Boycott Against ‘Tropic Thunder’ Planned

More than a dozen groups plan to boycott the opening of Ben Stiller’s new film, ‘Tropic Thunder’, beginning Monday morning.   The boycott, backed by such groups as the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrom Congress, and the American Association of People with Disabilities, is due to what the groups consider an “open ridicule” of the mentally disabled.

According to the New York Times, Timothy P. Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, said he planned to be in Los Angeles with representatives of his group and others to picket the movie’s premiere on Monday evening in the Westwood district of the city.

“Not only might it happen, it will happen,” Shriver told the New York Times.

The coalitions primary issue with the film is a plot point revolving around the film Simple Jack, a film starring Stiller’s character about a mentally challenged person.   Stiller’s character believes portraying the character will earn him an Academy Award.   The coalition also has issues with the repeated use of the word “retard” in regards to the film within a film’s character.

Dreamworks, who is releasing the film, has already pulled a promotional web site that promotes Simple Jack which was deemed offensive.   The company has also altered certain television spots.   However, a spokesman from Dreamworks told the New York Times that no plans have been made to cut or change the film itself.

Shriver told the New York Times he is asking members of Congress for a resolution condemning what he calls “hate speech” in the film.