then?
It's time the largest minority population in this country got listened too.
Peace Dude!
2 comments:
Jeff
first off I am not defending the movie I just have a question
I looked at the trailer and it did not look like Ben stiller character has a disability Is this true?
I know Jeff, everyone still sticks their head in the sand. We have to all voice our disgust together EVERY time we hear the word for people to start getting it!
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