The movie is Tropic Thunder, featuring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. The trailer for this movie looks innocent enough. But for a good portion of the movie, Mr. Stiller proclaims to have found his "inner idiot" in order to play the role of a mentally-handicapped person.
The premise of the movie is these guys are filming a movie. But during the course of the movie, something freaky happens and they actually turn into the characters they are portraying. For Stiller, that means he becomes Simple Jack, a mentally-handicapped man.
While there is nothing wrong with playing a mentally-challenged person, there is something wrong with the judicious use of the word "retard" in this movie, with the sole intention of making fun of people with this disability. I have never found using that word appropriate in a joking context, and I can't believe any reasonably, compassionate adult would do it, either. But it happens. And it's sad.
I heard an interview with Mr. Stiller this morning, saying in order to play the role, he had to first accept that it was OK to be "stupid" and then he was able to do it. He also said he didn't understand what all the fuss and protesting was about, that people just needed to get a sense of humor.
The Association for Retarded Citizens is boycotting this movie. If you want to learn more or support their efforts, please visit: http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1800&srcid=183
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