In the coming days, you will probably hear much about a new movie that will be put into general release on 13 August. The movie is already advertising on TV. It is titled, "Tropic Thunder". With Ben Stiller, Jack Black etc., it is probably going to be a "teeny bopper" hit.

You may also see a protest of special significance outside of theaters showing this film. You see, this film is highly offensive to persons with disabilities . . . especially those with mental retardation or similar disabilities.

"Simple Jack" is featured as a film-within-the film, with Ben Stiller portraying a "retard" with a classic institutional bowl haircut and bad teeth. The film's promotional poster bears the subtitle "Once Upon a Time there was a Retard".

The scary thing is, the individuals to whom this film will be targeted, are our young generation who we desperately hope will be more accepting and knowledgeable about their peers who may appear or act differently. It is so very WRONG to, in any way, put forth the idea that it is socially acceptable or FUNNY to ridicule a person because they may not be as quick or able as the student next to them on the bus.

As the mother of a nearly 41 year old son with mental retardation, I have a problem with the word "Retard". Not the clinical diagnosis "Mental retardation" - but when I hear an otherwise intelligent, sensitive person use the word "Retard" as a noun - to mean - "God! You are so stupid!" - I cringe inside. It is degrading, insulting and very insensitive.

Most people today are more accepting of persons with disabilities - most people realize that all children deserve an education to the best of their abilities - most people would not think of denying another person medical care to insure they are healthy, protected and free from pain.

It has not always been so. I think of my friend, Katherine Rudolph who had a son in the early 1950s with Downs Syndrome. College educated, she knew nothing about Downs. She drove from Tennessee to Boston to see a specialist in DS. That "doctor" told her there was no hope - to put him away in an institution and "not get attached". Miss Katie was indignant! What? Not love and care for her child? Incredulous! She informed that doctor in Boston it was much to late for that as she had loved that child from the hour he was conceived - and would continue to love him until God took him home.

She returned to Tennessee where she fought for education (PL 94-142)and Social Security Benefits to include medical care for persons with special needs. Her last words to me was "The job is not done - never, never give up!"

This movie is a huge backstep for social awareness in this country. Produced by Dreamworks and distributed by Paramount - this film would never have been considered if it defamed any other social minority. The thought that the decision makers in those companies thought this was an acceptable concept to promote to our youth is pathetic. Yes, I KNOW this is a movie - , but how often do young people leave a theater and quote the "tag lines" for months -- "E.T. Phone Home" - (remember that one?)

Unfortunately,we are all influenced by the media - some more than others. It is sad to me that the actors involved felt this was okay to do - that it was funny.

When my child becomes the target of someone who has seen this film and they decide to make him the object of the "retard" jokes in this movie- I will fail to see the humor. I may walk the picket line outside our local theater - I do not know yet - but letters will be written by me- and hopefully by you - alerting the world that this negative image of persons with disabilities is not acceptable and will not be tolerated!