Several groups that advocate for the disabled are calling for a boycott of the new film Tropic Thunder, starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Tom Cruise and Robert Downey, Jr.
The groups state that the movie is depicting a negative portrayal of those with “intellectual disabilities.”
The flick is directed by Stiller and is set to be released this Wednesday.
There are currently 22 disability groups protesting the movie’s satire.
Many of the groups also plan to protest the movie’s premier today in Los Angeles.
Peter Wheeler, a spokesman for the Special Olympics, says “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. That will be the start of a nationwide protest. We will continue to be vocal about the destructive effect of this film.”
Wheeler says the groups are particularly offended by the repeated use of the word “retard” in regards to a subplot character that Stiller plays called Simple Jack.
Representatives from several groups such as the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and the American Association of People with Disabilities met last week with execs from Dreamworks to discuss the film, though no changes were made.
The groups presented various ideas to the studio, such as requesting an apology or fixing the film before its release, in order to produce a national education campaign.
A rep for Dreamworks says, “We have had productive discussions with representatives of disability advocacy organizations and look forward to working with them closely in the future. However no changes or cuts to the film will be made.”
Adding that “Tropic Thunder is an R-rated comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its excesses, and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the top characters in ridiculous situations. The film is in no way meant to disparage or harm the image of individuals with disabilities.”
Hmmm…
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