Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, August 14, 2008

HATE SPEECH

Avoid movie that fosters stereotypes

 Writer and actor Ben Stiller has told us that his summer film "Tropic Thunder" is meant to be a satire about the entertainment industry, but the reality is far more sobering. This film will do immeasurable damage to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The word "retard," considered hate speech by disability rights advocates, is used frequently in the film.

"Tropic Thunder" features a film-within-a-film starring Stiller's character as "Simple Jack," who is described as a "retard," and until recent objections, a marketing Web site featured the tagline, "Once upon a time ... There was a retard." Scenes include one character advising Stiller's character to "never go full retard." You can already buy this phrase on a T-shirt.

Advocacy organizations have been told they are overreacting and that the intention is not to make fun of people with intellectual disabilities. They've been told that it's just a word, and words have no power.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Words that denigrate and dehumanize an entire segment of the population have far-reaching effects. People with intellectual disabilities are routinely targeted for ridicule, abuse and violence, all because of how a word defines them.

Films like "Tropic Thunder" not only foster a negative stereotype, they tell young people that it's OK to belittle others. I have a child with Down syndrome, and in a few weeks, I will be sending her back to school. The hallways have never been exactly welcoming of those with differences; I'm cringing at the thought of kids enduring "full retard" remarks.

Parents, schools and teachers -- please make sure this doesn't happen. Avoid "Tropic Thunder." Banish the word "retard" as hate speech in your homes and schools. Educate people about why this word is so offensive. Don't allow my child, and others like her, to be targeted.

Amy Patterson
Lake Stevens
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA