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There is a movie called Tropic Thunder coming out that has created quite a stir in the disability community. Here is a post I received from a national disability advocacy organization called TASH. It would be wonderful to have a show that highlights the harm that is done with words that are part of the mainstream language. We need to heighten awareness about how attitudes towards people with cognitive disabilities are still in the dark ages. Here is the post:

When disability advocates found out about DreamWorks Productions new release "Tropic Thunder," they set in motion a nationwide protest by a coalition of disability organizations outraged by the film's use of the R-word (retard). The movie, billed as an adult comedy poking fun at Hollywood, includes a movie-in-a-movie featuring Ben Stiller as "Simple Jack" and the tagline "Once upon a time there was a retard." TASH , one of founding members of the coalition, seeks to raise public awareness that the R-word hurts people with disabilities, their families and their friends.



Last week, TASH participated in a meeting with DreamWorks executives to request that "Simple Jack" scenes be edited and that the studios fund a public awareness campaign, including a film trailer, to educate the public about the offensiveness of the R-word. TASH also signed on to a statement of solidarity (attached) and an ad that will run in Friday's New York Times. In addition, several members joined a demonstration at the film's Monday night premiere in Hollywood. Several major news outlets have already covered the protests.



To raise awareness of the pain caused by the R-word, TASH encourages members to boycott the movie. However, we don't want to draw more attention to the film. Instead of protesting in front of your local theaters, help TASH and our partner organizations ban use of the R-word by taking action:

More on this website specifically about the harmful aspects of the movie:
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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Lisa Lieberman again. I so wanted to respond to Jeremy's father on the air today.
He asked about whether it was appropriate to tell his son he had autism. My son, Jordan, who you may have heard speak briefly today on the air has said that he is so glad that he knew he had autism, but it has helped him to understand himself with greater clarity.

There is also the point that having autism should not be something to be ashamed of. I think it's important to emphasize positive aspects of having autism. It should be put forth as a different way of processing information, that people on the autism spectrum most often have unique ways of seeing the world, and also often have unique strengths that can serve themselves and the community, in general. So many famous people who have contributed so much to our society, have been identified as autistic. (Einstein, Steven Spielberg, Andy Warhol, etc.)
So many of the adults I know with autism have clearly stated that they have no desire to be cured, that autism is part of who they are and that it is not something to be ashamed of. And this includes non-speaking adults who only communicate by typing. This in no way diminshes the challenges that people growing up with autism face.
I'm sorry that we weren't able to discuss more about adults with autism on the show. There is a rich resource of self-advocates who are true experts about what they face. We only need to listen to them more! lisalieb@comcast.net

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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I want people to know that there is a core group of multi-disciplinary professionals who meet monthly to strengthen their expertise in working with issues related to autism. I would be happy to help people find a qualified person to address their specific concern. You can reach me through my website: www.disabilityinthefamily.com or by phone (503) 697-5956 Lisa Lieberman

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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