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LEAP is encouraging all community members to take action in responding to the negative portrayal of persons with intellectual disabilities in the film TROPIC THUNDER , released on August 13. The film stars Ben Stiller as "Simple Jack" and includes a very negative portrayal of a person with intellectual disabilities and extensive use of the "R-word." LEAP, along with numerous other state & national disability organizations, has signed on to a Statement of Support and Solidarity organized by Special Olympics. Included within the Statement is a call to action that includes:

Boycotting the film and sending a message to Hollywood that negative portrayals of people with intellectual disabilities is not entertainment.
Creating an e-mail and/or letter-writing campaign to end the use of the "R-word" in all forms of media, including film and television.
Compiling a list of local media that you want to inform about the negative portrayal of a person with intellectual disabilities in the film Tropic Thunder. Suggestions for talking points can include:
The depiction of a person with an intellectual disability is disrespectful and offensive.
Such a depiction is hurtful and dangerous --- especially when you consider the level of discrimination, bullying and unequal treatment people with disabilities face every day.
Self-advocates were not consulted in the making of the film in order to develop more accurate portrayals.

Community Members can also join LEAP and other national, state and local organizations in signing an electronic Statement of Support and Solidarity against the negative portrayal of a person with intellectual disabilities in the film Tropic Thunder. For more information about the Statement, click here.

Our choice of language frames how we think about others.
It is time to respect and value people with intellectual disabilities.
It is time to accept and welcome them as our friends and neighbors.