Tropic Thunder -- Colossal Blunder

After two decades of continued devotion, the Special Olympics is faced with an industry that's determined to test every limit...this time, they've gone too far.

I joined hundreds of protestors at the recent premiere of the film Tropic Thunder to denounce its unfortunate and humiliating portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities. Members of our coalition -- self advocates and family members of people with intellectual disabilities -- have seen the movie pre-release and have reported shock, disgust and in some cases of leaving movie theatres in tears. Their reactions have resonated with many of us who take their struggle and voice with the utmost seriousness. By all accounts, it is an unchecked assault on the humanity of people with intellectual disabilities -- an affront to dignity, hope and respect.

While I am disappointed we were not consulted in the same manner as other minority groups depicted in the film -- there are seventeen mentions of the "R-word" and only one mention of the "N-word" -- I am grateful to DreamWorks CEO, Stacey Snider, for listening to the coalition and helping to eliminate some of the film's most offensive marketing elements.

The issue goes beyond mere fiction. People with intellectual disabilities are routinely abused, neglected, insulted, institutionalized and even killed. Their parents are told to give up and that their children are worthless. Schools turn them away. Doctors refuse to treat them. Employers won't hire them. None of this is funny.

The degrading use of the word "retard" along with the broader humiliation of people with intellectual disabilities in the film goes too far. When the R-word is casually used, and when bumbling, clueless caricatures designed to mimic the behavior of people with intellectual disabilities are portrayed on screen, they have an unmistakable outcome: they mock people with intellectual disabilities. They perpetuate the worst stereotypes. They further exclude and isolate. They are downright mean-spirited.

Mockery in any form, purpose or directed at anyone, especially those least able to defend themselves, is neither funny nor acceptable. We must work together to bring it to a stop. As chairman of the Special Olympics, I am a champion for change and encourage each and every one of us to reflect on ways we can all be respectful to those who so deserve it.

People with intellectual disabilities are great athletes, productive employees, positive friends, courageous role models. Let's open our schools, doctors' offices, businesses, communities, and most importantly our hearts to the giftedness of every human being. No more exceptions. No more exclusion.

Some may think we ought to lighten up and not get worked up over this movie; after all, it's just a film. I don't believe people with intellectual disabilities are off limits as characters in film comedies. In fact, I worked with the Farrelly brothers on a film on this topic and I know edgy comedy. There is a fine line with using minority characters as central elements to a storyline without being gratuitously insulting.

My issue here is that films become part of pop culture and character lines are repeated in other settings, time and time again. It's clear to me that lines from this particular film will provide hurtful ammunition outside of the movie theatre. While I realize that the film's creators call this a parody and they never intended to hurt anyone, it doesn't mean they won't.

We've come so far over the years; we've branded an institution, empowered countless families and brought hope to a seemingly "hopeless" situation. Let's right one more wrong. Ban the R-word. Ban the movie. Take a stand. Make a difference.

Tim Shriver is the Chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics.

Comments

[aOsO]

Ban the movie? nah that's a little to extreme. i haven't seen the movie yet so i don't what you're basing your protest on, but your post makes a valid point, we need to figure out what lines to not cross in our entertainment. However, since we live in a free society, that choice is not up to a particular group but to the individual. you can continue your protest in hopes to change minds, but you shouldn't try to restrict individuals from expressing their views.

[EvaDee]

it's hard to imagine Ben stiller is so totally clueless. I wont be watching this or any of his work anymore. How could anyone in this day and age use the "R" word and laugh? He should walk in their shoes instead of laughing at them.

[queotic]

So you're going to criticize a movie you haven't seen based on a review by someone else who hasn't seen it?

[neurologymatters]

Mr. Shriver, Thank you for your post. Have the airlines, cable companies, Netflix, and Blockbuster been contacted never to show this movie so they will not be boycotted? Just a thought.

[ComicBookGuy]

I was under the impression that they were actually making fun of movie stars who try to advance their careers by playing characters with disabilities.

Either way, I'm skipping this one. I can't think of one Ben Stiller movie I actually liked.

But the price we pay for living in a free society is that we don't ban movies, no matter how bad they are.

[Bobrobert]

Calling someone names is bad.

I think there are other things that are as bad that we accept everyday.

The degree of violence and sex seen on screens has got to have much harsher negative outcomes that calling names and making fun of folks.

I don't think folks care about what goes on in any given movie - they want laughs - they want action - they want sex.

No one thinks about who was hurt or will be hurt because of any given movie.

Best of luck folks - but with all that is wrong in society I think your cause is way down on the list of causes to fight for.

[SD61]

No, let's not ban the movie. Let's let sincere (and fully justified and eloquently expressed) opinions like yours be published, so that all may hear your side of the issue. HuffPo has been kind enough to give you a large podium to work from, and you did everything you can.

A call for a boycott? Fine.

Censorship? No way.

[Swerinjer]

Hey. Comedy is not pretty.

[Romeover]

Swerinjer, your comment made me pause and think. For that, I thank you.

Indeed, life is not pretty. Some people choose to laugh at life's ugliness, some choose to cry, and some choose to simply ignore it.

I believe it's healthier to laugh than to cry. But what is truly important is not whether you laugh or cry, but what you do to make the world more beautiful.

[Swerinjer]

then think about the Huffington Post.

[slg]

The power to shun is one of the most untapped resources the human family has available for dealing with ignorance and intolerance. Those who say, "it's just a film" are likely the same ones who, when called on for making an insidious comment will say "it's just a joke". They're actually insulting you again by implying your concerns are trivial. Shunning such "jokers" would send a powerful message.

no bystanders here.

[queotic]

If we banned all movies with stereotypes, we'd pretty much ban all movies.

[BethanylovesObama]

Thank you for speaking out against this hateful movie