Watercooler Wednesday (No Tropic Thunder)
Hey Everybody it’s Watercooler Wednesday! Check out Randy Elrod’s Ethos Blog for the latest Watercooler fodder!
Today, Wednesday August 13, DreamWorks Tropic Thunder will be released nationwide. 22 disabilities groups are boycotting the movie for hate speech and use of the word retard, upwards of 15 times in one scene alone.
Chip Sullivan, a spokesman for DreamWorks said: "We have had productive discussions with representatives of disability advocacy organizations and look forward to working with them closely in the future. However no changes or cuts to the film will be made."
He added, "Tropic Thunder is an R-rated comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its excesses, and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the top characters in ridiculous situations. The film is in no way meant
to disparage or harm the image of individuals with disabilities."
Somehow I don’t see DreamWorks and disability advocates bonding over this film. Since no changes or cuts will be made, the chance of them working together closely in the future, seems like virtually zero.
We each have a voice and control over where our dollars are spent, let’s not put them toward a movie that is igniting new fire, under old prejudices. Say no to Tropic Thunder.
Audra Krell 
I’m with you on this one, Audra. Of course, I would have been highly unlikely to spend time in this particular movie, anyway. Both time and money are too precious to waste.
I agree. The only portrayal of such likeness and language need be presented to show the distance we’re yet to cover in our march toward embracing and enfolding people with disabilities into mainstream culture.
Double speak drives me crazy. I agree with you Audra. No to Tropic Thuunder!
Randy
I am in! Thanks! 🙂
Not a movie I would waste time with. They have the right to use inappropriate statements and over-the top characters but as you said we control over where our dollars are spent! Hit them where it hurts!