News on "Tropic Thunder"
The use of the R-Word in the 2008 summer comedy "Tropic Thunder" caused outrage among people with intellectual disabilities, their families and advocates. Follow the controversy through news stories and articles from this Parenting Special Needs site and around the Web. For the latest news, go to the Today's News folder.
That guy from Scrubs
From 'til my head falls off: In an excerpt from an interview with Exceptional Parent, actor John C. McGinley, who has a son has Down syndrome, explains why Ben Stiller's no friend of his. (12/12/08)
From 'til my head falls off: In an excerpt from an interview with Exceptional Parent, actor John C. McGinley, who has a son has Down syndrome, explains why Ben Stiller's no friend of his. (12/12/08)
What's Missing in R-Word Debate
From author Susan Senator, writing in the Washington Post: "The fact is, there is nothing wrong with the word, and there is nothing wrong with being retarded. What is wrong is when someone seeks to reduce a person to one thing." (9/1/08)
From author Susan Senator, writing in the Washington Post: "The fact is, there is nothing wrong with the word, and there is nothing wrong with being retarded. What is wrong is when someone seeks to reduce a person to one thing." (9/1/08)
Arts, Briefly - Another Blast From Tropic Thunder"
That R-word movie is #1 at the box office again, says the New York Times. (9/1/08)
That R-word movie is #1 at the box office again, says the New York Times. (9/1/08)
Additional discussion of Tropic Thunder and the R-word
From the Disability News blog, the latest round-up of outrage. (8/30/08)
From the Disability News blog, the latest round-up of outrage. (8/30/08)
Maureen McCormick won't see 'Thunder'
From MSNBC: The Brady Bunch star, who has a brother with intellectual disabilities, adds her voice to the protest against Tropic Thunder. (8/29/08)
From MSNBC: The Brady Bunch star, who has a brother with intellectual disabilities, adds her voice to the protest against Tropic Thunder. (8/29/08)
"Thunder" Stays on Top
Protests don't seem to be dampening the film's box office. (8/25/08)
Protests don't seem to be dampening the film's box office. (8/25/08)
The 'R-word' is no joke
Another Shriver -- Maria -- weighs in on the "Tropic Thunder" controversy, in the Los Angeles Times. (8/25/08)
Another Shriver -- Maria -- weighs in on the "Tropic Thunder" controversy, in the Los Angeles Times. (8/25/08)
Not just crass, a word that hurts
From the Boston Globe: Tropic Thunder "is ... the worst thing to come along for the developmentally disabled since public schools used the dunce cap to humiliate." (8/24/08)
From the Boston Globe: Tropic Thunder "is ... the worst thing to come along for the developmentally disabled since public schools used the dunce cap to humiliate." (8/24/08)
Tropic Thunder undermines struggle to end discrimination
From guardian.co.uk: An opinion piece from David Tolleson, executive director of the National Down Syndrome Congress. (8/23/08)
From guardian.co.uk: An opinion piece from David Tolleson, executive director of the National Down Syndrome Congress. (8/23/08)
Commentary: Diverse voices on the R-word
Another round-up from the Disability News blog. (8/22/08)
Another round-up from the Disability News blog. (8/22/08)
Ben Stiller's offensive portrayal of intellectual disability
"Anyone who doesn't think this movie will influence the attitudes and behaviour of young people toward people with disabilities hasn't been in a high school or around young kids recently." (8/20/08)
"Anyone who doesn't think this movie will influence the attitudes and behaviour of young people toward people with disabilities hasn't been in a high school or around young kids recently." (8/20/08)
In the Gray Area Between Intent and Effect
Just because you don't mean it the way other people heard it doesn't mean you're off the hook. I'm talking to you, Ben Stiller. (8/20/08)
Just because you don't mean it the way other people heard it doesn't mean you're off the hook. I'm talking to you, Ben Stiller. (8/20/08)
Use of the R-Word in "Tropic Thunder" Sparks Controversy
Just hearing about the uproar over this big summer comedy? I've got the issues all laid out. (8/20/08)
Just hearing about the uproar over this big summer comedy? I've got the issues all laid out. (8/20/08)
When words wound
A Special Olympics athlete gives his opinion of the "Tropic Thunder" controversy in the Roanoke Times. (8/19/08)
A Special Olympics athlete gives his opinion of the "Tropic Thunder" controversy in the Roanoke Times. (8/19/08)
Sunday's crop: "Thunder" commentary
More op-eds indexed by the Disability News blog. (8/17/08)
More op-eds indexed by the Disability News blog. (8/17/08)
"Tropic Thunder" beats Batman; Shriver speaks out on GMA
The Disability News blog has excerpts from the interview with Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver and Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne. (8/18/08)
The Disability News blog has excerpts from the interview with Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver and Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne. (8/18/08)
A Room of Mama's Own: Tropic Thunder
The mother of a child with autism goes to see "Tropic Thunder" despite the protests, and gives her own review. (8/18/08)
The mother of a child with autism goes to see "Tropic Thunder" despite the protests, and gives her own review. (8/18/08)
Is film a joke, or humiliation?
