Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just Call Me an Activist!
I was interviewed for a piece today on the debate about whether "Tropic Thunder" is highly offensive -- you can only imagine on what side I stood...I stood proud with my fellow parents of kids with developmental disabilities all over the country who are speaking out on the disregard for our community and the overuse of the negative, offensive word "retard" which was used 17 times in what I'm sure will be a summer blockbuster. Don't miss Ben Stiller defending himself on the issue -- he still doesn't believe an apology is warranted, and even if I wanted to forgive him for making the movie, I can't pardon him for not admitting he made a mistake by not consulting with disability groups, and ultimately, not caring he offended an entire community. If you ask me, Beanie steals the show! Here we are on Miami's CBS 4.
Tropic "Blunder" Update
This just in: I have an interview with our local CBS affiliate this morning...I'll post on that later.
Unfortunately, this horrible movie is hitting screens today, but not without a ton of negative publicity -- as a former publicist, I usually say, "any press is good press", but in this context, I'd like to think that although Ben Stiller's movie will pull in millions at the box office, it we will start a dialog with Paramount/Dreamworks and other studios. Studios now know that disability groups are watching and active and will take them to task for any future movies that don't consult our community before using derogatory, slanderous material poking fun at one group in the name of comedy. Johnny Knoxville's "The Ringer" about a guy who poses as a Special Olympics athlete to make quick cash, not only consulted with Special Olympics, but had the organization's endorsement -- it was done in good taste and actually depicted the athletes as witty and nothing to be "afraid" of. The bottom line is if one group laughs at the expense of another, it's not funny, it's humiliation.
Here's the thing...the critics who are calling it "the funniest movie of the summer" are probably right - and all this talk about the jokes making fun of actors who play the mentally challenged in an attempt at Oscar, NOT at the disabled themselves need to get that the millions who will see this "satire" 1) don't know what "satire" IS, and 2) won't "get" that it's not poking fun at people with disabilities.
I'm proud to say many moms and dads on my chat board, downsyn.com, have landed interviews on their local stations, written letters to the editor, and blogged about it so their friends and family are aware of this movie and help support the boycott. My dear friend, Mike, wrote a letter to the editor to the Seattle PI (thanks, Mike!).
Here is some of my favorite coverage of the topic: a clip from the protest at the movie's premiere from CNN, a byline by Tim Shriver, Executive Director of Special Olympics in the Washington Post, and an opinion piece from a disabilities professor at the University of Illinois on NPR.
Sadly, we now wait to see how long it takes for some bully to coin the phrase "full retard" at the local playground. I hope it's not done within ear shot of me or my husband...
For the latest, check out Patricia Bauer's blog.
Unfortunately, this horrible movie is hitting screens today, but not without a ton of negative publicity -- as a former publicist, I usually say, "any press is good press", but in this context, I'd like to think that although Ben Stiller's movie will pull in millions at the box office, it we will start a dialog with Paramount/Dreamworks and other studios. Studios now know that disability groups are watching and active and will take them to task for any future movies that don't consult our community before using derogatory, slanderous material poking fun at one group in the name of comedy. Johnny Knoxville's "The Ringer" about a guy who poses as a Special Olympics athlete to make quick cash, not only consulted with Special Olympics, but had the organization's endorsement -- it was done in good taste and actually depicted the athletes as witty and nothing to be "afraid" of. The bottom line is if one group laughs at the expense of another, it's not funny, it's humiliation.
Here's the thing...the critics who are calling it "the funniest movie of the summer" are probably right - and all this talk about the jokes making fun of actors who play the mentally challenged in an attempt at Oscar, NOT at the disabled themselves need to get that the millions who will see this "satire" 1) don't know what "satire" IS, and 2) won't "get" that it's not poking fun at people with disabilities.
I'm proud to say many moms and dads on my chat board, downsyn.com, have landed interviews on their local stations, written letters to the editor, and blogged about it so their friends and family are aware of this movie and help support the boycott. My dear friend, Mike, wrote a letter to the editor to the Seattle PI (thanks, Mike!).
Here is some of my favorite coverage of the topic: a clip from the protest at the movie's premiere from CNN, a byline by Tim Shriver, Executive Director of Special Olympics in the Washington Post, and an opinion piece from a disabilities professor at the University of Illinois on NPR.
Sadly, we now wait to see how long it takes for some bully to coin the phrase "full retard" at the local playground. I hope it's not done within ear shot of me or my husband...
