Disabled groups protest Tropic Thunder - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Fuzzy McGillicuddy · 08-12-2008, 01:59 AM

Special Olympics Chairman Timothy P. Shriver is among those calling for a boycott of the film Tropic Thunder. Shriver is upset over the movie's repeated use of the word "retard". He's also urging Congress to pass a resolution labeling the film "hate speech" because he believes it openly ridicules the intellectually disabled.

Organized boycotts against movies rarely work and usually provide more publicity than intended.

Even though many people would find the word offensive or derogatory, its hard to believe it's hate speech. It's not something that is usually said with malice in mind and that's the difference between hate speech and something that is offensive.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10172551

oilers_fan · 08-12-2008, 07:10 AM

The trailers look hilarious. I'd go see this movie now just because of this "uproar". Well done Special Olympics.

fotze · 08-12-2008, 07:14 AM

When did the word retarded become offensive, it seems like it was some time in the early 90's.

I don;t see the difference between cursing at your buddy "What? Are you bloody retarded?" or "What? Are fatain' mentally handicapped?". One is offensive and one isn't?

PowerPlayoffs06 · 08-12-2008, 07:14 AM

Protesting movies is retarded.

Swarly · 08-12-2008, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerPlayoffs06

Protesting movies is retarded.

+1

protesting movies always, always just adds publicity too it. Wish no one had ever protested The DaVinci Code, then i may never have seen that POS.

skippy · 08-12-2008, 07:41 AM

Saw this movie last night and boy, I can see where they could get upset but they have to realize that the whole context of the movie is ridiculous and satirical. If anything they bring to light how "regular" Hollywood exploits disabled people in their movies.
Anyways, hilarious movie and Robert Downey Jr. steals the show.

Claeren · 08-12-2008, 08:28 AM

The now classic TV sitcom "Married... with children" TV show was on the verge of being cancelled when a mishmash of protest groups (led by feminists and housewives I believe?) tried to get the show off the air.

Instead of the show being cancelled as was planned it ended up using that publicity to not only go on a 11(?) year run, but along with The Simpson's (another show with protestors in its past), managed to save/establish FOX and became the second longest running show of its generation (behind The Simpsons, at just under 300 episodes?).

Good work holier-than-thou types!

Southpark and Family Guy have ridden similar waves.

Claeren.

Russic · 08-12-2008, 09:25 AM

Advertising is so expensive these days I'm sure the producers were hoping for something like this. Generally when a movie offends large pockets of society I end up loving it. I guess this will have to be seen now.

Boblobla · 08-12-2008, 09:34 AM

I am pretty excited for this movie. I have heard great things about RDJ.

Locke · 08-12-2008, 09:36 AM

I'm a huge Jack Black fan so intend to see this even though I'm wary of any movie that has even come in contact with Ben Stiller.

But a disabled rights group are protesting? Whos going to listen to a bunch of guys in a wheelchair with mispelled signs?

Boblobla · 08-12-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

I'm a huge Jack Black fan so intend to see this even though I'm wary of any movie that has even come in contact with Ben Stiller.

But a disabled rights group are protesting? Whos going to listen to a bunch of guys in a wheelchair with mispelled signs?

Locke · 08-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boblobla

You're not one of them are you? Your picture posting skills are disabled....

Boblobla · 08-12-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

You're not one of them are you? Your picture posting skills are disabled....

did it not show up? I can see it.

Locke · 08-12-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boblobla

did it not show up? I can see it.

All I see is a red X. Otherwise its a terrible joke on my part.

Boblobla · 08-12-2008, 09:43 AM

There, that one isnt as good, the other one was actually Timmah with a sign

Locke · 08-12-2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boblobla

There, that one isnt as good, the other one was actually Timmah with a sign

Damn, that would have been great.

Making fun of the disabled isnt usually how I start my day but I guess its as good a way as any.

Esoteric · 08-12-2008, 10:10 AM

The only thing that there is to protest is that Ben Stiller is starring in another "comedy."

Will Ferrell movies should be protested as well.

fredr123 · 08-12-2008, 10:17 AM

I heard fat bald people were planning a protest too in light of the producers casting a non-fat non-bald guy to play a fat bald guy.

Locke · 08-12-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esoteric

The only thing that there is to protest is that Ben Stiller is starring in another "comedy."

Will Ferrell movies should be protested as well.

Agreed.

At the very least Ben Stiller (whom I hate) surrounded himself with the hilarious Jack Black and the awesome Robert Downey Jr.

How many more movies is Ferrell going to make with John C. Reilly? He cant even bring in SNL talent because most of them have sucked for a long time.

Locke · 08-12-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredr123

I heard fat bald people were planning a protest too in light of the producers casting a non-fat non-bald guy to play a fat bald guy.

I'm sure the actors guild will be hearing about this, as if Tom Cruise doesnt piss them off enough. They are taking food out of Kyle Gass' kids' mouths. Thats a role he could have totally landed.

Although Cruise does look like he belongs in the fat and bald category. But any doubt regarding his sanity should now have been effectively extinguished.

Tom Cruise is All-American, Grade A, free-range, cornfed crazy.