A professor of disability studies asks, in a Chicago Tribuine op-ed: "Who gets to say what's funny and what hurts -- the jester or the object of the jest?" (8/18/08)
A professor of disability studies asks, in a Chicago Tribuine op-ed: "Who gets to say what's funny and what hurts -- the jester or the object of the jest?" (8/18/08)
'Tropic Thunder' reigns at box office
Protests don't seem to have made a huge impact on business. (8/17/08)
Protests don't seem to have made a huge impact on business. (8/17/08)
Wayne Carter: No excuse for the R-word
An editor for The Dallas Morning News website who's also the father of a child with Down syndrome expresses his dismay over the choice of language in "Tropic Thunder," and wonders how it may affect the already high abortion rate for prenatal Down syndrome diagnoses. (8/17/08)
An editor for The Dallas Morning News website who's also the father of a child with Down syndrome expresses his dismay over the choice of language in "Tropic Thunder," and wonders how it may affect the already high abortion rate for prenatal Down syndrome diagnoses. (8/17/08)
A Movie, a Word and My Family's Battle
Patricia Bauer, who got the whole "Tropic Thunder" protest ball rolling in her Disability News blog, writes in the Washington Post about why it's important and how it affects her family. (8/16/08)
Patricia Bauer, who got the whole "Tropic Thunder" protest ball rolling in her Disability News blog, writes in the Washington Post about why it's important and how it affects her family. (8/16/08)
Disability rights group calls on Stiller to meet
Maybe hearing in person from people with disabilities and their families would help him "get it." (8/16/08)
Maybe hearing in person from people with disabilities and their families would help him "get it." (8/16/08)
Going "Full-Jew" in "Tropic Thunder"?
L.A. Times columnist Patrick Goldstein wonders how it would feel if a different word was plugged into those catchphrases. (8/16/08)
L.A. Times columnist Patrick Goldstein wonders how it would feel if a different word was plugged into those catchphrases. (8/16/08)
"Tropic Thunder" and the R-Word
For an R-rated comedy designed to deliver offensive yuks, it's ironic that the furor over Tropic Thunder should come down to one word.
For an R-rated comedy designed to deliver offensive yuks, it's ironic that the furor over Tropic Thunder should come down to one word.
Tropic Thunder Blasted by Disability-Rights Groups
My own take on the stormy situation. (8/11/08)
My own take on the stormy situation. (8/11/08)
Satire Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry
The "Tropic Thunder" crew seems to think that if they didn't mean it, it doesn't hurt. Unfortunately, protesters aren't the only ones who are going to take the movie literally. {8/14/08)
The "Tropic Thunder" crew seems to think that if they didn't mean it, it doesn't hurt. Unfortunately, protesters aren't the only ones who are going to take the movie literally. {8/14/08)
Debate rages over "Tropic Thunder"
Disability News gathers the latest reports. (8/15/08)
Disability News gathers the latest reports. (8/15/08)
Protesters gather at Stiller film
The BBC covers the "Tropic Thunder" clash. (8/14/08)
The BBC covers the "Tropic Thunder" clash. (8/14/08)
Local protests held in response to "Tropic Thunder"
The Disability News blog links to reports from all over. (8/14/08)
The Disability News blog links to reports from all over. (8/14/08)
Conversation About Tropic Thunder
A mom discusses the film's use of the "R" word with a child living with intellectual disabilities. (8/13/08)
A mom discusses the film's use of the "R" word with a child living with intellectual disabilities. (8/13/08)
Disability advocacy groups protest at 'Tropic Thunder' premiere
And those involved with the film are shocked that we're shocked. (8/13/08)
And those involved with the film are shocked that we're shocked. (8/13/08)
Remarks by Tim Shriver, Chairman & CEO, Special Olympics
More on the "Tropic Thunder" controversy, from the blog Winter Ramblings. (8/13/08)
More on the "Tropic Thunder" controversy, from the blog Winter Ramblings. (8/13/08)
More coverage of "Tropic Thunder"
Ongoing coverage from the Disability News blog. (8/13/08)
Ongoing coverage from the Disability News blog. (8/13/08)
Disability Law 2.0: Tropic Thunder
More concern over co-writer Etan Cohen's comments. (8/13/08)
More concern over co-writer Etan Cohen's comments. (8/13/08)
Tropic Blunder: The Protests Continue
Images and links from the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs. (8/13/08)
Images and links from the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs. (8/13/08)
Ben Stiller Says Planned 'Tropic Thunder' Boycott Is Unwarranted
