DreamWorks’ new comedy "Tropic Thunder," includes a character called "Simple Jack" played by actor Ben Stiller.  Simple Jack has an intellectual disability (formerly commonly referred to as "mental retardation") and is an object of derision in the film.  The movie contains frequent use of the word "retard" (in fact, it is said 16 times in one scene in the film) and other insulting terms to describe this character.

The Arc of Indiana, Indiana Special Olympics, Self-Advocates of Indiana, Best Buddies Indiana, and Down Syndrome Indiana have issued a joint response to this issue. 

The Arc of Indiana believes this provides an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of language and the treatment of people with cognitive and other developmental disabilities. 

Following are links to information, followed by the joint statement.

The Arc Respect PSA
The Arc of Virginia
The Arc of Northern Virginia
Blueberry Shoes Productions




 

What Do You Call People with Disabilities

R-Word Flyer 

The R Word Isn't Just Hurtful, It Is Hate Speech

The Importance of Words, Action, and Respect

Q&A - Abuse of Children with Cognitive, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Watch - Peter Berns and Self-Advocates, Rally & News Conference on Respect

Joint Statement
August 12, 2008

Why is Intellectual Disability Funny?

John Dickerson, Executive Director, The Arc of Indiana
Mike Furnish, Executive Director, Indiana Special Olympics
Betty Williams, President, Self-Advocates of Indiana
Sarah Baldini, State Director, Best Buddies Indiana
Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director, Down Syndrome Indiana 

DreamWorks’ new comedy "Tropic Thunder," includes a character called "Simple Jack" played by actor Ben Stiller.  Simple Jack has an intellectual disability (formerly commonly referred to as "mental retardation") and is an object of derision in the film.  The movie contains frequent use of the word "retard" (in fact, it is said 16 times in one scene in the film) and other insulting terms to describe this character.

The movie brings to light an issue that deserves attention.  The “R-word” or “retard” has found a place in common language and seems to be generally accepted. The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities.  It is time to take a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to so many. It is time
for a simple change – stop using the “R-word.” 

Mocking people that we know have historically been oppressed (such as African Americans) or have some type of physical disability (such as persons with paraplegia) is,
thankfully, generally not considered funny theses days.  Yet, some people are less enlightened in their attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities.  While the “N word”
is firmly prohibited, the “R-word” is still widely accepted in our homes, schoolyards, and movie theatres.   

Why is that?  Perhaps people are unaware of the fundamental disregard for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities in most parts of the world. 
Perhaps people are unaware that intellectual disability is a condition usually developed in utero and not one for which people volunteer.  Perhaps people have not read
about children with Down syndrome in underdeveloped countries tied to their beds for years in filthy institutions; or about the estimated 80 percent of girls and women
in this country with intellectual disabilities who are sexually abused. Perhaps people are not aware that more than six million individuals with intellectual disabilities in the
United States have suffered severe consequences including: institutionalization, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; denial of education, employment, and healthcare;
and segregation and targeted hate crimes.

Maybe if only more people knew, they would not find using the R-word funny.

Language frames how we think about others.  Attitudes and expectations of the public, in part, determine the degree to which children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities are able to learn, work and live alongside their peers without disabilities. It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities.  It is time to stop using the
R-word.