topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home News Spanish News Disability groups boycott Ben Stiller's movie

Spanish News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


13/08/2008Disability groups boycott Ben Stiller's movie

A coalition of disability groups is launching a nationwide boycott of Ben Stiller’s new movie for the repeated use of the word “retard”.

13 August 2008

LOS ANGELES - Critics are calling Ben Stiller's new movie a hilarious spoof of Hollywood's egotism, but a coalition of disability groups is not amused.

The coalition has objected to the repeated use of the word "retard" to refer to the character Simple Jack, played by Stiller.

Comprising 22 groups including the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Congress, the coalition launched a nationwide boycott of the film at Monday's premiere in Los Angeles.

Protesters allied with the disability groups heckled stars such as Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. at the premiere and held up signs that read, "Ban the movie, ban the word."

The film's producers rejected the criticism and refused demands to cut the repeated use of the "R-word." But they did chop all promotional material featuring the Simple Jack character, a dim farmhand who stutters and talks to farm animals.
"The film is in no way meant to disparage or harm the image of individuals with disabilities," said Chip Sullivan, a spokesman for DreamWorks, a unit of Paramount that released the film.

"The film "satirises Hollywood and its excesses, and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the top characters in ridiculous situations."

Activists dismissed the explanation. "It's supposed to be a parody, but it's really a mockery of the word 'retarded'," said Myra Davola, of ARC - Advocacy, Respect and Commitment to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities - of California.

"It's setting us back. It's purposeful and hateful to people that have disabilities."

[dpa / Expatica]


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Technology in Spain

Sat phones/internet links

English in Spain

What is the best travel insurance cover to Spain?

American in Spain

U.S. citizens, plan to vote in 2012? Did you know...

Relocation to Spain

thinking of moving to madrid

Jobs in Spain

Job Agencies or how to find work.

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Expatica's Getting Started section will provide practical information on how you can open a bank account, exchange your driving licence, improve your Spanish, and more.

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Here's a guide to an extensive list of groups and clubs in Madrid for expats, from sports groups to social and family gatherings.

Groups and Clubs around Spain

Groups and Clubs around Spain

A brief introduction to our Tax section for Spain, from help with inheritance tax to accounting advice.

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in Spain, from what to ask the experts to opening a Spanish bank account.