Why I disliked The Hangover
Last night I went to see one of the most popular movies in the country. It was “The Hangover”, and I am afraid I have a bit of a bone to pick with it. I am sure some will see it as an over reaction, but I feel very strongly about what I am about to write and hope that it atleast gets some people thinking.
My whole life I have gone through what anyone with a disorder or handicap goes through. That is to say an endless stream of stupidity and ignorance shown towards us that is generally due to a lack of understanding on the part of the person saying or doing whatever demeaning act they may be doing. It is also not helped by our forms of entertainment that help perpetuate these horribly inaccurate stereotypes.
That brings me to my complaint. I will try to keep the spoilers to a minimum.
I was enjoying the movie until they get to a scene in which they are discussing card counting and how they could win alot of money doing it if they didn’t get caught. It is at this point that one of the characters brings up Rainman and says, in so many words, that he was able to do it and he was a retard. That line right there made me lose all interest in the movie. I will say that the movie tried to redeem itself by re-enacting the casino scene from Rainman pretty much to the T. It wasn’t much but it did atleast imply that Savant Autistics are very intelligent. However this was not enough for me.
For one thing, I do not believe in the use of the word “retard” when it is being used to describe people with Autism. It is incredibly inaccurate when you take into consideration that most autistic people are incredibly intelligent, they simply lack a way to communicate it. I find this word to be very outdated and incredibly cruel when said to anyone, whether in a “joking” manner or not.
What makes me even more angry is the fact that I have a nephew who is Autistic and love very dearly, and the thought of people thinking of Autistics as “retards” makes me worry even more about him. I went through my life dealing with people who would rather believe untrue things about my own disorder, I certaintly do not want him to suffer from someone elses stupidity.
It really disturbs me because there are alot of people who are happy in their ignorance and will accept what is said in the movie as fact. This is not acceptable in any way shape or form. Hollywood should be shaking it’s head in shame at even allowing such a thing to be said and shown, especially when you consider how many actors and actresses either support or have a child with Autism or advocate on its behalf. If ever there was a place were some real advocacy could be done for ALL people with disorders, it is Hollywood. Instead they would rather make movies like this one that ridicule and perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Now, I am not going to tell you not to see the movie, really I won’t. I am simply asking that when or if you do, that you realize that Rainman, both the fictional and the real one, as well as, other Autistics, are not “retarded”. In fact, many of them know more about what is going on around them than most would give them credit for. If you do not believe me, I challenge you to do some research on the real Rainman, Kim Peek, and just listen to what he has to say and hear about some of the things he has done. Anyone who can read one page of a book with one eye and the other page with the other eye and commit to memory EVERYTHING he just read, after ONE reading, is clearly NOT “retarded”.
I am curious, do you believe that Hollywood perpetuates these negative stereotypes, and if so do you think that they should stop? If you don’t believe this, I would like to know why as well.
EDIT: I just want to edit this a bit and clear up a few things, as it seems that some people are missing the point of the post. I understand completely what the context of the scene was; to make the character look foolish. I am merely saying that while it might have been used in such a way, it is a double edged sword in that there are people who would assume, comedy or not, that Autism and Mental retardation are linked. Trust me, I have seen and dealt with people who believe this. I have noticed that the people who sympathize with this post are the ones who have or have delt with or raised a person with a handicap. Many people who do not have “issues” or handicaps of any kind, do not understand how hurtful a word such as “retard” is because they have never had it said to them in a cruel and hurtful manner. I wrote this post not because I am bitter or because I am angry at the movie industry, I grew up and learned to shrug off such comment. I wrote it because I have had fears, since the day he was diagnosed, that my nephew would one day have to deal with such horrible things being said to him. This may seem so trivial to some but to me it is not. This is why I write these posts and this is why I advocate for Autism Awareness and Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness, so that, hopefully, one day I won’t have to.
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I can only imagine an aspie slamming the new Trek movie in here. I survived the whole childhood autism thing because of Mr. Spock. Yeah, I’m old…
@sarahb_86@xanga – No, I think you are missing my point. It is comedy, and if every one starts saying “this is offending to me take it out” at what point do we draw the line? And I am by no means saying that I go around making fun of autistic people, I have two younger cousins both with autism, who are by far the sweetest children I have ever met and I too would be upset if someone directly called them “retarded”. I am simply saying that when used in such context as it was used in the movie, it is indeed Hi-freaking-larious! But like my mother always told me, its a movie and you need to be able to tell the difference between fiction and reality. Reality being yes its 110% unacceptible in real every day life, although to me compleatly acceptable in film.
