| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 10:36 pm |
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Letters 
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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 |
- A revolutionary 747
- Fire breaks out at Everett car dealer
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- Vote on school levies by Tuesday
(11) - A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood (10)
- State Senate votes to toss I-960's tax-raising hurdle (9)
- Lynnwood sets height limit on grass: 8 inches (8)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (5)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (4)
- A new bowling alley for Monroe? (3)
- Toyota has powerful D.C. friends (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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