[kj] OT Boycott the film Tropic Thunder

[cliffmonka at alaska.net]

Statement of Support and Solidarity



We, as organizations and self-advocates representing members of the disability
community, recognize the dignity of individuals with intellectual disabilities, the
challenges they and their families face, and the meaningful and powerful
contributions they make to their families, their communities, and their country,

Acknowledge that individuals with intellectual disabilities have been subject to
discrimination, abuse, and exclusion from society throughout history;

Recognize that the more than 200 million individuals with intellectual disabilities
worldwide, and more than 6 million individuals with intellectual disabilities in
the US, have suffered severe consequences including: institutionalization,
physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, denial of education, employment, and
healthcare, segregation, and targeted hate crimes;

Acknowledge that “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.”
(President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, 2004);

Understand that for over four decades, the media has consistently mischaracterized
people with intellectual disabilities; (Pardun, 2005)

Realize that over 80% of U.S. adults surveyed feel that media portrayals are an
obstacle to the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
(Pardun, 2005)

Recognize that many people, including those with intellectual disabilities, their
families and friends, consider the “R-word” just as offensive as the “N-word;” and

Declare that under the guise of “parody,” whether intentional or not, Tropic
Thunder demeans, insults, and harms individuals with intellectual disabilities by
using the “R- word.” Furthermore, it perpetuates derogatory images and stereotypes
of individuals with intellectual disabilities including mocking their physical
appearance and speech, supports the continuation of inappropriate myths and
misperceptions, and legitimizes painful discrimination, exclusion, and bullying;



Together, we declare our intention to make the public aware of the need to create
and foster inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities as a matter of
social justice by:

• Boycotting the film and explaining to our nation’s children why the film is harmful;

• Educating the public, especially young people, about intellectual disabilities
through far-reaching awareness campaigns to ban the use of the “R-word,” and other
initiatives to permanently change attitudes and promote inclusion;

• Calling on Hollywood studios, writers and executives to pledge to make this the
final chapter in a sullied history of demeaning portrayals of individuals with
intellectual disabilities and assist in public education campaigns;

• Requesting that Congress investigate and conduct oversight of how Hollywood
portrays individuals with intellectual disabilities and the effect these portrayals
have on our nation and around the world.