COMMUNITY FORUM: This film isn’t acceptable; boycott it

By Linda Timmons/Mosiac
Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 - 04:20:11 am CDT

I can discern the difference between something that doesn’t fit my tastes and something that is in poor taste. I can also discern the difference between something that I do not find funny and something that is not funny. The routine use of insulting language in the movie "Tropic Thunder" denigrates people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by the callous use of the words retard and retarded, and its portrayal of people with disabilities. It is in poor taste and is not funny.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities routinely face discrimination and harassment. Unlike many other populations who face discrimination and harassment however, people with disabilities have fewer resources available to defend themselves against the hateful portrayals. As a society, we should not stand by and allow this.

National organizations who advocate for the rights of people with disabilities are promoting a boycott of this DreamWorks film. The decision to boycott comes after a DreamWorks spokesperson declared that the film’s content would not be changed based upon the concerns of disabilities rights groups. According to an article published in The New York Times (Aug. 10), DreamWorks spokesperson Chris Sullivan said the film was not meant to disparage or harm people with disabilities. Just because injury is not intended does not mean injury does not happen.

I am distressed at the frequency with which I hear the use of the words retard and retarded in the daily language of youth and adults. I know that I would not hear disparaging references to any other minority, or racial or ethnic group used with the same frequency and callous disregard. The larger issue is whether we as a society care about the lives and rights of all people. Do we think it right to make them a target simply because they do not fight back?

In the last 30 years we’ve seen great changes as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have become integrated into community life instead of set apart from community life. Let’s take a step further and let them know they’re welcome in our communities by standing with them and for them. Entertainment often pushes the line on acceptable standards. This film crosses that line.

Linda Timmons is president and chief executive officer for Mosaic, which has an office in Fremont. Community Forum is a regular feature of the Tribune. To learn how to contribute to it, contact Tracy Buffington, editor, at 721-5000, Ext. 1436.

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Tom
Aug 16, 2008 6:51 AM
Linda,
I appreciate your letter but I have a question for you. Have you seen the film? I ask because I believe in boycotts but I need to be informed before I participate. I look to people like you, who are most knowledgeable on the subject that have seen the film. I know it puts you in a conundrum, for you wish not to support the film. Perhaps, if you were to view the film as research and not as entertainment it might be a little easier for you. Think of it as a sacrifice made to better inform us.

I think your letter shows that you are caring, respectful, and motivated. I would trust your review of the film. The little information I have heard about the film is that it is not meant to be derogatory to those with disabilities but derogatory to those that are derogatory to the disabled. I am interested in your opinion on this.

Thank you for your service.
Have we...
Aug 16, 2008 9:06 PM
... come to a point in society where we are not allowed to laugh or have a sense of humor? Go ahead and boycott it, but just know it's still going to make plenty of money without your $8.00. Lighten up Linda.
Alice W. Johnson
Aug 17, 2008 11:55 AM
Kudos to Linda Timmons for her thoughtful comments regarding the Ben Stiller movie.
We need to be careful about supporting the movie industry by attending films which are hurtful to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
People have no respect
Aug 17, 2008 6:48 PM
There are too many adults, teenagers and even children with absolutely no respect for anyone. People in the store already will basically push you out of the way if it benefits them. Now we are teaching people that it is okay to make fun of people with disabilities. I for one, am a mother of two daughters, a 2 year old with autism and a 16 month old with a speech delay and behavioral issues. I dread even taking my children to the store or JCF Days because they might offend someone. These children with developmental disabilities have enough obsticles to overcome in their lives. I have no probelm if people want to watch the show, after all, this is a free country, but it should be noted those words should never be propelled onto anyone. For someone to call a person a "retard" shows just how immature they really are. If you watch the show, please remember that there are people out there that really have to deal with problems due to their disabilities, showing those individuals respect and humanity will make you a better person.
Momma
Aug 17, 2008 8:17 PM
I figured there would be people defending the film...typical.
Small town, small minds.
NECONSERVATIVE
Aug 18, 2008 7:51 AM
Stand firm Linda! Your position is admired and respected. Thank you for your services in helping others.

To: Momma
You are ‘spot on’ Momma! It’s sad that when we try to defend people in need, they often lash back in frustration because their own ‘special’ needs are not getting focused.

