Looks like the comedy stylings of Ben Stiller and company are coming under harsh criticisms by groups like the Special Olympics that are calling for an all out boycott on Tropic Thunder for its portrayal and derogatory use of terms referring to the mentally handicapped.
Dreamworks already pulled down a promotional web site that was considered offensive a few days ago, as William Goss reported, and has altered some television advertising, but that’s as far as they’re going. A spokesman told the NYT : “No changes or cuts to the film will be made.” Both Stiller and Dreamworks exec Stacy Snider insist they are not targeting the disabled, but the foolish ambition of certain actors. Shriver told the NYT he’s asking members of Congress “for a resolution condemning what he called ‘hate speech’ in the movie.” The film’s repeated use of the term “retard” is “a particular sore point.”
Well how do you write about that without coming off as either an insensitive jerk or picking up a sign and joining in the protest. Personally, I think if the content of a movie offends you, then don’t go see the movie.
I agree that using terms that some might find offensive is nothing short of insensitive. I won’t make excuses for that.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this will make any progress for awareness of their organization short of eye rolling mockery. Using “retard” in a movie as an insult or even making fun of a person comparing them to that condition is insensitive, but thats what insults are.
Last week I went to the Circus and there were animal activists protesting outside. Not one person turned back.
I don’t see much coming of this, nor do I expect it will hurt the potential box office.
