URGENT: Advocacy Needed Against the Movie Release of Tropic Thunder

[Guest guest]

Dearest Advocates:

The time is now for our advocacy efforts prior to the children being in school. I know everyone is busy but we must once again unite our voices as one to make a difference for children and adults with disabilities and their families and everyone around them! DreamWorks Pictures plans on distributing the movie “Tropic Thunder” on August 13, 2008. “Simple Jack” is a film within a film of Tropic Thunder that uses VERY OFFENSIVE language including the word “retard” many times during the film, in addition to categorizing individuals with disabilities in an offensive way! As a proud parent of a child with Down syndrome and an advocate for individuals with disabilities in Georgia, I am completely sick with disappointme

nt that a large studio could not have more of a heart! This continues to show us that we must advocate for change and understanding of how hurtful these things can be. Education is the key to helping those that are not impacted by disabilities understand how hurtful words can be. Obviously, DreamWorks Pictures needs some help in this area. I just pray that they listen to the public and retract this hideous film and the language it uses!

How are we ever going to be able to build acceptance in society when large studios continue to be irresponsible for the language they use and the people it hurts? Please go to the below website and tab down to the bottom of the webpage to post your comment to help DreamWorks understanding how important this issue is to the disability community. Bauer who is heading up this national advocacy effort will be giving YOUR comments to DreamWorks this Wednesday. Please make a difference and comment: http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/01/once-upon-a-time/

Additional information can be read from the Down Syndrome Association of LA as well to help educate you on the issue.

United…We Will Make A Difference!

Sincerely, Heidi

From the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles-

I have been active in a national discussion by groups representing people with Down syndrome

and other disabilities in regards to a new film by DreamWorks, "Tropic Thunder."

There is much on line about it...

http://defamer.com/5032769/tropic-thunder-braces-for-retard-backlash

....and a couple of posts on Pat Bauer's blog over the last week.

The film features a film with in it called "Simple Jack" with many references to "Retards" and more.

Please see Pat's forwared email below and check out her blogs to learn more about it.

You can express your thoughts via the comments section on Pat's site.

Thank you for your support!

Gail on

Executive Director DSALA

You Can Make a Difference!

Forward from Bauer

I wonder if I could ask for your help with something.

I've put up a new post this morning:

http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/04/readers-advice/

It's a call for comments about "Tropic Thunder" and its ad campaign.

I'd greatly appreciate anything you could do to help push this link out ASAP

to people far and wide -- by listserv, by email, you name it. I'd like to assemble a good stack of comments on my website in anticipation of the meeting

Wednesday. I know the studio people are reading and I'm hoping the film critics will, too.

If people comment there, their voices will be heard. Many, many thanks for your help.

All the best, Pat

--Heidi J. (Proud Mother to - 8 years old with Down syndrome & - 6 years old) For more information about how Heidi can help you maximize your child's potential, please go to www.heidijmoore.com "Help The Children Now, So They Can Help Themselves Later!" The material contained in this e-mail is for general information only. It is not intended in any way to provide or offer legal advice. To obtain legal advice, please consult with your attorney or a qualified legal representative.