Righteously Outraged

Ben Stiller was one of the actors that I liked. There are a whole lot that I can take or give, a whole lot that I have no idea what their names are, a few that I loathe and a few that I really, really like. Stiller was getting to be on the like list. Too bad he just shot his own foot clear off.

The man may as well be dead to me now. I have no use for someone who would do what he just did. I know you all have heard the buzz about Tropic Thunder. The world of special needs is enraged, as they should be. And as I'm part of this world I, too, am up in arms.

Despite the link that I forwarded you to, the movie is not a must-watch. In fact I recommend that it be boycotted by anyone with a conscience. (That would be you, my friend.) This movie may be labeled a comedy, it may be the funniest thing you'll see in a long time, and it may be giving other comedies a run for their money. But I won't be a part of it. Unless it's to successfully get everyone I know to boycott it.

Why? Surely you've heard that the movie is pointing a laughing finger at the disabled. And that is not cool, my friend. Not cool at all. Even if Micah were not my son, even if we hadn't been forced into this new world, even if I knew nobody with a disability, this is still not cool. Since when do we teach our children to riducule those who are different from us? When did it become acceptable to laugh at those less fortunate? And why, pray tell, are they selling t-shirts so that everyday individuals can walk around and openly mock those who were born with something they had no say in?!

I will not calm down over this one. Hollywood has crossed yet another line. This weekend instead of heading to the theater to see a new release how about going to the video store and renting Radio? I'd consider it a personal favor.

22 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh lovely. I rarely see movies and frequently don't even know the names of them (as in a friend of mine called me tonight on their way home from seeing Star Wars and I had to ask if there was a new one out kind of hiding under the movie rock). This one I've missed thusfar, but how wrong. In a way, I don't even want to know more. I don't want to know what people could think is funny or how they weave it into a story or why. I'll stick to living under my rock.

Andrea said...

I haven't heard of this movie either, but I followed your links. The trailer didn't seem too bad, then I read the boycott! I can't believe that anyone with a heart would even think up a t shirt that said that on it! What is this cruel world coming to? I can't believe it!

Cynthia said...

Miss Chicky, I have heard this...and I am officially on the movie sidelines for the rest of the month. I will not be seeing this movie ever! Ben Stiller, really...you should be better than this.

Unknown said...

I hadn't planned on seeing it anyway -- now for sure I won't!!

BTW I LOVE Radio!!! Such a great movie!! How awesome was Cuba in that movie!!?

Karen said...

I love Radio. He really reminds me of my son. Their temperments are very similar.

Do you remember the movie Dumb and Dumber? I felt the same way about that movie. I found it offensive because the movie assumed that I would laugh at someone based on their inability to conform into "normal" society.

I would not have seen the movie Tropic Thunder anyway, but I will be sure to let those I know, read about the boycott and why they should not bother to see it.

Betsy, short for Elizabeth, formally known as Esther said...

I haven't heard ANYTHING about it, but rest assured, I will boycott.

It is horrifying that a influential medium has no conscience left. Really. It is a sad testament to our society.

I LOVED Radio! Absolutely loved it!

p.s. I haven't been around much, work is CRAZY! And now? I am on VACATION!!!

Pam said...

I loved Radio!

You don't have to worry- this family will not be seeing that movie. As a mom and a teacher, I work so hard to get other to work together, get along, treat everyone with respect, see beyond the clothes or hair color of a person and see what is inside....so this movie is off my list. I hope this movie does very poorly and Hollywood and society start to get the idea that crud like this is not okay!

jessica said...

i've only heard about the movie... and NOBODY has given it good reviews! we don't plan to see it either.

Anonymous said...

I have not seen a movie in the theater in 3.5 years, and you better believe that this will not be the one I end that streak for! Likewise, it will also not be on my list of 'Movies I Will Rent Someday When I Have More Than 2.5 Minutes to Myself'.

It is a shame that Hollywood considers things like this funny and acceptable 'in context'.

Fannie said...

Blech, can't stand Ben Stiller and find his movies painful to watch. Rest assured I won't be seeing this one.

AutoSysGene said...

This is the second time I've heard about the boycott. I got an email from Special Olympics asking me to boycott.

I've never heard of Radio...I'm off to add it to my Netflix list now!

Tootsie Farklepants said...

I had no idea! Thanks for the heads up.

Tammy and Parker said...

Karen, you rock!

Karen Deborah said...

Amen! We are becomming a people that are heartless and cold. The first step is ridicule it helps when the society believes in aborting whatever isn't exactly, the same as everybody else.
Terri Schaivo. We starved a healthy woman to death, because she was disabled. You are preaching to the choir on this one I hear you loud and clear!!!!

My baby is going to college on Monday, talking about old age!

Wineplz said...

Really? Wow. I really like Ben Stiller, too. What a disappointment.

Karen said...

I won't see it either. I heard there was some controversy over it but didn't hear the details. Ben Stiller is dead to me now. Outrageous!

The Sports Mama said...

Haven't seen it,and honestly had no desire to even before I really knew what all the uproar was about. So, I STILL have no desire to see it.

But... I have to say, Radio is hands down one of the favorite movies in my household. For everyone in it, actually.

Karen MEG said...

I'd thought about maybe watching it, as I'm a fan of Ben, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr... but the reviews were pretty bad so I wasn't planning on watching it anyways (as if I EVER get to the movies anyway, but that's another story....) and I had no idea that this was part of the tone of it ... that's absolutely ridiculous. I will certainly not watch it now.

I am really disappointed that he would portray that attitude in his film; as a person, but particularly as a parent.

Anonymous said...

We need shirts that say something like"what is normal anyway" or "being normal sucks"..i tell my kids to dare to be different..it makes other people smile..your blog makes me smile..i will not see this movie and will kick any friends butts that do..hug micah for me please..as long as you are making someone smile you will always be "special" to them..you are special to me..god bless...

Marmarbug said...

So sad. It is like that other movie that came out about the Special Olympics. I have no idea why Hollywood thinks it is so funny to joke on the situation. It is not funny.

caramama said...

I will once again have to go with "What is WRONG with people?" How can people think that is funny? Words really do hurt. And Hollywood should be more responsible than that.

Debbie in CA : ) said...

I'm shocked and dismayed that such behavior would even qualify as humor, let alone merit a "hit." I am happily out among those who shun most programmed entertainment. I carefully choose what to view AND I AM MOST PICKY. I have spread the word to those I know. For shame that this should happen when so many of us work so hard to live life fully and freely despite the challenges. Thanks for sharing.