TROPIC BLUNDER.....

I know I wrote about this yesterday, but when I read some reviews this morning,
written by movie critics who dismiss the use of the word "retard" as not significant
in the movie....I got a bit miffed, to say the least.

Examples of reviews:
* " . . . a scene in which Lazarus criticizes Speedman for 'going full retard' in 'Simple Jack' is a put-down only of overweening, ambitious actors who take roles as physically and mentally challenged characters because they're proven Oscar-bait." -- Ann Hornaday, the Washington Post* " 'Tropic Thunder' is drawing fire from special interest groups for . . . its frequent use of the word 'retard,' but discerning audiences will know where the humor is targeted. And they'll be laughing too hard to take offense." -- Christian Toto, the Washington Times * "The script's references to 'retards' have generated some pre-release controversy, but advocates for people with learning disabilities should find something worthier to protest; the target here is the pretensions of movie stars who think that by adopting a stammer they can understand the problems of the people they portray." -- John Beifuss, the Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.)* "Stiller isn't making fun of those with mental retardation. He's skewering an industry that honors actors who prove their seriousness by taking such roles." -- Daniel M. Kimmel, the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette

This is what is said in the movie:

Ben Stiller's character: "There were times when I was doing Jack when I actually felt retarded. Like really retarded." ;
Robert Downey Jr.'s character: "Oh yeah. Damn."
Stiller: "In a weird way, I had to sort of just free myself up to believe that it was okay to be stupid or dumb."
Downey: "To be a moron."
Stiller: "Yeah."
At another point, about acting like a person with intellectual disabilities, they say:
Stiller: "It's what we do, right?"
Downey: "Everybody knows you never do a full retard."
Stiller: "What do you mean?"
Downey: "Check it out. Dustin Hoffman, 'Rain Man,' look retarded, act retarded, not retarded. Count toothpicks to your cards. Autistic, sure. Not retarded. You know Tom Hanks, 'Forrest Gump.' Slow, yes. Retarded, maybe. Braces on his legs. But he charmed the pants off Nixon and won a ping-pong competition. That ain't retarded. You went full retard, man. Never go full retard."

Because I am the Mother of 3 children, who are labeled with Autism and Mental Retardation I have the right to be offended by the "r" word and it use in the film.

Ben Stiller has taken the "r" word and made it justafiable to use. Mr. Stiller, when you justify a derogatory term such as "retard", you make it okay for others to use that word. It is no less justifiable than using the "N" word when referring to an African-American. Or the "K" word when referring to a person who is Jewish.

The movie critics are no better. They too justify the use of the "r" word. As one lame critic wrote..."discerning audiences will know where the humor is targeted..."
AS IF THAT MAKES IT OKAY?????

I, along with Special Olympics, am offended...but not for me....for my children. Mr. Stiller, you owe them a huge apology along with the rest of the mentally challenged community. You have small children...it is your job, as their parent, to teach them better.

SHAME SHAME ON YOU BEN STILLER.....

I went to the grocery store recently...heck, I live at the grocery store, it seems.
Caitlin was buzzing joyfully and flapping her hands so hard, I thought she was going to take off flying. SHe was behaving and so happy..I don't know why, but she was.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a young woman yells down the aisle at me..."HEY, SHUT YOUR RETARD UP"!!!!!
I had to stop, take a breath, and grasp the words I just heard. I explained to this early-twenties-something, Generation X, hateful person that she was not "retarded" but Autistic.
This not-so-lovely person said, "LIKE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE"...
I explained, very calmly by the way, that my daughter was much smarter than she could ever think about being. I also explained that when you use words like "Retard", "Moron", "Stupid", etc....you are not hurting the person you are calling a name to, you are showing your "ignorance".
Now, I hear, there is a movie out that Ben Stiller helped to pen. I like Ben Stiller...he is funny. The fact that he chose to use a word like "Retard" in his movie...not so funny.
Now Ben Stiller has made it okay for young people, like the young woman who berated my daughter in the grocery store, to do the same to other differently-challenged people....
SHAME ON YOU Ben Stiller...SHAME ON YOU!!!

PICTURE PERFECT....

Amy sent all of us some lovely cards from her new home. She wrote a special message to all of us. I asked Caitlin "What did Amy write to you"?


Caitlin said," Amy told me to keep doing my art"...


I said, "Are you going to keep doing your art"?


Caitlin replied," I already am doing my art" !!!


I said,"When"?


Caitlin said, "Yesterday"....


I said,"What did you draw"?


Caitlin replied, "Shapes".....





Okay, "Can I see the shapes"?

Above is the masterpiece she brought me....It took her one day....

PICTURE PERFECT....

GOD REQUIRED ANOTHER ANGEL....

I heard the news this week about a friend from Pflugerville High School. Debra (Debbie) Webster passed away, unexpectedly, on July 18, 2008. We just celebrated our 30 year class reunion last month, and unfortunate for us, Debbie was not there.

She always kept up with class activities, what I have been told....

Debbie Webster was the type of person who stayed to herself. If she was your friend, you certainly knew it. She was smart, smarter than the rest of us. She was funny. She was pretty, although I don't think the boy's knew it yet.....

Debbie NEVER had a bad word to say about anyone....she was helpful and kind.

This was the obituary that was in the Tyler paper:

Services are pending for Debra Youngs, 47, of Troup. Mrs. Youngs died July 18 in Grand Cayman.

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville will direct the services once date and time is set.
Mrs. Youngs is survived by husband Lance Youngs of Troup; mother, Linda Webster of Leander; brothers, Roger Webster of Leander and Andy Webster of Conroe; mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Mary Anne and Elam Coney of Troup; and other relatives.

I don't know why God takes beautiful young women so young....I lost 2 good friends last year who died suddenly also. God must need them up in Heaven, more than we need them here.

I guess I am selfish and am not ready to let my friends go so quickly.

Rest in Peace Debra....you will be missed.....