Published: August 14, 2008 01:18 am            

LETTERS: Aug. 14, 2008

Why is intellectual disability funny?



DreamWorks’ new comedy “Tropic Thunder,” which opens in theaters this week, includes a character called “Simple Jack” played by actor Ben Stiller. Simple Jack has an intellectual disability (formerly commonly referred to as “mental retardation”) and is an object of derision in the film. The movie contains frequent use of the word “retard” (in fact, it is said 16 times in one scene in the film) and other insulting terms to describe this character.

The movie brings to light an issue that deserves attention. The “R-word” or “retard” has found a place in common language and seems to be generally accepted. The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities. It is time to take a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to so many. It is time for a simple change – stop using the “R-word.”

Mocking people that we know have historically been oppressed (such as African Americans) or have some type of physical disability (such as persons with paraplegia) is, thankfully, generally not considered funny theses days. Yet, some people are less enlightened in their attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities. While the “N word” is firmly prohibited, the “R-word” is still widely accepted in our homes, schoolyards, and movie theatres.

Why is that? Perhaps people are unaware of the fundamental disregard for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities in most parts of the world. Perhaps people are unaware that intellectual disability is a condition usually developed in utero and not one for which people volunteer. Perhaps people have not read about children with Down syndrome in underdeveloped countries tied to their beds for years in filthy institutions; or about the estimated 80 percent of girls and women in this country with intellectual disabilities who are sexually abused. Perhaps people are not aware that more than six million individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States have suffered severe consequences including: institutionalization, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; denial of education, employment, and healthcare; and segregation and targeted hate crimes.

Maybe if only more people knew, they would not find using the R-word funny.

Language frames how we think about others. Attitudes and expectations of the public, in part, determine the degree to which children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities are able to learn, work and live alongside their peers without disabilities. It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities. It is time to stop using the R-word.

— John Dickerson, Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana; Michael Furnish, President/CEO of Special Olympics Indiana; Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana; Sarah Baldini, State Director of Best Buddies Indiana; Betty Williams, President of Self-Advocates of Indiana





Reader: Food for thought for Jeff Council



Will the city put the lights and sirens on the policeman’s personal cars?

They will sure need them if they were ever called in on an emergency situation, because in peak hours of traffic, I don’t believe they could go very fast.

Don’t you believe it’s safer to have things ready to go in a case like that?

Councilman Zastawny, our security lies pretty much in the hands of our police force and our firemen, and, give me a break, they need our help and support at all times.

To me there is nothing too good for someone who would die to protect us. Hey, that’s all we have! They should get the perks if there are any. This is my opinion.

— Mae C. Niemiller, Jeffersonville



To volunteers in the community



Thanks so much for all of you out there that have been so generous in helping the less fortunate through Marie Robertson Ministries.

A special thanks goes to Kelsie Julius. With the assistance of my Mormon missionaries, Kelsie would get up in the truck, have the missionaries get her out in her wheelchair and she would help to take things into the homes of those we were helping. Kelsie will soon be “Mayor for the Day” in Jeffersonville.

Way to go, Kelsie! Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you!

Thanks also to Mike and Keta Sodrel, who are also always there to help me in all my endeavors.

Thanks again to all of you that support this work of caring for the less fortunate.

— Marie Robertson, Jeffersonville

        

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