So, Stiller's co-writer's reasoning seems to be: The mentally retarded really aren't as nice as they're depicted on screen, so we're making fun of the actors who make them look that way. Hmm. Why doesn't that make me feel better about the film? (8/12/08)
So, Stiller's co-writer's reasoning seems to be: The mentally retarded really aren't as nice as they're depicted on screen, so we're making fun of the actors who make them look that way. Hmm. Why doesn't that make me feel better about the film? (8/12/08)
"Tropic Thunder" merchandising
Or anti-merchandising, really; this T-shirt says "Never go full Stiller." (8/12/08)
Or anti-merchandising, really; this T-shirt says "Never go full Stiller." (8/12/08)
Coverage of "Tropic Thunder" premiere
A round-up of reports from the Disability News blog. (8/12/08)
A round-up of reports from the Disability News blog. (8/12/08)
Once Upon A Time There Was A Retard ...
From the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Each person who makes the choice to go and see Tropic Thunder helps promote the idea that hurting others for the sake of a laugh is okay. I humbly submit that the world is cruel enough. The damage caused by Tropic Thunder will last much longer than the movie's 90 minute viewing time." (8/11/08)
From the blog 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Each person who makes the choice to go and see Tropic Thunder helps promote the idea that hurting others for the sake of a laugh is okay. I humbly submit that the world is cruel enough. The damage caused by Tropic Thunder will last much longer than the movie's 90 minute viewing time." (8/11/08)
Monday Moment for Down Syndrome - Tropic Thunder
One mom's point of view, with links to those of many more like-minded parents. (8/11/08)
One mom's point of view, with links to those of many more like-minded parents. (8/11/08)
If you love my kid, you won't go!
Leah of Garden of Eagan explains why people should boycott "Tropic Thunder" -- and she recommends sending back all those other Ben Stiller movies, too. (8/11/08)
Leah of Garden of Eagan explains why people should boycott "Tropic Thunder" -- and she recommends sending back all those other Ben Stiller movies, too. (8/11/08)
'Tropic Thunder' Boycott Planned?
A look at the "retard" controversy from a mainstream film blog. Warning: Some of the comments will raise your blood pressure. (8/11/08)
A look at the "retard" controversy from a mainstream film blog. Warning: Some of the comments will raise your blood pressure. (8/11/08)
Insensitive Hollywood People Thought It Felt Right to Use Hate Words
A mom lets them know how wrong they were. (8/11/08)
A mom lets them know how wrong they were. (8/11/08)
What 'Tropic Thunder' Thinks Is Funny
Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, issues a call to action: "Stop the hurtful jokes. Talk to your children about language that is bullying and mean. Ask your friends, your educators, your religious leaders to help us to end the stubborn myth that people with intellectual disabilities are hopeless. Ask Hollywood to get on the right side of dignity." (8/11/08)
Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, issues a call to action: "Stop the hurtful jokes. Talk to your children about language that is bullying and mean. Ask your friends, your educators, your religious leaders to help us to end the stubborn myth that people with intellectual disabilities are hopeless. Ask Hollywood to get on the right side of dignity." (8/11/08)
Why Doesn't DreamWorks Get it? - Protesting Tropic Thunder
The blog Winter Ramblings has details on the protest planned for today's L.A. premiere of the film, if you happen to be thereabouts and interested in attending. (8/11/08)
The blog Winter Ramblings has details on the protest planned for today's L.A. premiere of the film, if you happen to be thereabouts and interested in attending. (8/11/08)
Groups Weigh Boycott of 'Tropic Thunder'
Representatives of the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Congress are ready to take action against a film they believe ridicules people with intellectual disabilities. (8/10/08)
Representatives of the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Congress are ready to take action against a film they believe ridicules people with intellectual disabilities. (8/10/08)
Just the facts ... about "Tropic Thunder"
Though disability groups had their screenings postponed, journalist Patricia E. Bauer did see the film, and has some tallies of offensive material for those trying to decide how up in arms to get about this. (8/9/08)
Though disability groups had their screenings postponed, journalist Patricia E. Bauer did see the film, and has some tallies of offensive material for those trying to decide how up in arms to get about this. (8/9/08)
What happened to the "Simple Jack" trailer?