Others seem to think that laughter and humor is more important that the content of what is creating laughter. Yes, laughter and humor is a part of Freedom; however, so is responsibility. It is the very “laughter” of this film that is damaging to those that are focused on. Do not ‘lighten up’ Linda; I appreciate those who are responsible with their Freedoms, and RESPECT the Freedoms of others.

Hollyweird has once again thrown crap together in a bucket, shook it up, and poured it out onto the big screen without considerations of others. This, of course, was all done in the name of ‘free speech’, plus the money that could be made as well on the conditions of others. WHOOPS! My bad! I used the terms ‘responsibility’ and ‘consideration’ in the same letter with Hollywierd. Silly me!

By allowing the lowest form of humanity, Hollywired, to continue to erode the foundation of our civilization, would be the very same as committing suicide for ourselves and our children. Even if you don’t THINK a movie has the very ingredients necessary to support a healthy, solid, family values environment, BOYCOTT IT! Tell Hollywierd that we don’t want there crap staining our communities anymore!
chris
Aug 18, 2008 8:16 AM
its a movie if you dont wanna see it then dont i saw it and it was hilarious and i have people with disabilities in my family
Freedom
Aug 18, 2008 9:12 AM
To Momma; soldiers have fought & died for that right. You may not like it but they have right to speak.
Jason
Aug 18, 2008 9:40 AM
I want to see the movie before I make a post about it. But doesn't every Stiller movie have a fat joke or gay joke in it? What's makes this any different then the others? You just wake up one morning and deside to hate this one movie because you don't agree with the jokes?
Brian
Aug 18, 2008 9:59 AM
to momma,
I have not seen tropic thunder and do not plan on it, I simply dont care for most of Ben Stiller movies and If i see any of them it will be via rental. But regardless of ones opinion of the movie itself one has to address your comment of complaining of those supporting the movie.
Do we as a society now need a "Big Brother" level of government to now tell us which movies can be viewed or not b/c someone MIGHT be offended? be carefull what one wishes for, the thought police may be right around the corner in the near future. read the old book by George Orwell-----1984. Have a good day.
Admirable but not efficient
Aug 18, 2008 11:41 AM
I agree that in today's society it would seem that respect for those who are different from us is declining.

That being said, parents have the first and utmost responsibility in teaching their children what is right and wrong. Not only by their words but by their actions. If I have done my job I would have no problem with my 15 year old seeing the moving because more than likely they will return home to tell me that they found the jokes distasteful and hurtful. In turn, giving us another perfect opportunity to discuss why they found them that way and why we, as a family, would disagree with the dialogue in the film.

I think that instead of pushing for a boycott your time and energies would be better served, and more productive I might add, if they were directed at education of our young children especially and others in the community.

Real life does not happen in a bubble. People are surrounded by others who use dergatory comments on a daily basis. We are forced to deal with them. It's not realistic to think we can "boycott" everyone and everything that is not respectful and considerate of all.
Ryan B
Aug 18, 2008 1:18 PM
Ok..Ok... Let's all calm down here. I seriously doubt that boycotting this film is going to work. This is exactly what the filmmakers want. They want to create a stir so it makes the press, gets plastered all over the news and people are so curious as to what all the commotion is about, that they go out and see it. That's probably why it was #1 at the box office this past weekend. I myself plan on seeing it. That does not mean that I endorse the word(s) used in the movie and/or am a simpleton like many of the targeted demographic. I simply like a good comedy. The scene that everyone is all worked up about is a sub-plot and does not make up the entire movie. Everyone just needs to lighten up. Does anybody remember a few years back the movie "The Ringer" starring Johnny Knoxville? This was about a guy who tried rigging the Special Olympics by pretending to be mentally handicapped. This movie was actually endorsed by the Special Olympics and had several mentally handicapped people in it, and the word "ret*rd" was thrown around too loosly, and I mean ALOT. Where was the activists then? Apparantly if they get some recognition then its all good.
Nancy
Aug 18, 2008 1:38 PM
Linda, As much as I applaud your personal stance, it is just that personal. I don't go to movies to be enlightened or educated, I go to enjoy and have a good laugh. If it is something offensive (I personal find Jim Carrey offensive). I don't go. That is my choice, but I do not try to push my beliefs off on anyone else. It is like TV instead of banning something, shut it off or just don't go. By chosing not to go to the movie you show the production company your dissatisfaction where they listen, in the pocketbook. I do not want the government stepping in and chosing for me. They interfer with our lives enough.
politically correct
Aug 18, 2008 1:58 PM
Personally I am tired of all this politically correct crap! Who decided 'r_tard', or 'r_tarded' was not acceptable. I have a r_tarded family member...and I don't find offense to this phrase. It is the same word used in music, retardando- to slow. Is the musical world going to have to change this word too? People are too oversensitive these days. In a few years people will be complaining that handicapped is offensive; where will it all stop.