@Joysofmotherhood@xanga – Thank you for understanding the post. It is not about HOW the joke was said or what irt was supposed to portray, it is the fact that the writters sat down and decided to use such a stereotypical joke.
@ahsolovley@xanga – You are right no one did force me to watch it, in fact I didn;t pay to watch it either, my boyfriend did. However, you miss the basic premise of my post. I am using Autism as an example, while being a personal matter, it is addressed in the movie. The main point is that we as a society should not find the stereotypical portrayal of anyone with disabilities comedic. People, like myself and my nephew, have had to put up with hevily misinformed people who base what they know about our disorders in things they see on TV, movies, etc.
ffs. let it go. I have asd. all people with any physical or neurological disorder are subject to comedy. its not always good comedy, but its nice to be included. poke fun at whatever you want, just dont spread hate. you’re fixation on a subpar movie with a perceived slight is not a personal attack.
– Sorry to say but I agree with Sammy. Why aren’t we yelling about the way they stereotyped hookers or chinese men? and you know what? I dont think that all lions are vicious and tear up the interior of peoples car! Or even that boxers go around punching people just because they want to!
If you’re going to rant about one stereotype in the movie, please rant about all of them. No one forced you to watch it. What a rah-tard. :/
i couldnt agree more with you. we went and saw the movie and that pissed me off so much that i got up and walked out. my husband stayed and watched the movie but i was so mad!!!! ppl dont understand how angry people with autsim get about these stupid ignorant statements. my three yr old is autistic and i actually pulled him from preschool when this mother asked the teacher…. what is he retarded….. movies should watch what they put into them. there a entire controversy over the orphane movie as well. im sorry but its not funny. it was very disrespectful. point blank
I thought it was funny because of the way he pronounced it… sure me for being politically incorrect sometimes… or ok a lot of the time. I work with kids, I don’t let them use that word, nor do I use it was a describing word because in that sense it is demeaning. Besides.. isn’t the definition of retard “to pause” or something similar ( I don’t feel like actually getting a definition… yeah I’m politically incorrect AND lazy). Think the bottom line is… you can’t please everyone.
@RiceDaddy7@xanga – I agree. If we can’t make fun of one group, then we shouldnt be able to make fun of ANYONE else. And that’s not very honest, and not very fun. Comedy would just die, and life would be about everyone watching every word they say in fear.
I agree and disagree with this entire article. So I guess no one will agree with me.
The fact is that people can say whatever they want. There is a way or a word or a phrase that anyone can use to insult/offend/demean someone else. It will ALWAYS be this way. If you want this world to be filled with more and more insults, stop trying to make every little word an issue and deal with it. Either a few syllables become taboo and a new “lesser” insult is created to replace it, or you do something other than cry about people making fun of conditions and mental illness. Comedy isn’t always clean and nice and PC. The Hangover was a terrible movie, and if anyone seriously thinks that way about ALL people with autism because of it, then they’re just stupid, end of story. If you’re above them, then BE above them. And if you don’t think these things are funny, don’t watch what the masses gobble up, and don’t have a sense of humor about it — no one’s gonna make you laugh. They have the right to make the movie, you have the right not to go. Because clearly you’re too sensitive to the things people joke about a lot.
sorry dude, if your looking for an intellectual movie your in the wrong place. the hangover’s not meant for you for you to use your brain. it’s ok to be a hater. a lot of times people try to be cool and hate on something because everyone likes it.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – lol, Same here.
@sarahb_86@xanga – 🙂 You’re pretty cool. Glad I met you. 😀
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Ah, yes! I started out as an Egyptian bellydancer. I know of atleast three dancers; Dina, Tito and Little Mimo, who is some relation to Tito. All of them a VERY good and I would love to learn how to dance on a doumbek like Tito and Mimo do.
“A lot of people misunderstand belly dancing as something “strippers” do which is why I don’t typically tell people about that hobby of mine.”
