Disability advocates to storm 'Tropic Thunder' premiere in protest

Tonight's star-studded premiere of Ben Stiller's buzzed-about comedy, "Tropic Thunder," may turn into a real rumble.

According to Reuters, advocacy groups for the disabled have called a national boycott of Stiller's film, citing a negative portrayal of people with "intellectual disabilities," as the wire service politely puts it.

"We are asking people not to go to the movie, and hope to bring a consciousness to people about using derogatory words about this population," said Peter Wheeler, spokesman for Special Olympics, one of 22 groups nationwide that are protesting the satire.

And they plan to picket the Westwood premiere that will feature Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and maybe even Tom Cruise, who has a much-lauded role in the film as a fat, balding, dorky film backer rumored to be a dig at Sumner Redstone. That's right, I said fat, balding and dorky. AND he dances.

The groups take offense at the repeated use of "retard" to refer to a character, Simple Jack — a role played by Stiller's "Thunder" character in a film within the film — in one of the "Tropic" subplots.

Reps for the Special Olympics, the Arc of the United States, the National Down Syndrome Congress, the American Assn. of People with Disabilities and other groups met with DreamWorks execs last week, but no changes were made to the film, according to Reuters.

Comments

[tomk]

Even though Peter Travers gave this film 3.5 stars in Rolling Stone ("Funny As Hell"), I had my doubts.

Now that's all cleared up: Calling someone a "retard" IS funny as hell! (Why didn't Diablo Cody think of that?)

I'm laughing so much milk just shot out of my nose! Now, THAT'S retarded!

Ben, and Tom, stay by your phones. I've got a funny feeling it's going to be Oscar calling!

[simple hal]

They should make simple jack into a movie btw Ben Stiller fumars marijuanas thats how he comes up with this stuff, riding on the ganja train.

[kilteddude]

So what you are saying is that retards are boycotting this film? Good maybe I can go see it in the theaters without people talking through it

[Alex]

C'mon, screw censorship, give me a break already...have they not heard of the first amendment?

What are they retards?? LOL

[Alex]

C'mon, screw censorship, give me a break already...have they not heard of the first amendment?

What are they retards?? LOL

[Brady]

I think we all know that retarded people are too...well, uhm...retarded to be offended by this movie, so where's the harm?

[Andrew]

From the womens' movement starting in the early 1900's, to the civil rights movement in the 50's and 60's, disability rights advocates have been speaking out. The problem is they just can't seem to mobilize into action. I know it sounds like I made a cruel pun, but this is the real problem. Medical issues keep some of our best advocates immobilized. Unfortunately, the ones that are mobile tend not to be the best advocates (though some are great huggers). Whereas I can recognize that what Tropic Thunder is doing is funny, it is as wrong as making fun of women for being women and minorities for being minorities.

I am happy to hear that individuals with disabilities are getting out there to support their own cause.

[Nancy]

After reading some of these comments, it is clear to me why we will never be a truly civilized society. You people make me sick.

[JN]

I look at it this way. A white man is in black face amd it's the disabled with the protesting LOL

ONLY IN AMERICA!

:)

[paul-K]

Come on, relax. That's how movies become boring. Everyone's expected to stay in the middle of the road. Then every comedy will become a boring romantic comedy.

Until of course, gay rights groups protest the excessive portrayal of straight relationships.

And what was the hoo haa about rob downey acting as a black man?

Remember whitechicks? that was funny...

[Tom]

"... have they not heard of the first amendment?" When did the first amendment start prohibitting people from boycotting a movie? It is not a "first amendment" violation unless a government were preventing the movie from being shown. A boycott organized by private groups is an *expression* of freedom of speech, not the suppression of it. Also, I've not seen the movie, but I think the people wanting to boycott it are missing the point of the parody.

[JB]

It seems to me that this is a comedy and every person, mentally challenged or not, is being made fun of.

[kev]

Would anyone care to ask what the "R" in "ARC" of "The Arc of the United States" stands for?

[Bob Baggins]

You're right Nancy, I totally agree. We can never be a truly civilized society untill people truely understand what freedom means, and that it is a horrible thing when you have to live with thigns like free speech. Instead, why not realize we aren't talking about people who are just differnt, but we are talking about people who are by definition inferior, and there is never a nice way to put that, even "intellectual disabilitie" is negative. All this movie is is humor, and is no more biggoted or hateful than Soul Plane, Glitter, or Friday.