PS-amazing, I have to edit my word choice, but the article can have the word printed fully. whatever.
Youre Stupid
Aug 18, 2008 3:00 PM
I went to see this movie that you think is offensive, and it wasn't funny to me. What is funny to me is that you might be offended because I went to see this movie.
Momma
Aug 18, 2008 4:14 PM
To Freedom, Brian, et al.
Soldiers fought and died for the right to say a derogatory comment?
And....organizing a boycott and government censorship are to totally different things. I am all for grassroots boycotts but not for government interference.
Linda has the right to alert people to the kind of garbage Hollyweird is spewing forth.
Please don't trample on those who cannot defend themselves. YOU might not find the word offensive, but dehumanizing words turn people into 'things' to laugh at.
Don't buy into it!
Jake J
Aug 18, 2008 5:14 PM
lol you guys are funny! this entire town could boycott that movie, heck, they could just take it out of the theater here all together and that movies sales would not even be affected by 1 single percent. i say go ahead, boycott it, theres just more room in the theater for me when i go see it
Amanda H
Aug 18, 2008 5:18 PM
Linda, i have never even heard of this movie until i read your letter. i looked it up, watched the trailer, and this movie looks good to me. i am now going to make an effort to see this movie


thanks for the advertising
NECONSERVATIVE
Aug 18, 2008 8:05 PM
“thanks for the advertising”

When the next carnival comes to town, they will have a new attraction! It’s a square booth with a lid just about head high. On the lid it says, “Don’t lift the lid. You have been warned!” So, for those of you who really need to lift the lid, it will cost you 50 cents. Go ahead and put your two quarters in and lift the lid…

SMACK!! You get a pie in the face!

Just a little more ‘free’ advertising for ya.
Yeah Sure
Aug 18, 2008 9:36 PM
Personally, I think the 'B' word is just as degrading, but as soon as every show that uses that word is boycotted, the only show left on TV would be Mr Rogers Neighborhood.
The film insults you and your intelligence and you don't find it funny: then stay home and save yourself the $8 per seat and $15 for pop and popcorn.
shelia m
Aug 18, 2008 10:14 PM
Folks...relax a bit. This person has an opinion, she wants to share it with the community...take it or leave it. Just something to think about. I appreciate that she took the time to write a thoughtful piece and put her full name on it in print (vs. taking cheat show without your full name on these comments).
jake
Aug 19, 2008 4:04 AM
in todays world these words that you speak of do not mean an individual. they are just that words. in years past handicapped were called those words but today they are not called the words just handicapped. so the words took on a different meaning. with todays youth they call almost everyone those words and they mean nothing. if people think that they are aimed at a particular group perhaps they need to ask the younger generation what they think the word means. it is all about perception of what the word means.
Chill Out
Aug 19, 2008 9:46 AM
Sheila M hit the nail on the head-----people in Fremont has such a hard time accepting the fact that people have different opinions----that's what this letter was - an OPINION! Everyone has a right to express their personal opinion, whether you agree or not. Thank God we're not all alike.
My opinion....
Aug 19, 2008 3:53 PM
This article was a waste of space! Reality is, people use those words everyday and as such will be portrayed in the movies. Instead of a ban, why dont you push the rating office to bump this up to the next level (ie PG13 to R).
Prince Philip
Aug 19, 2008 4:09 PM
Well this might be off subject a little bit, but I had to respond to NECONSERTIVE when he stated "RESPECT THE FREEDOM OF OTHERS" Is this the same person who has written comments that my partner and I can not get married because we are gay. Where is the respect of our freedoms? BTW, both my partner and I have been together for 16 years when we first meet in college as freshmen. We are both Veterans of the Iraqi War. I think its funny that my partner and I fought for this country and yet we are denied the respect of freedom to marry. How does this undermine straight marriage?