This has got to be the bane of every bellydancers existance. Ugh, even my own Uncle thought that. Tryig to correct people is hard when we have pictures of dancers dancing naked or topless that seem to counter it. If only people knew that some of thse were overdramatized orientalist paintings or, if they were real, were of women who were basically forced to dance that way by pushy tourist and foriegners. Atleast this is how it reads in Serpent of the Nile, very good book so far. 🙂
“And apologies for blocking. People typically come to my site to try to make assumptions about my character, and it annoys me. I’m glad you enjoyed the post I wrote. =]”
Eh, don’t worry about it. There are some crazy people out there, o I understand where you are coming from. Having a disagreement about a movie should not keep us from having discussions about something we both agree on and share in common. 🙂
@Gh0s7_Sc3m4tics@xanga – fosho but dr. kim is a super twinkie/banana -yellow outside, white inside. he doesnt know a lick of korean and iwould know cuz iat least know some. hes still pretty funny but yeah, he overdid it
what’s the point – ther will always be real retards out there who won’t understand the difference so just learn to deal with it and accept that there are stupid people out there. you have a clear agenda and consequently a bias aginst this movie which you shouldn’t take so seriously – it’s just a movie – if you don’t like it then don’t watch it but don’t bother me about it cuz you take offense at something. i can’t believe this is the part that turned you off cuz he called rainman a retard -they dont even mention autism and hes obviously grossly oversimplifying which is what makes it funny. would you rather have said ‘he’s autistic?’ no cuz it wouldn’t have been funny which was the point really – retards are funny and autism isn’t as much because more dumbass sensitive folks would get fired up about it like well, idk, a certain blogger.
@sarahb_86@xanga – The history is very muddled I’ll give you that. My family is from Egypt and a lot of belly dancing there nowadays is used for the same traditional reasons but was also used as a form of entertainment. Now that its mostly an Islamic state the entertainment part has been cut out of it, which I don’t find to be a bad thing. A lot of people misunderstand belly dancing as something “strippers” do which is why I don’t typically tell people about that hobby of mine.
And apologies for blocking. People typically come to my site to try to make assumptions about my character, and it annoys me. I’m glad you enjoyed the post I wrote. =]
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Come now, we have something in common. There is no reason that we cannot discuss dance in a civil manner. I would even be hinored to discuss it with you on my page in the chatboard, should you feel up to it.
@Jeremy_Sheer@xanga – Actually, on my page in the second comment I correct that. 🙂
Ok, First off Im glad thiis has to do with Autism. 2nd, this is an outdated blog “Biggest movie in the country”? Sorry but you’re wrong because Harry Potter is the biggest movie ever right now beating out The Dark Knight……..$400 million dollars in 5 days. Sorry…….Lame Blog……Outdated
@BunnyParfait@xanga – In reality the whole history of bellydance is a bit muddled. I mean we know WHY it was created but there are many different tribes that claim to be the originators of it. I mean it just shows up in so many countries that it is hard to pin it all down, you know what i mean?
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Very true, it was originally concieved for the purposes of childbearing, and as far as I am aware is still used in that way. Just for the sake of conversation, what culture?
There are very big differences between the traditional and the American versions of bellydance, on that I am sure we can both agree. 🙂
Oh and when i said traditional belluydancers I am not talking about modrern ones. I am talking about the originators, so to speak.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Too bad you blocked me I actually enjoyed some of your posts. The one about the Tatoos and Piercings was especially enjoyable. Just to nip it in the bud, I was not there to stalk or whatever, I ctually like to read the pages of the people i am debating with. Sort of get to know them type of thing. Weird but it gives me a sense for who the person is.
Since you did block me I will just say that I am glad we agree on atleast one thing and that it was a great post.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Incorrect actually. Belly dancing is a very big part of my culture and all the belly dancers in my family are fit. The purpose of belly dancing is not to entertain but to strengthen muscles for child birth.
dude you think that’s bad…what about the asian dude in the movie perpetuating the stereotype of the small…you know….to add to that, his “asian” accent was one of the worst impressions of the asian accent ever.
but the movie was still hilarious
@sarahb_86@xanga – message me the link, I’ll see what I can do.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Oh good! Now we can discuss bellydancing! it really is one of my favorite things. Should be interesting to discuss.
5 years and counting, thank you very much.
Allow me to take from your book and say do your research and you will see that skinny-as-a-twig bellydancers are actually an American invent circa the 1920’s and 30’s and, big suprise here, were featured mostly in Hollywood movies. Real traditional bellydancers were, and are, bigger. Also, “bellydance” is actually the result of the bad translation of the word beledi by tourists and explorers manly from England and France. Real beledi, or bellydance, does not revolve around just the belly.