For the latest, check out Patricia Bauer's blog.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Shame On You "Tropic Thunder"
It is with a sad, heavy, and down-right pissed-off heart that I write this post. There is a new movie, Tropic Thunder, premiering August 13th which was written, directed, and stars one of my favorite comic actors, Ben Stiller. It also stars the very funny Jack Black and the supremely talented Robert Downey Jr. I, for one, will not be going to see it and ask that you pledge not to do so either. Why? Well, Ben Stiller's character plays a has-been actor whose one Oscar bid failed for a movie titled "Simple Jack" with the tagline"Once upon a time...there was a retard." HOW IS THAT OKAY!?!?! The movie within a movie, even has its own website www.simplejackmovie.com. One of my heroes, Patricia Bauer -- formerly of The Washington Post who has an adult child with DS and writes about disability issues -- addresses the issues on her blog.
Needless to say, the disabilities community is up in arms because although DreamWorks/Paramount and those associated with the movie are saying the movie is an equal opportunity offender, not a single disabilities organization was consulted in the making of this movie. Several organizations including the National Down Syndrome Congress and Special Olympics are calling an emergency meeting with the studio to discuss the community's concerns about the way people with intellectual disabilities are portrayed and ridiculed in the movie. If you think I'm exaggerating, read this part of the script where Downey's character tells Stillers "never go full retard." Can you believe THAT?!
I have tons of concerns, not the least of which is that these men who are idolized and followed by so many, don't care who they squash on their way to collect a quick buck -- and I'm sure they sleep at night because they view their work as "art" and don't take any responsibility for reinforcing and furthering these negative stereotypes. More so, they are giving jackasses of the world license to use that derogatory, insulting, ugly word! Can you even imagine what would happen if instead of using "retard" they used the "n" word? When will we as a society not tolerate this type of behavior? Sadly, Ben Stiller is dead in the Rhyneer household. Please tell others not to bite on this movie...if we can each spread the word and put a dent -- even if it's a small one -- in their box-office take, it'll hurt and maybe they'll start paying attention. I'll keep you posted on what develops.
Needless to say, the disabilities community is up in arms because although DreamWorks/Paramount and those associated with the movie are saying the movie is an equal opportunity offender, not a single disabilities organization was consulted in the making of this movie. Several organizations including the National Down Syndrome Congress and Special Olympics are calling an emergency meeting with the studio to discuss the community's concerns about the way people with intellectual disabilities are portrayed and ridiculed in the movie. If you think I'm exaggerating, read this part of the script where Downey's character tells Stillers "never go full retard." Can you believe THAT?!
I have tons of concerns, not the least of which is that these men who are idolized and followed by so many, don't care who they squash on their way to collect a quick buck -- and I'm sure they sleep at night because they view their work as "art" and don't take any responsibility for reinforcing and furthering these negative stereotypes. More so, they are giving jackasses of the world license to use that derogatory, insulting, ugly word! Can you even imagine what would happen if instead of using "retard" they used the "n" word? When will we as a society not tolerate this type of behavior? Sadly, Ben Stiller is dead in the Rhyneer household. Please tell others not to bite on this movie...if we can each spread the word and put a dent -- even if it's a small one -- in their box-office take, it'll hurt and maybe they'll start paying attention. I'll keep you posted on what develops.
Monday, July 28, 2008
This Bean Was Made for Walking
We have a walking BEAN! Soon, there will be NO stopping him. Don't miss Roscoe giving Lucas his support.
For those who don't know, Down syndrome often causes delay in a child's global development which means a child will reach all the developmental milestones, just at his/her own pace. Lucas has reached several milestones within the average timeframe, but has needed a little extra time to reach others, such as walking. We've tried not to obsess TOO much over the "typical" guidelines so we can more fully enjoy Lucas and celebrate all the big and small victories along the way. More important than "when" kids master their milestones is "how" and Lucas has great posture and his core strength is improving every day which are essential to everything he'll ever do (I never thought I'd learn so much about how the body works).
With the help of weekly speech/language, physical, and occupational therapies, the support of his teacher and assistants (a total of 10 women!) and his slew of specialists, Lucas is making huge strides and holding his own among his peers. He surprises us daily with his inquisitive, independent, fun-loving nature. We are so proud of our bean, can't you tell?!
Please leave a message for Lucas...I think THIS merits one!