[Kim J]

I shouldn't be shocked at what I've read because I hear it all the time!!! But, as always, I'm still bewildered at the amount of stupidity, lack of compassion or any level of understanding. I have a 16yr old with severe Autism and Mental Retardation so I know first hand how those words can hurt. And yes, there are some people with that disability who can understand. However, I guess none of these idiots posting have never been touched by a loved one with a disability!!!!! I think people should remember when they were made fun, and we all were at one point. Who ever liked being called; fat, pizza face, geek, nerd, or dumb "jock". Those that find it easy to make fun of others are the ones that care very little about themselves.

[Ami]

You've got to be kidding me! What's the IQ of the idiots making such hateful remarks? Guys grow up and try to use your "normal" brain if you're capable.

[SanDiego]

Typical Hollywood Writer Arrogance. Boycott All Hollywood Movies. Hollywood Writers Disdain Their Audience... the people who support their Arrogance.

[Jasper]

Comon, I say we take that word "retard" back... we have already lost so many great words to so many lame, incomprehensable groups and minoritys.... Comon lets reclaim our language and our 1st Ammendment...

[Catlady]

Thanks to all of the organizations complaining, Ben Stiller et al can rest assured that they will make many millions more from the controversy and resulting free, widespread publicity than they ever would have from standard promotion. It's a shame that political correctness has retarded a certain subset of people into being unable to recognize satire when it is blankly staring them in the face.

[Matthew]

For those who think the protest is about being "PC"or that it's just the use of the word "retard" you are very sadly mistaken. Those with intellectual disabilities are the only group where our society has deemed it funny and acceptable to belittle, humiliate, and openly discriminate against- all while laughing at them in the process. And to the commentator who stated that those whom this humor pokes fun at are too "retarded" to get it--let me assure you that they get it they just don't think it's funny.

[Just a mother of a child]

The families of those afflicted with mental retardation are actually the ones leading the battle cry against this film. As demonstrated in these comments, those less fortunate do need to be protected from ignorance. In watching this great "retard" movie, perhaps you can put yourselves into the shoes of a parent or sibling and see why this humor rings hollow. It is not about the use of the word "retard", it is about the portrayal of those less fortunate for laughs. To call it a Hollywood satire is disingenuous.

[Advocate]

After reading some of the comments on this page...it truly saddens me to know that society has little education about intellectual disabilities. I showed one of the clips from the movie to a group I work with, and let me tell you, they fully understood they were being made fun of. And yes, they hate the word "retard", as do I. These individuals are the greatest people I have ever worked with, and because of them, I love my job. I wonder if anyone who made an ignorant comment before would react differently if they had a child or sibling with a developmental disability. Would you still be inclined to call your family member a "retard"???

[Frederick]

It's 2008 and we are still treating people with disabilities like its no problem that people use hateful, outmoded derogatory speech toward them. No one would be laughing at jokes about "jews" or "faggots" or "n-----s". It is time that highly paid writers, directors and actors find creative ways to show humor other than at the expense of people who struggle to advocate for themselves. Reading these comments one would think that the civil rights movement never happened in this country.

[Meg]

To Frederick, and others expressing similar sentiments:

Have you seen the film? Or are you basing your outrage on what others are saying? I am a fairly sensitive person, and I don't like movies that make jokes at others' expense. I wasn't sure I was going to like Tropic Thunder. But I went to an advance screening of the film, and I have to say it is NOT what so many of these groups are making it out to be. Yes, they use the "r-word," but they use it because that's what word is used by the people in Hollywood they're making fun of. They're not poking fun at these groups, they're poking fun at those who capitalize on their disabilities or hardships. I wish activist groups like this would educate themselves about the subject matter before jumping to conclusions. The movie is nowhere near as offensive as it's been made to appear.

[Maggie Dee]

I do not attend movies any more. If at all, upon suggestion I will rent a movie only if a friend highly recommends one. Movies are for sickos, finatics, war mongers and all the other negative adj. you can think of. I can find a far better way to spend 10 bucks than watch stuff like this satire or no. maybe enough of this junk will turn off more and more people. I know our local movie house runs empty most of the time...the parking lot is empty at both theaters. Maybe people are coming to their senses...the only popular movies these days here are the G-rated movies. But then, more people are turning to their churches and the church activities now. Karma will rule...watch at your own risk cuz if you have to be entertained by stuff that is objectable...sorta the garbage in/garbage out eventually you will pay the piper. Give us movies which are fulfilling, that teach rather than use people to degrade. What a shame that persons with disabiities have to speak out during an opening...but hooray for the power of the First Amendment...for both sides, the film maker and those who feel that they have been slighted. Maggie