“Tropic Thunder” opens in theaters today. But as you’re probably well aware, it’s also opened a can of worms. Many people have come to the film’s defense, saying the film is just a joke, and that it’s actually a satire about actors playing the role of handicapped people, and not about disabled individuals.
Lennard J. Davis, Professor of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, provides the counter argument.
In an interview posted on NPR’s Web site yesterday, he explains why people are still offended by the use of the word “retard” in the movie. He notes that, while one group might laugh, another is offended. And “we don’t call that humor, we call that humiliation,” he says.
Take a listen. It’s a great explanation supporting our community.
