ACTION ALERT - Offensive Portrayal of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Movie Released on August 13, 2008.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
The Arc of Northern Va, and several advocates from Northern Va were invited to the National Press Club for a press conference on Wednesday August 13, 2008. The Arc US, Executive Director,Peter Berns, spearheaded this effort and Peggy Fox of WUSA9 news followed up with
a wonderful news spot on the 5:30 news featuring an interview with The Arc of Northern VA staff member, Erin Thompson.
To help communicate the importance of dignity and respect for people with intellectual disabilities, Will Schermerhorn of
Blueberry Shoes Productions and members of The Arc of Northern Virginia prepared a
Public Service Announcement for The Arc's use,
Please share this PSA with media outlets and movie theaters in your community to help spread the word! For a list of media outlets in your area,
click here.
Below are some other publications that have been sent out throughout Virignia and Nationally as well as tips if you want to get involved.
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August 15, 2008
DreamWorks Studios would like to hear from you!
Please call/email to express your views of Tropic Thunder:
comments@dreamworksstudios.com
1-(818) 733-9919
(Note: This is not a toll free number)
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A Response from Special Olympics of Virginia:
Special Olympics Virginia Fans & Friends:
It's come to our attention that a new movie, Tropic Thunder, which opens in theaters this Wednesday, Aug. 13, makes offensive misuse of the "R" word (retard). As fans of Special Olympics, we encourage you to actively reject the stereotypes this film perpetuates by joining us in building more inclusive communities. In addition to volunteering, participating and supporting our program, here are some additional ways to get involved:
1. If you haven't already, sign the "R" word pledge to help us eliminate the "R" word: http://www.richmond.com/sponsor_pop.aspx?itemId=378
2. Visit the Special Olympics Virginia Web site and/or stay in touch with your local/area program about other ways to support the movement
3. After signing our pledge, there also is a Special Olympics Inc. Web site, www.r-word.org, where you can again pledge not to use the "R" word and find out more information about this campaign
4. Contact your representatives in the Virginia House and Senate and encourage them to support the pending legislation to remove the term "mental retardation" from all state code and replace it with "intellectual disability"
At a time when the entire world has joined together for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, let us all keep the spirit of the Olympics alive by reaffirming our shared belief in the value of every human being.
We appreciate your time and support. If you have any questions, please contact me at any time.
Best,
Holly Claytor
Holly Claytor
Public Relations Director
Special Olympics Virginia
Opening hearts. Changing minds.
www.specialolympicsva.org
3212 Skipwith Rd. Ste 100
Richmond, VA 23294-4413
Phone: (804) 346-5544 x3025
Toll-free: (800) 932-4653 x3025
Fax: (804) 346-9633
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A CALL TO ACTION- (Press Release from The Arc of VA)
Nationwide "Rally for Respect" in Response to Movie Tropic Thunder
The Arc of Virginia joins The Arc of US and coalition of other disability organizations such as the Special Olympics, the American Association for People with Disabilities and the National Down Syndrome Association in calling for a national dialogue about the language and treatment of people with intellectual disabilities in response to move Tropic Thunder, which is being released this week.
Tropic Thunder is produced by DreamWorks and Paramount is its distributor. Actor Ben Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a fading action star who earlier failed in his bid for an Oscar as "Simple Jack," a man with an intellectual disability. "Simple Jack" is featured as a film-within-a-film and its promotional poster bears the subtitle "Once upon a time there was a retard." Several staff members of The Arc, along with self-advocates and other representatives of the disability community, were able to preview the movie. It is clear that the film's depiction of people with intellectual disabilities is derogatory and demeaning.
The film's offensive portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities and liberal use of "the-R word" may not be new to the entertainment industry, but self-advocates have called for a national movement to say enough is enough! People with intellectual disabilities have experienced a history of oppression including institutionalization, genocide, forced sterilization, segregation, and being regarded as 'less than human'. More than any other group, they experience record unemployment, significant physical, mental and sexual abuse, and limited rights. This discrimination and victimization continues, in large part, due to antiquated, discriminatory portrayals in the media and pervasive prejudice.
What can you do to help?
1. Participate in the national boycott of the film, Tropic Thunder. Ask your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to join you in doing so by sharing this information using the "Tell a Friend" feature of The Arc's Advocacy Network.
2. "Rally for Respect" outside your local movie theater. Around the state, local chapters are holding demonstrations at venues where the movie is being shown, providing potential moviegoers with education and awareness flyers and other materials and encouraging conversation about the civil rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Contact your local chapter of The Arc to find out when your community's Rally for Respect will be held (visit www.arcofva.org for a listing) or contact The Arc of Virginia for information on how you can organize one.
3. Send a letter to the editor. Share your thoughts about Tropic Thunder and/or your personal feelings and experiences with regards to use of "the R word".
4. Contact Dreamworks. Send a letter to Stacey Snider, CEO of DreamWorks: 100 Universal City Plaza, Building 10, Universal City, CA 91608
For more information on The Arc of US' response to movie, Tropic Thunder, and national press coverage of this issue, visit www.thearc.org.
