I usually don’t forward emails. I don’t try to encourage others to side with my view of politics or any number of issues. Even though I’m pretty opinionated, but things can get pretty sticky when you do venture into those types of topics.
I even hesitate to bring up the subject of this post. I do feel it’s important, but sometimes people will view any publicity as good publicity. But this has me really bothered. Enough to say something.
K. is Educably Mentally Retarded. I don’t mind the word retarded. It is what is. It takes her longer to learn some things, some things she’s not going to learn beyond what she has. Today I’m ok with that. When used as it was intended, the word isn’t malicious or derogatory.
Take it out of context and use it in the vernacular and it’s demeaning. If you say, “That’s retarded!” You are implying stupidity. The word retarded should never be synonymous with stupid and all of it’s negative connotations. When used that way it’s not funny either.
I guess Dreamworks and Ben Stiller didn’t get that memo though. Stiller’s latest movie, Tropic Thunder, apparently thinks it’s version of satire is funny. They think having a tag line “Once upon time there was a retard…” is funny. There is a phrase used in the movie “Never Go Full Retard.” And as much as I work to keep calm when confronted with people who think it is ok to speak like that, it becomes extremely difficult not to grab them by their collar and yell, “HOW CAN YOU THINK THAT’S OK?!”
I realize that the word is used as slang on the time. But you know what? That doesn’t make it right.
There are those organizing a boycott of the movie. I would go a step further and ask that you simply educate those around you. You can say my daughter is retarded or that she has a mental disability and use those phrases to explain it. I won’t get offended. It helps people understand things. That’s all. But don’t EVER equate her or her actions or who she is with anyone acting or being stupid. Because she’s not.
PS – I’m not giving a link to the movie on purpose. You want to check it out – Google it yourself.
Amen. That word slips out of my mouth sometimes. I’ll try harder to be more aware of myself. Thanks for the head’s up!
I didn’t realize that was in the movie! We just saw the previews and thought it looked funny! Thanks for educating us on that matter. You are so awesome! Thanks for the nice compliments on my page! : ) We sure do miss you guys!
I saw this on the news after reading this. Ben Stiller and the other guy say they weren’t making fun so I guess we’ll see. He seemed really kind about it too. I’m hoping it’s all good.
Honestly, I would really like to simply use the movie as a springboard to discuss what I see as the larger issue. Part of that is the fact that those who made the movie *don’t* see that by using the word “retard” in that manner, they are demeaning those with disabilities.
They could have found other ways to poke fun at Hollywood. They’ve done it before. See, I told you, I’m opionionated.
My hope is through the conversation being generated many will realize what they are saying and about whom they are speaking and that some change will occur.
I read an article the other day and it said the only ‘R’ word that should be used when describing people with disabilities is ‘Respect’ and I agree. It seems that we have all been educated or sensitized to not use ethnic slurs but we still don’t get it when it comes to people with disabilities. Good for you for speaking out on your blog and in other places to remind folks that people with disabilities are people first and should be respected.