On the movie part, thanks for the heads up, I have friends who are mentally and physically handicaped who I have helped coach in special olympics and we don't plan on seeing this movie.
Jennifer
Aug 20, 2008 4:44 PM
I have total respect for Linda for writing this letter. I have worked with people with disabilities for over 10 years now and there are not enough people that stand up and advocate for them. They are great people just like you and me but there are a lot of people who don't give them a chance but would rather sit and poke fun. I think that it is funny that people on here are saying thanks to Linda for the advertisement when she is really advocating for people with disabilities. Keep up the great work Linda, we need more people out there like you!!!!
LSB
Aug 20, 2008 11:51 PM
I went to this movie tonight and all I can say is that people who think this movie is degrading or making fun of the mentally challenged have obviously not seen the film. The one small scene that people are getting so worked up against is in no way making fun of the mentally challenged, but making fun of the movie industry and the actors who play mentally challenged characters and those in the industry that do not fully understand the mentally challenged but try to pretend they do.

I have to agree with the person who brought up the move The Ringer. If any movie was making fun of the mentally challenged it was this one. And it had the ENDORSEMENT of the Special Olympics. Sounds a bit hypocritical to me.

Where I do believe anyone has the right to campaign against a movie if they do not agree with it, they do not have the right to tell me or demand I "boycott it". There are many films that are offensive to all sorts of people every day but that is the beauty of our country, we all have the right to chose what we see and what we don't. Do not censor my choices.

I also have 2 family members who are mentally handicapped. My aunt is mentally r_tarded (that is the medical term and her actual diagnosis)[Holy cow!! I can't even type the word?! censorship much?] and a cousin with Down Syndrome. I was brought up not to use "that word" and still don't. I have taught my children it is not an acceptable word, but I know they use it with their friends because it is one that is thrown around today. But they do know not to use it around family or they will end up in big trouble.

People just have to relax a bit and let people make their own choices. We are becoming such a "Big Brother" nation with making laws and letting the government tell us what to do and what not to do. Not letting people learn on their own and make their own choices and mistakes, no wonder we have no common sense anymore, we don't need to. The government will tell us how to think and what to do.

Brian has it right, read 1984. We are getting closer and closer to it becoming a reality.
Tex
Aug 21, 2008 11:27 AM
I haven't seen it and probably won't. I think some people are missing the point. We should have freedom of speech, but we should also use some common sense. Obviously our forefathers were not defending peoples rights to make insulting comments based on personal information about a person. It would be nice if Hollywood and people in general would just be a bit more considerate. I knew someone that was trying to get a job working in our town with some mentally handicapped people and kept calling them tards, thank God he did not stick with that. Just think a bit before you say these things. For years everything has been excused for the sake of humor, sometimes that doesn't really cut it. I can't judge this film but I have seen plenty of other examples of such mentality. But yes, we are approaching ``1984'' in areas that do count and that is what to watch for! Censorship based on poitical views etc.
JLB
Aug 21, 2008 6:01 PM
Thanks for the free publicity for the movie! How many of you actually seen it? I have to find out for myself if something should be boycotted and then I have already seen it so what's the point? Except I can then advise people about my thoughts on this particular movie. Because after all I do have a brain and I know how to lighten up and not take some of this stuff for fact-its a MOVIE! I don't tell people what they should or shouldn't do because after all they have a brain also.
Tired of Morons-Used to Bobo
Aug 21, 2008 9:49 PM
I wasn't going to see it. Now maybe I will when someone tells me not to.
I am: Tired of M_rons.
Momma
Aug 22, 2008 1:57 PM
boo hoo
everyone is so worried about 'censorship'....Linda is not the government, she is just giving information.....
How would you like to live in a country that really does censor--like the UK, and France, not to mention the 'dictator' and 'communist' countries.
LSB
Aug 22, 2008 10:41 PM
Momma... it all starts somewhere. If we start letting people censor what we say and watch and what we can put in a movie now it is a slippery slope. They have tried it with music, now you cant buy a CD at most major retailers that is not edited. This is why I choose to purchase my music at smaller record stores that do not sell edited music, or give you a choice on edited or not. We have a rating system on our movies, and you have advertising and reviews to tell you about a movie so you can make the choice to see it or not.
Making such a fuss over one word that plays such a small part in the movie is just crazy. So many things, people and issues are poked fun at in this movie, that is what it is about. After seeing the movie I could pick out many things that could be considered offensive, but I actually think that is the point of the movie. It is not a movie for anyone who is easily offended. You have to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes.