Friday, August 22, 2008

Protesters picket movie

Boy, I've been busy since my last post!

But I wanted to comment on the people picketing in Salisbury, outside the Cinema 95, which is showing the new movie, Tropic Thunder. Read all about it here.

My recap:

In this movie, apparently, there is a scene in which the character played (in black face?) by Robert Downey, Jr., uses the word "retard" 21 times.

I have not seen the movie, so I don't know in what context the word is used. But I can imagine.

Members of the Merrimack Valley Self Advocates and Mass Advocates Standing Strong stood behind the guardrail at Route 110 and waved signs reading " 'R' Should Mean Respect" and "The R-Word Is Not Funny To Me" as motorists honked in approval ...

Haverhill resident Joe Canto spent years trying to change the name of the state's Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services. That switch finally happened this year, but Canto said the movie's use of the word is like a step backward, and undermines a system he works for.

As usual, there is a large complement of comments from readers (and no, VWJetta is not me).

This reminds me of people protesting the classic story "Huckleberry Finn" because Mark Twain used the N-WORD in his social commentary.

Nobody gets sarcasm, satire, or just your average mockery anymore. Macy Swain blogged about this here.

Satirizing someone who uses antiquated terms is not the same as saying it's OK to do it. That's why it's satire.

I suggest these people go home, fire up their DVD players, and watch Blazing Saddles for the rest of the day.

That being said, calling someone a "retard" is not nice at all.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the comment section on the DN proves conclusively that 1/2 the population has a below average IQ.... ;-)

Anonymous said...

hi,

based on the snooze site i'm thinking there's more than 50% below average ;-)

i rather felt this whole subject was rather foolish, it is just a stupid movie (and supposedly not a very good one, this is the best publicity they are getting).

but when i read the article i recognized one of the people they talked to. a friend mine in town. a great kid who spends a lot of time helping out others. made it hit home a bit.

thanks,
sds

Anonymous said...

Ari,

While I agree with your constitutional argument, your dictionary argument is hopelessly flawed - there are many inappropriate words in the dictionary.

Gillian Swart said...

Besides, 'retard' is a verb. The noun form is 'retarder,' as in the person or condition responsible for the retardation. 'Retarded' is an adjective.

Of course, what's in the dictionary of what is proper usage never stops anyone from using a word as a pejorative.