Tropic Thunder Not so Funny?

A new comedy hitting the silver screen is drawing more attention than just laughs. Since its premiere in Hollywood, protestors are taking a stand against seeing this film. Tropic Thunder hits theaters today. One local organization tells KMID why the use of the R-word in the film is upsetting. Tropic Thunder stars Ben Stiller, who also directed and co-wrote the film. Stiller's character, Speedman, is an actor who once played a disabled person named simple jack. Throughout the film the other characters refer to Speedman as the R-word. "I think in the context of the movie it's really clear where we're coming from, it was not meant to offend anyone, " says Ben Stiller. Nationally, an organization dedicated to eliminating the demeaning use of the R-word, called the Special Olympics, is speaking out against the movie. "Despite the attention the film is getting. Movie goers still want to see it. The employee behind the ticket box at Hollywood theaters in Midland told KMID tickets are selling. Jean Jones is with marc, a non-profit organization in Midland dedicated to including individuals with disabilities in the community. "The word retard is just offensive, it is rude and it crosses a line that shouldn't be crossed," says Jones. She believes watchers of the film will view people with disabilities in the wrong light. "We are on the cusp of changing those people's attitudes and remove those stigmas," comments Jones. Special Olympics Texas contacted KMID about this movie. Their email suggested anyone offended by the R-word should boycott Tropic Thunder.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Tropic
• Thunder
• Boycott
• R-Word
• Ben
• Stiller
• Speedman
• Simple
• Jack