If there's one word that I can't stand to see in print or said/signed outloud--it's "retard."
The same goes for "retarded."
I hate it. The word is very offensive. And the word can be found in the new Ben Stiller movie, "Tropic Thunder," which will be released on August 13.
Patricia E. Bauer, a mom with a daughter with Down Syndrome, is leading the way to get the offensive words removed from the movie. Her site, News and Commentary on Disability Issues is receiving lots of comments on the issue:
Once Upon a Time... There Was a Retard
Never Go Full Retard
Disability Groups React over Tropic Thunder
Sorry Mr. Stiller...You've Crossed the Line
Readers, What's Your Advice?
The New York Times reports that a boycott is being planned by major disability groups:
Nationwide 'Thunder' Boycott in the Works
Also in the NY Times:
DreamWorks and Paramount have shown “Tropic Thunder” in more than 250 promotional screenings around the country since April, but significant complaints came only recently, when marketing materials for the movie caught the attention of advocates for the disabled. The tag line on one mock promotional poster on a Web site, since removed, read, “Once upon a time there was a retard.”
As much as I love watching Ben Stiller, I will not spend a dime to see Tropic Thunder.
