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August 12, 2008
When disability advocates found out about DreamWorks Productions new release “Tropic Thunder,” they set in motion a nationwide protest by a coalition of disability organizations outraged by the film’s use of the R-word (retard). The movie, billed as an adult comedy poking fun at Hollywood, includes a movie-in-a-movie featuring Ben Stiller as “Simple Jack” and the tagline “Once upon a time there was a retard.” TASH , one of founding members of the coalition, seeks to raise public awareness that the R-word hurts people with disabilities, their families and their friends.
Last week, TASH participated in a meeting with DreamWorks executives to request that “Simple Jack” scenes be edited and that the studios fund a public awareness campaign, including a film trailer, to educate the public about the offensiveness of the R-word. TASH also signed on to a statement of solidarity (.doc) and an ad that will run in Friday’s New York Times. In addition, several members joined a demonstration at the film’s Monday night premiere in Hollywood. Several major news outlets have already covered the protests.
To raise awareness of the pain caused by the R-word, TASH encourages members to boycott the movie. However, we don’t want to draw more attention to the film. Instead of protesting in front of your local theaters, help TASH and our partner organizations ban use of the R-word by taking action - and share your success stories:
Contact Local Arts and Education Reporters
Let them know that you are boycotting “Tropic Thunder” because the use of the R-word hurts you – as a self-advocate, family member or professional. Remind reporters that almost every family includes a person with a disability. Research indicates that 1 in 5 people – 20% of the population has a disability. Share your personal story about how the R-word – and other negative words – cause pain. Ask them to write about ways to include people with disabilities in school, at work and during social activities. Respond to Cinemablend review, which promoted "Tropic Thunder" as hilarious. Comment on the review .
Tell Friends and Family
Send an e-mail to your friends, family and work colleagues encouraging them to boycott the film. Organize a phone tree to educate local officials about the film. Ask everyone you know to sign the R-word pledge.
Theater Owners
Circulate a petition protesting the film and deliver it to local theater owners. Don’t forget to send a copy to your local newspapers and TV stations. Arrange meetings with theater owners to ask them to remove the film from their showings. Take the opportunity to remind them that their employees likely include people with disabilities. Ask theater owners to hand out the TASH fact sheet (.doc) about disabilities at the beginning of each showing.
Stop Bullying: Contact Your Schools - The school year is just around the corner and teachers should send the message that it’s not ok to bully people with disabilities.
Arrange meetings with school officials to share your concerns about the film’s release and the R-word’s impact on children with disabilities. Request a meeting between parents, students and school administrators to discuss how schools can educate students of all ages that it’s wrong to use the R-word. Suggest that teachers incorporate a lesson on banning use of the R-word at school during homeroom or other appropriate class time. Encourage schools to ban merchandise promoting the film (or any other hate speech merchandise).
Write to DreamWorks Executives
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