After reading “The Bridge,” and the controversy that exists with the satire Tropic Thunder, I agree with the article, in which the movie is very offensive to people with disabilities. However, I think protesters and self advocates go too far, and make it a bigger deal than it has to be. Protestors or persons with disabilities are allowed to be upset at the movie, but these people ridicule the actors of the movie, and Hollywood. I agree with Neil Miller from CNN, who says that you can be upset over this movie, however holding Hollywood accountable for this issue is going too far. Perhaps I feel this way because I am an individual without disabilities and I am unable to relate, but the movie is a satire. A satire uses irony and sarcasm to expose or “make fun of” social and government issues, types of people, etc. The film Tropic Thunder is a satire; therefore the directors and producers are allowed to do what they please. In the movie, sarcasm was used to attacked people with disabilities. I do feel as though the movie is very offensive, but that is why it’s called a satire. If you do not agree with what the movie is portraying, then don’t watch it. I agree with what Tim Shriver of the Special Olympics said, in that films can become a part of our culture and people tend to repeat lines that they’ve heard from movies. This reminds me of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Although the film was not a satire, words like “Heck yes,” and lines like, “Tina you fat lard, come and get it,” were repeated in my high school all the time. Lines from movies are frequently repeated, and many can become offensive, whether it’s intentional or not. In the section, called “The Power of Words Plays Out on the Radio,” Michael Savage describes children with autism. His words to describe these children, such as “brat,” and “moron” made my skin crawl. If I was an individual with autism, I would be furious.
Katherine Snow believes “people first language” is important. This is because there are too many instances when people talk about the problems or disabilities people have rather than positive aspects of that person. When this happens, people are creating negative images about someone. Instead, the person should always come before the disability. People with disabilities should gain the same respect and courtesy as everyone else.
Some examples of non person first are “She is autistic,” “She has a problem hearing,” or Ben can’t talk.”
I used to say the “R” word when I was in middle school. However, I did not know what the word really meant. As I got older, I used it much less because I had a better understanding of what it meant and how it could possibly make others feel. Since I’ve been at school, I have never used the “r” word because as a speech major, you are more than likely going to interact with people who have disabilities. If I heard others repeatedly say the word, I am not sure if I would go up to those individuals and tell them how inappropriate, rude and hurtful the word can be. I feel as though it is my place to say something, however when put into those situations, I may not have the guts to go up to a stranger.
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