Tropic Thunder Movie: Update on Actions

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

The National Down Syndrome Society is working in conjunction with other national disability partners to respond to the language and content in the movie “Tropic Thunder” which depicts people with intellectual disabilities in a derogatory and demeaning manner. The movie is set to open in theaters nationwide this coming Wednesday, August 13.

We have participated in two meetings with DreamWorks executives expressing our concerns with the film. We presented a list of ideas that DreamWorks could do to try to remedy the problem they created. These demands ranged from fixing the problem before it airs, issuing a national public apology, producing a national education campaign, etc…

During our most recent meeting on Friday evening, Dreamworks shared more specifics about what they planned to do. They promised to provide in writing on Monday a statement of what they would propose to do to address the harm created by this movie. We will share the statement with you as soon as it is available and invite your comment.

Dreamworks has made arrangements for select members and self-advocates of the coalition to see the film on Monday at 10:00 am at 8 separate locations throughout the United States

Preparations for Action

It is very important for local affiliates in California to have a visible presence at the Premiere on Monday August 11, 2008 5 pm at the Mann Village Theater, Westwood, CA.

As of the time of this Alert, the possible scenarios are:

Calling for a National Boycott of the film – If we conclude that the film is very offensive and that their response is not adequate, we will call for a national boycott of the film and protest at theaters. Calling for an Education Action – If we conclude that the film’s offensiveness is less severe than we expected or that, while offensive, the industry is responding in a very meaningful way, then we may call for an Education Action. The point here would be to use the release of this film to educate the public, while recognizing the film’s offensiveness and the industry’s response.

In either case, we would encourage affiliates to plan to be present at theaters on Wednesday August 13, 2008 and thereafter.

As we evaluate the film, and the specifics of DreamWorks response, we will offer you our guidance about which approach we recommend.

In the meantime, we are asking from you our affiliates leaders to:

Find out where the movie will be playing in your community. Go to www.fandango.com for local times. Begin organizing advocates to be present at a theater on opening day (Wednesday, August 13, 2008).

Select spokespeople to speak with the media. We would recommend that you have a self-advocate, a family member, a chapter executive and chapter president prepared to talk to the press. Reach out to local media outlets, as we will be issuing news releases, sample op eds and letters to the editor with our message in the coming week.

As we move forward, please stay in contact with the national office to assure continuity of message and effort. We will be back in touch with you in the coming days with support materials and messaging. If you have any questions, please contact myself or sarah schleider at sschleider@....

Warmest regards,

Jon Colman

President

NDSS

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