For those who don't know, Down syndrome often causes delay in a child's global development which means a child will reach all the developmental milestones, just at his/her own pace. Lucas has reached several milestones within the average timeframe, but has needed a little extra time to reach others, such as walking. We've tried not to obsess TOO much over the "typical" guidelines so we can more fully enjoy Lucas and celebrate all the big and small victories along the way. More important than "when" kids master their milestones is "how" and Lucas has great posture and his core strength is improving every day which are essential to everything he'll ever do (I never thought I'd learn so much about how the body works).
With the help of weekly speech/language, physical, and occupational therapies, the support of his teacher and assistants (a total of 10 women!) and his slew of specialists, Lucas is making huge strides and holding his own among his peers. He surprises us daily with his inquisitive, independent, fun-loving nature. We are so proud of our bean, can't you tell?!
Please leave a message for Lucas...I think THIS merits one!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Peek-A-Boo
Here's our son in action...he's teething since he's got two bottom teeth coming in and don't mind the seeds all over him...boy loves his dragon fruit (blame his father). By the way, he knows many of his body parts now too. Remember to turn up the volume. Enjoy!
Dynamic Duo Update
Here is another installment of the dynamic duo. I'm glad someone is enjoying Lucas' Spiderman chair! When not otherwise lounging on our furniture, we're happy to report Roscoe is also enjoying the company of his trainer from "Canine Counselors" and learning to be a good dog (most days). The last shot is of Lucas as Prince Charming at the "Fairy Tale Ball" -- an end-of-the-year fundraiser for Lucas' school. Lucas will be "graduating" to the toddler II classroom in the next couple of weeks as the new school year begins Monday, August 18th (Tom's birthday). The goal is to have him independently walking by then and he continues to make strides in that direction every day. This is THE month!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Home from NDSC Convention
I returned late last night from the National Down Syndrome Congress annual convention in Boston. Although I had to go solo, it was an awesome experience and my head is still spinning from the emotions and all the information -- I learned so many things, including matters that will have an impact on Lucas' life and our world. I particularly enjoyed the keynote presentations, hearing from self-advocates (young adults with Down syndrome) and connecting with like-minded parents.
I was very excited to see a preview of the new NDSC public service campaign -- in both Spanish and English -- titled "We're More Alike than Different" which I'm going to help promote in south Florida because I feel the campaign can help shift the general public perception of people with Down syndrome. It's funny, I feel as though I've been drafted into this role of advocate, but one I'll gladly do if it can help shape Lucas' future into a more accepting and loving place. Stay tuned for more as soon as I catch my breath...for now, I must finish bathing Lucas who is busy banging on his xylophone (thanks, Mom!).
I was very excited to see a preview of the new NDSC public service campaign -- in both Spanish and English -- titled "We're More Alike than Different" which I'm going to help promote in south Florida because I feel the campaign can help shift the general public perception of people with Down syndrome. It's funny, I feel as though I've been drafted into this role of advocate, but one I'll gladly do if it can help shape Lucas' future into a more accepting and loving place. Stay tuned for more as soon as I catch my breath...for now, I must finish bathing Lucas who is busy banging on his xylophone (thanks, Mom!).
Monday, July 7, 2008
Watch out NBA
Here's Lucas enjoying one of his favorite bath-time activities and saying the one word he's got down...it still needs perfecting, but he's gettin' it! Enjoy.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Turning Point...
A few weeks ago, I participated in a leadership training session for the roll-out of the University of Miami Health System. I met people in departments and institutions across the huge medical campus, but one person in particular played a pivotal role in helping me stand up for myself, for Lucas's sake.
During a role-playing exercise, this nice nurse who I had just met over lunch stood up in a room of several hundred people -- she was playing the role of mother to a pregnant woman of "advanced maternal age" -- and said "She's too old to have a baby; what if the baby is retarded? Who will take care of it?" While laughter erupted in the room, her words sent shivers up my spine. See, although you go about living your life, sometimes people walk into it and say STUPID SHIT to ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience.
I sat there for the remainder of the afternoon plotting revenge (not exactly) -- what I would say, how I would say it, when would I do it...I wouldn't let this opportunity pass...not this one, I've let others off the hook, but it was time to stand up. At the end of the day, I asked to speak with her and she was very approachable so I just let it flow -- I reminded her my son has Down syndrome and as his mother, I take care of him like any parent would. I asked her not to use the "R" word which should be stricken from our vocabulary because it's never used in anything but a demeaning way and makes light of a devastating disability. I told her I needed to stand up for my son and not let people get away with saying hurtful things. Needless to say -- she apologized profusely and thanked me repeatedly for bringing it to her attention. She tried to tell me she didn't mean any disrespect and I told her no one ever does. I was so overwhelmed by the experience, I sobbed openly as she hugged and consoled me. It was a turning point in my journey as Lucas' mom and an experience neither one of us will soon forget.