@sarahb_86@xanga – I thought belly dancers had nice tummies. You must not have been one for long. ps: Its spelled contradict*
@edlives@xanga – Would you mind posting the updated version?
@BunnyParfait@xanga – You can be embarrassed for me all you want, because I sure as heck am not. I am a bellydancer and as such I have learned to accept my body as is, any insult that you can come up with about my weight will just go in one ear and out the other. I pay very little mind to those that would stoop so low anyways.
Really? you don’t do comebacks? I see a few posts up there that contridict that claim. 🙂
Oh, one more thing, I could care less about getting featured or your suposedly non-existant comebacks. Considering that I have a nephew with autism and a cousin who had MR, I think it is safe to say I know the difference.
Well, as much fun as this “conversation” has been, I am “sadly” going to leave it at that. Clearly all you are looking for is a fight and i do not wish to converse with you anymore, especially considering that, according to you, you do not read these posts anyways.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Thanks for submitting the post. 🙂
Sure, the word retard is offensive. But really? You let such ignorance ruin your show? Ignorance aside, the movie was fantastic.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Political correctness is the real cancer to our society and if we’re to achieve an resemblance of peace we should be able to laugh at each other and everyone else and not develop such a thick skin. Everyone can make fun of me and I can make fun of everyone else. That’s the way it should be, because at the end of the day if certain people can’t be made fun of then no one should be made fun of.
If it wasn’t an Asian guy popping out of the trunk, who should it be? A Russian guy? A Jewish guy? A gay Russian Jewish guy with a bowlcut? Please. If the world was up to people like you there would be no laughter. By the way, the people of Hangover would like to thank you for your $8-$10.
P.S.: Watch Something About Mary. They really make fun of mentally-handicapped people there. Or do you only defend autism?
@sarahb_86@xanga – I see that you are passionate about the issue of autism, but in responding to me you essentially attack the whole idea of freedom of expression. If you don’t want to lie there and take it then go do something, and you have a semi-sarcastic “good luck” from me. What’s true is that the majority of people find the crude and incorrect comedic, and it is within the media’s rights to express/exploit this. When one pays money to see a rated R movie they are usually warned about the crude humor and content, adult language etc. When buying rated R tickets, people pay money to be offended.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Actually no, that’s not how the word is used. But nice try?
And who said being fat was insulting? Obviously you have low self esteeeeeeem.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Don’t ever wear that outfit again. I’m almost embarrassed for you. 😡
And I don’t do “come backs.” Way to put yourself off as 1. someone who doesn’t know the difference between autism and MR, and 2. someone who really only cares about getting featured and having people make “come backs.”
Sad.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Also adding “either” to the end of that would be insulting yourself as well. Just thought you should know.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Okay? You have run out of combacks haven’t you? *facepalm*
@sarahb_86@xanga – You’re not very thin either. :’D
@AdrianRamirez@xanga –
“Technically it is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the difference being that those with disorders within the spectrum exhibit characteristics that are commonplace among themselves. Autism is not the top tier, with there being offshoots with varying degrees of autism. It’s quite the opposite with Autism being one of the many disorders (and the most well known, above Aspergers).”
Yes this is true. I apologise for getting a bit scrambled up there. My only excuse is tryong to work and blog at the same time. lol Tends to not work out so well.
I am not offended at all by what you have said, as what you have said is the truth. I supoose in the end I am guilty of the crime of blanketing all of the ASD into one. As for Rainman, I had aways been under the impression that he had suffered from both a form of MR and an ASD. Granted this is based off of a documentary that is somewhat older, so the diagnosis could very well have changed.
On a completely unrelated side note, I just realized what your avatar says and find it to be hillarious.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Technically it is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the difference being that those with disorders within the spectrum exhibit characteristics that are commonplace among themselves. Autism is not the top tier, with there being offshoots with varying degrees of autism. It’s quite the opposite with Autism being one of the many disorders (and the most well known, above Aspergers).
The The three main forms of ASD are autism, Asperger Syndrom and Pervasic Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
My main problem is that people who blanket things like this under a broad generality of terms are just as bad as the media that you speak so harshly against in your post. If you are going to “set the record straight” then please know fully what you’re talking about, rather than being offended, making a post because you’re emotional, being wrong because you’re blinded by your emotions, and then someone else does the research to set the record straight for you and then YOU get offended more because you were proven wrong in your false assumptions.
