the R-word

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the new movie "Tropic Thunder," which includes a character "Simple Jack" who has an intellectual disability. He is portrayed in a very demeaning way and often referred to as a “retard,” “imbecile,” and “moron.”

I have not personally seen this movie, nor do I care to. The movie's behavior and language, whether it is intentional or unintentional, is disrespectful and offensive to the millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their friends and families.

This is an excerpt from a recent press release of The Arc:

"In perhaps the single most offensive scene in the film, Matthew McConaughey, who plays a Hollywood agent, speaks to the film's main character who wants to adopt a child. "Well, at least you still have a choice. I'm stuck with mine," states McConaughey while pointing to a photograph of his teenage son who appears to have an intellectual disability."

Pretty disgusting, isn't it? Not only am I disappointed in the movie studio, but I am also disheartened that these actors chose to be involved. Why would you want to perpetuate such negative stereotypes of individuals with intellectual disabilities?

I think this document (below) helps explain why the "R-word" simply isn't appropriate...and if you want more information, please visit: The Arc's "Tropic Thunder" update.

SOURCE: The Arc of the United States

The R-word isn’t just hurtful,
it’s hate speech.

What is hate speech?

Hate speech occurs when a majority group freely makes jokes about a minority group including negative stereotypes and negative images, not just language. It is commonly seen as harmless by the majority, but it sets the stage for more severe outlets for prejudice, harm and abuse.


People with developmental and intellectual disabilities are at greater risk of violence.

• 1 in 3 children with disabilities are victims of some form of abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. (Sullivan & Knutson, 2000).
  
• Individuals with developmental disabilities are 4 to 10 more times more likely to be victims of a crime than people without disabilities (Sobsey, et al., 1995).
  
• Children with developmental disabilities are at twice the risk of physical and sexual abuse compared to children without disabilities (Crosse et. al., 1993).
  

People with developmental and intellectual disabilities are disenfranchised from justice.

• Many people with intellectual disabilities are not able to articulate the abuse they’ve sustained.
  
• Many victims with intellectual disabilities are not perceived as credible witnesses.
  
• Abuse often occurs as part of name calling, bullying, hazing, or other targeted attacks based on disability status. THIS IS A HATE CRIME.
  

Ending the use of the R-word is more than a “politically correct” notion.

• “Retard” and “retarded” are derogatory and dehumanizing terms– on par with the N-word when used to describe African Americans, and various hateful terms used to describe members of the Jewish, gay and lesbian and other minority communities.
  
• Self-advocates with intellectual disability have clearly stated that negative language leads to harmful action, discrimination, abuse, negative stereotypes, disenfranchisement, and violence.

Shouldn’t people with intellectual disabilities just lighten up? It’s a joke!

• NO! People with intellectual disabilities have a history of institutionalization, genocide, forced sterilization, segregation, and being regarded as ‘less than human.’
  
• More than any other group, they experience record unemployment, significant physical, mental and sexual abuse, and limited rights.
  
• This discrimination and victimization continues, in large part, due to antiquated, discriminatory portrayals in the media and pervasive prejudice.

What's funny about that?