Earlier this week, I took Lucas to the pediatrician -- she often uses inappropriate and incorrect language when speaking to us about Lucas' condition. Tuesday was no exception. When she said "...he IS Down's", I surprised myself when I cut her off and corrected her without raising my voice or skipping a beat, "...he HAS Down's, he ISN'T Down's" -- she stopped, corrected herself, and carefully chose her words for the remainder of the conversation. At the end of the day, if I don't use these experiences as opportunities to educate people, who will?
I think I'm getting the knack of it. Sweet victory.
During a role-playing exercise, this nice nurse who I had just met over lunch stood up in a room of several hundred people -- she was playing the role of mother to a pregnant woman of "advanced maternal age" -- and said "She's too old to have a baby; what if the baby is retarded? Who will take care of it?" While laughter erupted in the room, her words sent shivers up my spine. See, although you go about living your life, sometimes people walk into it and say STUPID SHIT to ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience.
I sat there for the remainder of the afternoon plotting revenge (not exactly) -- what I would say, how I would say it, when would I do it...I wouldn't let this opportunity pass...not this one, I've let others off the hook, but it was time to stand up. At the end of the day, I asked to speak with her and she was very approachable so I just let it flow -- I reminded her my son has Down syndrome and as his mother, I take care of him like any parent would. I asked her not to use the "R" word which should be stricken from our vocabulary because it's never used in anything but a demeaning way and makes light of a devastating disability. I told her I needed to stand up for my son and not let people get away with saying hurtful things. Needless to say -- she apologized profusely and thanked me repeatedly for bringing it to her attention. She tried to tell me she didn't mean any disrespect and I told her no one ever does. I was so overwhelmed by the experience, I sobbed openly as she hugged and consoled me. It was a turning point in my journey as Lucas' mom and an experience neither one of us will soon forget.
Earlier this week, I took Lucas to the pediatrician -- she often uses inappropriate and incorrect language when speaking to us about Lucas' condition. Tuesday was no exception. When she said "...he IS Down's", I surprised myself when I cut her off and corrected her without raising my voice or skipping a beat, "...he HAS Down's, he ISN'T Down's" -- she stopped, corrected herself, and carefully chose her words for the remainder of the conversation. At the end of the day, if I don't use these experiences as opportunities to educate people, who will?
I think I'm getting the knack of it. Sweet victory.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Big Week for Beanie...
It was a big week in the Rhyneer household. Lucas turned 20 months and guess he decided it was time to start walking AND talking! First, he very purposefully said "ball" TWICE while handing me, what else, balls! Second, he took a couple of independent steps getting from the toilet seat to the tub. Interestingly, both of these major moves took place in the bathroom -- beanie does love his baths! I shared the big news with his speech and physical therapists -- in addition to the county-sponsored weekly sessions, Lucas goes to private physical therapy once a month -- Isabel has been seeing him since he was two months old and this morning she warned me he's ready to GO...with a little confidence building, she expects him to be walking independently by this time next month. Watch out Groucho and Roscoe!
Lucas has been steadily increasing his sign language vocabulary which is up to about 25 words and is combining 2-3 word phrases, but it's so nice to see and hear him "speak" -- he's cooking up a few more words so I'm sure sometime soon we'll be hearing others. It seems somewhat surreal to look back and remember a time when I wondered if he'd ever "do" anything -- admittedly, he was about 2 months old. There was -- and still is -- so much fear about the impact of Lucas' diagnosis on his development and as a result, his future. But one thing is true.... every day, Lucas shows us how determined he is and how much he can accomplish with some love, dedication, and support. May this be a sign of many new things to come! He is an exceptional child and our life is so much happier, richer, and more meaningful because he is our son.
Lucas has been steadily increasing his sign language vocabulary which is up to about 25 words and is combining 2-3 word phrases, but it's so nice to see and hear him "speak" -- he's cooking up a few more words so I'm sure sometime soon we'll be hearing others. It seems somewhat surreal to look back and remember a time when I wondered if he'd ever "do" anything -- admittedly, he was about 2 months old. There was -- and still is -- so much fear about the impact of Lucas' diagnosis on his development and as a result, his future. But one thing is true.... every day, Lucas shows us how determined he is and how much he can accomplish with some love, dedication, and support. May this be a sign of many new things to come! He is an exceptional child and our life is so much happier, richer, and more meaningful because he is our son.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)