Patricia E. Bauer wonders if at least one offensive patch of Tropic Thunder has already been chopped. (8/9/08)
Patricia E. Bauer wonders if at least one offensive patch of Tropic Thunder has already been chopped. (8/9/08)
"Tropic Thunder" screenings postponed as premiere looms
The studio cited security concerns, but the disability groups for whom the screenings were to take place today suspect stalling. (8/9/08)
The studio cited security concerns, but the disability groups for whom the screenings were to take place today suspect stalling. (8/9/08)
Thunder Showings Set in Wake of Complaints
Screenings of Tropic Thunder for representatives groups like The Arc and Special Olympics, organizations that have been concerned about the film's use of the word "retard," will take place within the next two days, according to a New York Times report. The film opens on Wednesday. (8/8/08)
Screenings of Tropic Thunder for representatives groups like The Arc and Special Olympics, organizations that have been concerned about the film's use of the word "retard," will take place within the next two days, according to a New York Times report. The film opens on Wednesday. (8/8/08)
"Tropic Thunder" meeting called productive; Talks ongoing
According to a Disability News report, the Arc is ready to organize boycotts and protests if the issues surrounding the film's use of the word "retard" are not amicably resolved. (8/7/08)
According to a Disability News report, the Arc is ready to organize boycotts and protests if the issues surrounding the film's use of the word "retard" are not amicably resolved. (8/7/08)
"Tropic Thunder" promo pulled after complaints
The Disability News blog reports that a promotional site focusing on the "retard" plot in the Ben Stiller film has been taken down. (8/6/08)
The Disability News blog reports that a promotional site focusing on the "retard" plot in the Ben Stiller film has been taken down. (8/6/08)
Movie "Tropic Thunder" Appears to Cross Lines of Decency
The Special Education Law Blog adds to the information on the controversy over the use of the word "retard" in the Ben Stiller film. (8/5/08)
The Special Education Law Blog adds to the information on the controversy over the use of the word "retard" in the Ben Stiller film. (8/5/08)
Readers: What's your advice on "Tropic Thunder"
Patricia E. Bauer has been blogging right along about the Tropic Thunder controversy. Now she's asking for reader suggestions. Do you think it's an outrage or an overreaction? Share your thoughts on her Disability News blog. (8/4/08)
Patricia E. Bauer has been blogging right along about the Tropic Thunder controversy. Now she's asking for reader suggestions. Do you think it's an outrage or an overreaction? Share your thoughts on her Disability News blog. (8/4/08)
"Never go full retard"
Disability News has an unofficial transcript of a controversial scene from the upcoming movie Tropic Thunder. (8/2/08)
Disability News has an unofficial transcript of a controversial scene from the upcoming movie Tropic Thunder. (8/2/08)
"Sorry, Mr. Stiller ... You've crossed the line"
A film critic weighs in on the use of "retard" in Tropic Thunder. (8/03/08)
A film critic weighs in on the use of "retard" in Tropic Thunder. (8/03/08)
Disability rights groups organizing over "Tropic Thunder"
According to Disability News, "A national coalition of disability rights organizations has formally requested a meeting with executives at DreamWorks/Paramount to express concerns about negative portrayals of people with intellectual disabilities" in the upcoming film. (8/2/08)
According to Disability News, "A national coalition of disability rights organizations has formally requested a meeting with executives at DreamWorks/Paramount to express concerns about negative portrayals of people with intellectual disabilities" in the upcoming film. (8/2/08)
Tropic Thunder: "Once upon a time... There was a retard"
I've seen lots of publicity for this film, but this Disability News report is the first time I've seen mentioned that "Ben Stiller plays a role that leans heavily on the term 'retard.'" (8/1/08)
I've seen lots of publicity for this film, but this Disability News report is the first time I've seen mentioned that "Ben Stiller plays a role that leans heavily on the term 'retard.'" (8/1/08)