Published: August 14, 2008 08:27 am         

Why is intellectual disability funny?

DreamWorks’ new comedy “Tropic Thunder,” which opens in theaters this week, includes a character called “Simple Jack” played by actor Ben Stiller. Simple Jack has an intellectual disability (formerly commonly referred to as “mental retardation”) and is an object of derision in the film. The movie contains frequent use of the word “retard” (in fact, it is said 16 times in one scene in the film) and other insulting terms to describe this character.

The movie brings to light an issue that deserves attention. The “R-word” or “retard” has found a place in common language and seems to be generally accepted. The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities. It is time to take a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to so many. It is time for a simple change — stop using the “R-word.”

Mocking people that we know have historically been oppressed (such as African Americans) or have some type of physical disability (such as persons with paraplegia) is, thankfully, generally not considered funny these days. Yet, some people are less enlightened in their attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities. While the “N word” is firmly prohibited, the “R-word” is still widely accepted in our homes, schoolyards and movie theaters.

Why is that? Perhaps people are unaware of the fundamental disregard for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities in most parts of the world. Perhaps people are unaware that intellectual disability is a condition usually developed in utero and not one for which people volunteer. Perhaps people have not read about children with Down syndrome in underdeveloped countries tied to their beds for years in filthy institutions; or about the estimated 80 percent of girls and women in this country with intellectual disabilities who are sexually abused. Perhaps people are not aware that more than six million individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States have suffered severe consequences including: institutionalization, physical, sexual and emotional abuse; denial of education, employment and health care; and segregation and targeted hate crimes.

Maybe if only more people knew, they would not find using the R-word funny.

Language frames how we think about others. Attitudes and expectations of the public, in part, determine the degree to which children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities are able to learn, work and live alongside their peers without disabilities. It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities. It is time to stop using the R-word.

To learn more about how you can help promote dignity and stop the use of the R-word, visit: www.arcind.org www.r-word.org www.saind.org www.bestbuddiesindiana.org www.downsyndromeindiana.org www.soindiana.org

— John Dickerson

executive director

The Arc of Indiana



Michael Furnish

president/CEO

Special Olympics Indiana



Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez

executive director

Down Syndrome Indiana



Sarah Baldini

state director

Best Buddies Indiana



Betty Williams

president

Self-Advocates of Indiana