This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 26, 2008 - The movie Tropic Thunder debuted in August with attendance that matched the accolades from the critics. It was feted as humor at it finest - a satire that pulled no punches.
About 13 years ago, I might have found Tropic Thunder humorous. Then, my son was born with autism. Now, it's not so funny. The movie's repeated use of the term "retard" and its depiction of those with developmental disabilities are unquestionably demeaning. But the real joke is the defense of its satiric ambitions that fall once again on that great pillar of Hollywood absolution - creativity.
There's a great irony in the acceptance of DreamWorks' alleged creativity. How creative can you be when the most vulnerable in society wind up being the butt of your joke?
I know, I know, if we didn't make light of people with developmental disabilities, the foundations of artistic expression and pop culture delivered by Hollywood would be irreparably harmed. To try to respect and understand those with Down's syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities would egregiously limit Hollywood's enormous creative talents. What's next? Limiting the great material found in ridiculing the blind and the deaf?
Tropic Thunder's denigration not only hurts and further isolates a forgotten segment of society, but those who have chosen to reach out, connect and not look away.
- It is the parents who gently explain to their child why a particular classmate acts so differently.
- It is organizations like St. Louis Arc, which for more than 50 years has dedicated itself to helping those with developmental disabilities live a full life.
- It is the volunteers and workers with TASK (Team Activities for Special Kids) who bring the joy of sports and leisure activities to children with special needs.
- It is special education teachers, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapists who make a difference every day.
- It is children who take a stand against bullying. It is dedicated parents with organizations like Autism Speaks who devote countless hours to raise funds for research.
But mostly, it is those with developmental disabilities and their families who feel the sting of the movie's dismissal of their struggles. In all likelihood, subsequent protests of the movie have contributed to its box office success. But if it gets even one person to think instead of laugh, that will be progress. And if the protests somehow diminish the enjoyment of the movie for some, well, that's just too bad.
They'll just have to cope like the rest of us.
Steve Houston is a resident of South St. Louis County and is the father of a child with autism and has two nephews with autism.