It’s time the ‘R’ word is also considered wrong

Published 8:01 am Friday, August 22, 2008

By Staff
I heard some distressing news on the radio the other day about a movie which continued to use the "R" word.
When my daughter was quite young, she started her own campaign to make people stop using the word retarded.
Her aunt had Down Syndrome and she developed at a very young age a protective feeling for her and other people she discovered who were "different."
I on the other hand, grew up with an organization which my mother volunteered with that actually used retarded in its name.
Years later it was changed to reflect a new feeling about that word and what it signified for all those who may have some mental or physical difficulties.
Now it is again a controversy with this movie, "Tropic Thunder."
The people on the radio were advocating boycotting the show.
Though the speaker hadn't seen the entire film, he seemed to know quite a lot about it.
I also recently received an e-mail about this issue, as a supporter of Special Olympics in Michigan.
They also felt the movie was offensive and this is what they sent.
"Please help us stop the harmful effects of the 'R-word.'
"Special Olympics invites you to be a fan of dignity and join in a campaign to stop the use of the 'R-word.'
This week, the film 'Tropic Thunder' opens in movie theaters across the nation. While intended to be a satire on Hollywood actors and producers, the film contains scenes which are offensive and demean people with intellectual disabilities.
"In one particular scene the "R-word" is said 16 times. This word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities.
"For too long, people with intellectual disabilities have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes.
"Please consider helping with this campaign by boycotting the film 'Tropic Thunder' to help make a statement to Hollywood that we will not stand for this type of content that is hurtful to people with intellectual disabilities.
"Be a fan of Dignity, don't say the R-word. Visit www.R-word.org."
They also offered these ways to seek more information for their supporters:
Sign a pledge on the official campaign Web site.
Read a Washington Post op-ed about the "Tropic Thunder" boycott by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver.
Watch the "R-Word" video online at YouTube.
Read an Associated Press article about the movie premier protest.
I know people have been irritated by my daughter when she demands they don't say retarded, but I wonder how many she has influenced through her 28 years that have actually stopped using that word.
Now others have joined her campaign and I think that's great.
To call anyone stupid or any other name just shows the speaker to be the one who is lacking. Since I am not much of a moviegoer, I wasn't planning on seeing this film anyway.
Still I join the fight of the people who support Special Olympics, something my sister-in-law and my niece have participated in through the years.
If it bothers people, let's stop saying it.
She can be e-mailed at marcia.steffens@leaderpub.com.