The R-Word
Retard is a HATE word.
It wasn't so funny after April 25th 2006.
Tropic Thunder. I don't know what you all have heard about this new movie, but what I have seen so far in the media makes my heart hurt. For all those who shrug their shoulders and don't think it is a big deal, take a moment and put the shoe on the other foot. We are here trying with all of our might to have Ivey included in this world with the least amount of stigmatism aside from the obvious that already exists....and then there are things like this.
Please take a moment to watch the video. I would really like to hear back from all of you. What do you think, all opinions?
Jill Egle
Co-Executive director of the Arc of Northern Virginia
Letter to Ben Stiller
Ivey, I am so blessed and happy to be 'stuck' with you. my angel.
Also, I have not seen the movie, so I will not jump out on a limb as of yet. I would have posted a video of someone speaking about those opposing the movie; however, all that I watched had explicit language. You can watch an opposing opinion to that of Jill's on youtube.
It wasn't so funny after April 25th 2006.
Tropic Thunder. I don't know what you all have heard about this new movie, but what I have seen so far in the media makes my heart hurt. For all those who shrug their shoulders and don't think it is a big deal, take a moment and put the shoe on the other foot. We are here trying with all of our might to have Ivey included in this world with the least amount of stigmatism aside from the obvious that already exists....and then there are things like this.
Please take a moment to watch the video. I would really like to hear back from all of you. What do you think, all opinions?
Jill Egle
Co-Executive director of the Arc of Northern Virginia
Letter to Ben Stiller
Ivey, I am so blessed and happy to be 'stuck' with you. my angel.
Also, I have not seen the movie, so I will not jump out on a limb as of yet. I would have posted a video of someone speaking about those opposing the movie; however, all that I watched had explicit language. You can watch an opposing opinion to that of Jill's on youtube.
Comments
My Mom had brain cancer and slowly (over 7 years) became unable to care for herself or her family. I remember people being uncomfortable around her, making me all the more uncomfortable as a child. So in some way, I can relate.
I think of the statement "if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all." That should be what Hollywood and the Media should do in regards to those with disabilities and disadvantages. Why make people feel more uncomfortable! Why validate stereotypes?
I pray you and your sweet family are doing well!
-Shannon in Austin
the R-Word gives me CHILLS, it does EVERY time someone uses it...so carelessly, even referring to themselves, when making a stupid move....I just want to scream at them...it hurts my heart so very much...when we were working with youth, my husband talked about it and of course spoke about having a son that is thought of as a "R" it was a hard talk to get through...but we hope to have made some of the teens think twice before using that term...it is our sweet children that can make a difference in this hurtful world...thanks for posting this video...I hope this will make people consider their words more carefully...you and I friend, continually live in a MEAN world, that gawks and stares...I am thinking of you and wishing we could shop at the same Wal-Mart :) But I would NEVER change any of it, it is hard, but I am so very blessed, NO one can take that away!!!!
Much love,
Liz
Years later I grew a friendship with a lovely woman whose middle daughter has Downs syndrome. I was so thankful that long ago we'd decided that was not a word anyone in our family would utter, unknowingly hurting others around us. My heart goes out to you for all the little hurts you and your family have to endure from those who might well be unaware their words are injuring someone, let alone those who flaunt it.