Besides, my point about Rain Man being retarded still stands, as Dustin Hoffman based his performance on a high functioning, mentally retarded savant, who was at the time thought to have an ASD.
So, no, they are not the same thing, but are closely related.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – You are not a very convincing liar.
@sarahb_86@xanga – /yawn. Didn’t read that part either. I only see what little that pops up in my inbox. =]
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Ahh, so you are reading the posts. Interesting, very interesting. Well read this:
My skin is quite thick and fuck just so happens to be my favorite of the cuss words, thank you very much. Since it went over your head, I was saying you should clean up your mouth because the need to use obsessive cussing to prove your point makes you look really ignorrant in the long run. 🙂
@sarahb_86@xanga – You can stop trying now, you’ve already proven your ignorance. And if your skin is so thin that you can’t handle someone saying ‘fuck’ in a sentence then its about time you grew the FUCK up. Kaythanks. =]
@RiceDaddy7@xanga – “I’m Asian. So I guess I should be offended when a naked guy with a bowlcut popped out of the trunk naked attacking with a crowbar. ::rolls eyes::”
Yes, you should be. Or atleast be annoyed by it, beause it perpetuates a negative stereotype about your ethnicity. You mean to tell me that not once has anyone ever compared you to some overly stereotypical character or personality that spawned from a TV show, Movie, etc? If you have than that should be motivation enough to demand that your ethnicity be portrayed with dignity. Just as I am trying to do with people with disabilities.
@nikifofo@xanga –
“Get over it.”
No.
“Hollywood is always politically incorrect.”
What is sad is that we, as a society, allow it to be so. We allow the discrimination of many different people all in the name of comedy. Why? Simple really, because people are too lazy or have the idea in their head that it wouldn’t do any good to complain to the right people about said discrimination.
“Calling an Autistic person a retard is like calling a fat person a tub of lard and like calling a woman a cunt. Not saying it’s “right” to call anyone these things, but people should learn to not take things so personally. “
You may not be saying it is right, but you are sure trying to get me to accept the whole “lay there and take it” mentality. Sorry, but I can’t and won’t.
Get over it. Hollywood is always politically incorrect. They make fun of fat people and Asians in that movie. I’m asian and my brother is autistic, but I’m not going to get my panties in a bunch because of a movie that was just “eh” as it is. I’m sick of people always being butt-hurt over almost anything because everything can offend someone. Calling an Autistic person a retard is like calling a fat person a tub of lard and like calling a woman a cunt. Not saying it’s “right” to call anyone these things, but people should learn to not take things so personally.
I’m Asian. So I guess I should be offended when a naked guy with a bowlcut popped out of the trunk naked attacking with a crowbar. ::rolls eyes::
What’s retarded is this overly PC-xanga entry.
honestly, i get what your saying and i understand. personally, i think u overdid it a bit, its just a movie and its not like the spent the whole time making fun of autism. that’s just my opinion.
I would have to agree with some of the previous people who commented that mentioned that stereotypes and negative comments are present in the vast majority of media. The movie was rated “R” and I am pretty confident that by that age, we know the difference between media portrayals and real life. While advocacy is important for speaking out on things you feel strongly about, I don’t think that the joke in the movie made an impact on anyone’s view of autism. I have enough faith in society to believe that we don’t look towards hollywood for factual information.
@Morningstarrising@xanga – Yes, I know what autism is, I have it. Whether people like it or not, we do put ourselves in a hierarchy because it’s true. I can function like a normal person most of the time, and some of the more severe cases can barely function at all – making them seem like retards.
Everyone gets made fun of. If they had an autistic person standing there and they were pointing and laughing, then maybe it wouldv’e offended me a bit more. But not only were they not making fun of retardation or autism, but I feel as if the joke were the same as me not knowing the difference between a chinese person and a japanese person.
It’s a joke. Why is it such a big deal?
@Morningstarrising@xanga – You are welcome.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Thank you again for all your insight. 🙂 I don’t necessarily hate every single stereotype in Hollywood, but I do hate that word and refuse to use it. Thanks for educating the rest of us. 🙂
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – So you admit that you know what mental retardation is, and you admit that you know what autism is. So in other words, you are okay with Hollywood making fun of people with different abilities, as correct or incorrect as they may be (and in this case, Hollywood is way off the mark). Not that you had much to begin with, but you have completely lost my respect.
