Some people just don't "get it"

You might have been hearing the chatter about the new movie by Dreamworks coming out called "Tropic Thunder" starring Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Matthew McConaughey in which they make fun of a developmentally challenged character named "Simple Jack". The promotional poster they put out originally is enough to make a person sick. They did pull the "Simple Jack" promotional materials and website due to the huge outcry by disability rights activist groups. However they still don't see anything wrong with the movie. They say it's just a comedy; that we should "lighten up". They see nothing wrong with making fun of developmentally challenged people and calling them "retards". (of course you all KNOW how that word makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention!)

Anyways, I'm not going to say much more on the subject other than encouraging everyone NOT to watch this movie. If you feel strongly about the subject and would like to take it a step forward, I would encourage you to write a letter to Dreamworks as well as your local newspaper. Let them know your disapproval for their hateful language and blatant ridicule of persons with disabilities. There are some petitions and facebook groups you can join. And I will include links to this post as I find them for any further information. The first link includes a copy of the original poster depicting "Simple Jack" with the tagline, "Once upon a time ... there was a retard".

I personally think the whole lot of actors and execs at Dreamworks should be charged with hate crimes. At the very least they should be forced to volunteer with persons with disabilities to enlighten and educate them about the value of every human being!

Links:
Media and Mayhem

Petition to Stop Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder, Stop the Blunder - Facebook Group

5 Minutes for Mom-Once upon a time there was a Retard

“Tropic Thunder” Boycott Expected

What “Tropic Thunder” Thinks Is Funny

Nationwide Thunder Boycott in the Works

Advocates for disabled to boycott “Tropic Thunder”

The Arc: Action Alert

Insensitive Hollywood People Thought It Felt Right to Use Hate Words Against People Living with Disabilities

Addresses to write to:

DreamWorks
100 Universal City Plaza, Bldg. 5121, Universal City, CA 91608
818-733-7000

Paramount/Vantage
5555 Melrose Ave., Ball/Lasky Bldgs., Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-956-2000

Ben Stiller, Writer/Director/Producer
Read Hour Films, 629 N. La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-602-5000