The new Ben Stiller comedy “Tropic Thunder” is attracting crowds, not only at the box office but also across the street from Mann’s Bruin Theater where the premier took place.  Protestors carried signs in objection to the liberal use of a word that offends members of the Special Olympics Committee and the American Association of People with Disabilities.

    In the movie, Stiller plays an actor who’s previous role was a character named Simple Jack that suffered from mental disabilities.  What exactly is said about the character or how he is represented is unclear, but apparently is enough to anger many people involved with the mentally handicapped.

    “I think it’s open to interpretation and that’s the great thing,” said Robert Downey Jr, who also plays in the film. “You know, if I want to protest something because it offends me that’s my right as an American, and it’s also any artist’s right to say and do whatever they wanna do.”

    In response to a private screening held between DreamWorks and the American Association of People with Disabilities, DreamWorks decided to remove some promotional material that included the word “retard.”  A spokesman for DreamWorks said that no changes would be made to the actual however.

    The Special Olympics chairman is still pushing for a boycott of the film.  “This population (special people) struggles too much with the basics to have to have to struggle against Hollywood.   We’re sending a message that this hate speech is no longer
acceptable.” 

READ THE EDITORIAL OPINION BY ALUWISHES MCFINKELSTEIN