I hope you never have to be the parent of a child with autism.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Shame really because I believe that if you cleaned up the cuss words a bit, we could have a very nice conversation.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Hey if you choose to the whole “Ignorrance is Bliss” lifestyle, that is fine with me. I think what the real issue here is that you did read what I ha to say and have seen it to be true and simply do not want to admit it.
@sarahb_86@xanga – Not reading this just so you know, I can tell commenting to you would be a waste of time. =]
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Wow, someone is having a bad day.
“First of all I’ll comment on whatever the fuck I wanna comment on.”
Not once did I say you couldn’t comment on “whatever the fuck” you wanted. Not sure where you got that, unless you ar refering to me asking you to read he whole thing before you comment. It tends to help form a better opinion and helps you look less ignorrant when you do not use cussing to get your point across and have actually read the WHOLE post.
“Second of all, you’re not doing people with Autism a service by saying you don’t like the movie the Hangover. If the movie wasn’t popular at all you wouldn’t even mention it.”
Again, reading the WHOLE post would have benefitted you here, as I did not say that I hated he movie, in fact I found it to be a bit enjoyable at times. I am saying that I disagree with the use of the word “retard” when describing a man with Autism or in reference to anyone with a handicap. The fact that the movie is popular really makes no nevermind to me as I was using it as an example. Had it not been popular I still would have wrote this post.
“Third of all, you CAN’T SAY THAT MOST OF ANYTHING IS [INSERT ADJECTIVE HERE] you’re being stupid in making an assumption. Or do you just not get that concept? Someone’s intelligence is not defined by whether or not they have autism so that tad bit of “information” is IRRELEVANT. “
Hmm, Actually that “assumption” is based on very well known facts that come from years of research about autism. So, yes, I can say that most autistics have one speciality that they are incredibly intelligent about. Seems to me that you missed the whole concept.
“Also, do your fucking research. Rainman did NOT have Autism. He was mentally retarded”
No, he had Aspergers which is a form of Autism, along with several other mental and physical handicaps. Do your research.
Again, all of this is clearly explained in the post and even in the comments following it. Perhaps you should not be so lazy and read them? It really isn’t that hard and might just spare you any further embarassment.
i thought hangover was a great movie, i do wish we could have known more of what happend, but still it was a GREAT MOVIE, i loved it! i laughed the whole time
@sarahb_86@xanga – First of all I’ll comment on whatever the fuck I wanna comment on. Second of all, you’re not doing people with Autism a service by saying you don’t like the movie the Hangover. If the movie wasn’t popular at all you wouldn’t even mention it. Third of all, you CAN’T SAY THAT MOST OF ANYTHING IS [INSERT ADJECTIVE HERE] you’re being stupid in making an assumption. Or do you just not get that concept? Someone’s intelligence is not defined by whether or not they have autism so that tad bit of “information” is IRRELEVANT.
Also, do your fucking research. Rainman did NOT have Autism. He was mentally retarded.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – Perhaps you should try reading all of the post before commenting.
To begin with I said that MOST not all autistics are incredibly smart because it is true. Many have one thing that they focus on and become incredibly intelligent in. For example my nephew is 9 and knows more about computers than many of the computer techs I know. He has even bypassed a security system none that was put there in order to keep him out of the compouter. You get the picture. If you want evidence of this than all you need do is go to the Autism Society or one of many different advocacy and education websites or schools to check my claim. There you will also learn that there are many different forms of autism and that, yes, some people with autism do have other mental handicaps. This does not, however, mean that we should refer to them as “retards”.
“And there are stereotypes everywhere, bitching about them isn’t going to change that.”
You are right bitching does not do anything, but advocacy does, and that is what I am doing here. Not just for Autistics, but for people that have all handicaps. Like it or not, most people learn about TS, ASD, OCD, etc, not just from personal experience, but from the way they are portrayed in the media, news story or otherwise. That is why I am taking the stance that I am, because, comedy or not, people will believe what they want unless someone is there to tell them what is right from wrong.
@x_its_denver_max@xanga – You might want to re-read, I clearly state that I do not believe that word should be used to describe anyone with a disability.
@elvinwei@xanga – There are Autistic people who do suffer from other mental illnesses and disorders, so yes to say that there are some who have both ASD and MR would be a correct statement. I also agree, and thought that I had made this a clear point in my post, that the bigger picture here is about the discrimination of people with disabilities.
