If all the guys between the ages of 17 and 37 stayed away from the movie Tropic Thunder everyone would notice. Dreamworks would choose new executives. Actors and writers would be concerned about their next job. Word of the 'flop' would be all over the tabloids and the internet.
If all the people with disabilities and their families stay away from the movie the world will not blink. Not only will they not miss our money, but they won't notice that we are not there.
There is nothing different about people with disabilities staying home. Just another day in segregated America.
Do not invest one cent in this movie--but don't stay home either.
Be present.
We want to develop credence: Do something valuable, something the public can relate to, develop some snappy comebacks, write a good letter, show up at a theater and give witness to your existence. Handle hatefulness with such dignity and grace--and perhaps with such humor--that everyone watching sees you as the good guy.
We want to have influence in our own communities, in the entertainment industry, in society.
You must be sure that Tropic Thunder is not the only image of disability that your community sees over next couple of weeks.
You must be sure that the hateful phrases in Tropic Thunder are not the only voice your community hears.
This week is the fulcrum point: the efforts we make will have greater impact because we make them now.
Take action, start today--sleep next month!
Picture from here.
3 comments:
Here's my post, Words Hurt: The "R" Word. It covers more than the Stiller movie.
I've linked to this post.
I highly doubt anyone will notice you didn't spend the $5.
Ben Stiller has a track record of doing anything for a laugh (i'm thinking Heartbreak Kid, yuck)
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