Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Harold & Kumar's Cruel Twist on the R-word - Save Your Money



This is not a movie I would ever pay money to go to.  That's what really ticks me off.  While waiting to see Arthur Christmas, we were subjected to the above movie trailer.  Just watch until about minute 1:39 and you will hear them discuss how 3D has gone out of style and 4D is the new thing.  Then, the actor describing 4D says it will "make Avatar look Avatarded."  Yes.  "Avatarded."  A new and very crude take on "Retarded".  


I wish I could have avoided this ridiculous take on the R word, but unfortunately, another night at the movies was ruined by this ridiculous and insulting movie trailer.  


What about the people who have disabilities?  What about the people who are the targets of the word "retarded"?  Should they and shouldn't all of us be able to actually go to the movies and escape?  Why does it always have to be a slam on people with disabilities?


It used to be socially acceptable to slam people who are gay.  It used to be socially acceptable to slam people who are African American.  In our current pop culture, it is apparently still acceptable to use the R word and slam people with disabilities.  I will not rest until this is no longer the environment we live in.  I will not stop blogging about these movies and pressuring people to remove the R word from their films.  


Just last week, Neil Patrick Harris (also in this movie) used the word "tranny" while on Live with Kelly.  Then, he quickly apologized.  I want an apology for this movie and for this new take on the R word.  


How about an apology for Avatarded, Neil?


I'd also like to hear from Kal Penn who I loved on House.  Named the Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Liason in 2009, I wonder how his Executive Director, President Obama would feel about his part in a movie that twists the disability slur "retarded" into "avatarded".


The disability community needs to take a stand and demand that Hollywood catch up to popular culture and remove the use of the word "retarded" as a butt of cruel jokes and innuendos.  2011 has been a blockbuster year of movies using it as such.  The Change Up, Larry Crowne,  The Descendants, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, and Friends With Benefits are all the ones I heard it used in.  


Something has to change.  We must demand it for our children, our friends and ourselves.  


Spread the word to end the word.

Spread the Word to End the Word

1 comment:

  1. I am almost afraid to watch movies now. The r-word is all over the place and I want to know just why slamming those with disabilities is so acceptable? I just do not understand.

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