Disability rights and advocacy group protests about Ben Stiller’s new movie, “Tropic Thunder” continue to splash headlines in major news outlets around the U.S. Now, news sources around the world are also reporting the story! Here is a very small sample:
From the United Kingdom:
“Ben Stiller and Tom Cruise's Tropic Thunder 'Offensive to the Disabled'”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2545958/Ben-Stiller-and-Tom-Cruises-Tropic-Thunder-offensive-to-the-disabled.html
From Canada:
“Tropic Thunder and Other Recent Cinematic Boycotts”
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2008/08/12/tropic-thunder-and-the-greatest-cinematic-boycotts-of-all-time.aspx
From Moldova (near Romania)
Disability Advocacy Groups to Protest Tropic Thunder Premiere
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/08/11/protest-tropicthunder.html?ref=rss
From Malaysia:
Tropic Thunder Disability Controversy
http://www.star-ecentral.com/movies/buzz/buzz.asp?file=archives/buzz/2008/8/7TropicThun&date=8/7/2008&title=Tropic%20Thunder%20disability%20controversy
Plan a Star Boycott— Do you want to know which Hollywood A-list stars attended the TT premiere? Check out this Monsters and Critics photo feature:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/features/article_1423480.php/In_photos_Tropic_Thunder_Los_Angeles_Premiere
10 comments:
Apparently the movie “Tropic Thunder” is contributing to a disability stereotype and even thou this is not the first movie that does it, the movie has created a huge controversy. People may not realize it but movies have a huge influence in our society, especially in young generations. Movies have, for many years, imposed clothing styles, and new vocabulary. By knowing this, we can expect to see the word “retard” become reinforced to be use more and more by the public. However, this becomes a negative issue due to the offensive nature of the word.
Pro disability leaders have protested against the use of the word during marketing materials, which I believe to be the right thing to do. It is hard to understand the concept of society trying to get rid of stereotypes, and at the same time creating them throw moves and other public influential sources. Honestly, I think the movie will not be boycotted or prohibited, however, hopefully awareness about person first language increases among the general population. Hopefully the attention the movie “Tropic Thunder” is creating will be turn to be positive in some aspect.
Mariana GG
I really don't understand what the big deal is, yes its wrong to make fun of anyone in general, not just the disabled, but its a comedy movie. For example there have been many movies where they make fun of some ones race, for example African Americans even my race Mexicans. Why is this any diffrent?
Raquel M
Raquel M
Yeah stereotyping ethnic groups is one thing but stereotyping persons with disabilities is just wrong. As an ethnic group we understand why we're being stereotyped and we can always do something aboutit to change. People with disabilities can't just stop having the disabilities. There's a huge difference in these stereotyping situations.
Cristina L.
I agree Mariana that using the word "retard" as a joke or punch line occurs too much in movies
Davidw reaction
I agree with Raquel M, many other groups are targget at, especially african american and mecian. and not one has said anything.
Monica M,
In response to Mariana GG staement I do agree this is not the first movie to use sterotypes to label indivduals with disabilities. I feel what this movie did was wrong and feel they should have not used this word. Moreover, should have known a controversy was going to occur.
Caleb B.
Though this post does not really specify why Tropic Thunder posses a controversy, i researched the topic and found out that many advocates don't like the movie because of the use of the word "retard". I do understand where they are coming from that this word has a very strong connotation but the movie is R rated so you should know what you are getting into.
What i don't understand is why they put so much emphasis on a single word but when it comes to pornographic movies it seems to be generally accepted into society. I believe these pornographic movies to be offensive that is why i do not watch them but if i were to rate the porno movie with the "retard" word, i would say that the porno movie is more offensive than the word.
Also in the movie when they use the word "retard" they are not referring to mentally disabled people but to the actual character that Ben Stiller plays. I believe that have no reason to be offended at all.
Nohemi L.
I personally have not d=seen the movie, but I will admit I am a bit biased for I find Ben Stiller quite amusing. On another note, I would tend to agree with the statements arguing that everyone else gets laughed at so its not big deal, and there are those who say that Racial and Disabled jokes are on two different platforms. The latter being much less acceptable. Two valid arguments.
Joshua P.
i saw the movie and i thought it was just humorous. i dont think that it was meant to hurt anyones feelings but i guess the saying everyone has their right to their own opinions.
Estefanita G.
I agree with Estefanita. This was a comedy movie. That word wasnt used to bring somebody down. Its just a movie. If people dont like it, they shouldnt watch it. I mean if they kept repeating it over and over again and was the main word used throughout the movie then that wouldve been a big issue. But people do have their own opinion on this case.
Sarah O.
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