@AdrianRamirez@xanga – Asperger Syndrome IS a form of Autism. I know this because this is what my nephew has. It is considered a high functioning form of it, meaning that while the person is still autistic, they are better able to function than their more severly autistic counterparts. There are many different forms of it some affecting mostly girls/boys and some affecting both sexes and all races.
i agree that autism and mental retardation are not the same thing, but from what i understand, a certain % of autistic people meet the criteria for mental retardation. autism is the larger name for the whole spectrum of disorders, right? so there are higher functioning people and lower functioning people that all fall under the big label autism.
so technically, it wouldn’t be that wrong for someone to assume an autistic person is retarded, as they frequently do meet the criteria for mental retardation
i know that what you mean is the stigmatism and discrimnimation that is associated with mental retardation. it is sad that the public reacts that way, but isn’t the real problem at hand that retarded people are treated that way?? isn’t that the bigger issue, instead of why people think autism=retardation?
so tell me, what exactly is a “Retard?” you’re so pissed about them calling autistics retarded, but you don’t seem to care that that word was used otherwise. i mean honestly, when is it okay to ever use that word anymore? who can you call a retard? like what gives you the authority to say that autistics aren’t retarded but such and such people are. i mean i really can’t believe this. i see your point here and agree, but you came across as really ignorant to the fact that nobody, no matter their handicap or disability, should be called a retard. the word in and of itself is degrading but you seem to only care when its degrading someone you care about, a specific group, rather than people in general.
I think your over reacting a little bit, nobody took that film seriously as it was not intended to be taken. If it was it could also offend Asian people for example.
This is ridiculous. I grew up with a sister with epilepsy and I had a speech impediment and got called retarded for most of elementary school and a good portion of junior high until I grew out of it. I understand that it upsets you that they would use the term, but at the same time, let it go. I know very very few people who would ever laugh at someone with autism, if anyone at all, or with any type of disorder. Yeah, a movie makes fun of it, big whoop. For all you know, there was someone in that movie who has a friend or family member with autism. You can go your whole life caring about things people say or you can learn to pick your battles. This was a joke. I understand when people are clearly being an asshole, but this was a legit funny part of the movie. He wasn’t making fun of retards. The point of that part of the movie was to make fun of HOW he said it not WHAT he said. If I remember correctly he said, ‘rehtard’ not even ‘retard’. I was raised to treat everyone with the same respect and I have done just that, but I was also raised to find humor in things and not take offense to everything. Hollywood is out to make money, they don’t care if their films offend people. Hell, every movie has some offensive lines.
I liked the movie and I didn’t find the line offensive, but rather comical mainly cause he pronounced it wrong (which the other characters point out). It was cheap comedy to poke fun at ‘ignorant’ comments such as that. I’m sorry you allowed a half second comment made by a completely immature and ‘ignorant’ character ruin an entire movie for you.
@obedmanuel@xanga – Thank God there is someone intelligent on this site.
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – You’re right dude. It’s everyone else here being ignorant. They didn’t get the joke. It wasn’t about autism, it was about the mispronounciation. I guess we can’t enjoy great films nowadays without anyone getting sensitive about it.
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – yes, i agree with you and understand what you mean. i mean, it’s just a movie. if it was some kind of lecture a teacher was giving then that would be wrong…does that even make sense? i guess what i’m trying to say is that, it’s just a movie..and this movie in particular was not reality.
@sarahb_86@xanga – you asked a question and he (sammyhellsyea) gave you his answer and opinion.
yes i think hollywood perpetuates negative stereotypes, and no i don’t think they should ‘stop’ it’s not like every freaking movie they make has stereotypes…and even if it’s not a movie..they’re everywhere! and why do i think this? like i said above, it’s a movie it is not reality. i understand why you were hurt or mad i don’t know…to hear that comment/joke/whatever it was (i saw the movie but i don’t remember that line) i mean if we were to ban movies to stop saying all mean comments/using stereo types/racist comments we’d just have freaking disney movies all over the place! (that was a joke) eh it was rated R for language..among other things AND it’s a comedy!…so it’s just obviously going to be a crude movie and will have jokes. if you don’t like it, then go watch another movie. maybe ice age would be to your liking.
at first i didn’t have a problem with you posting about this as i can understand where you are coming from and i was just going to give my own opinion, but after reading your comment to sammy ..i think you are just going to put down those who do not believe what you believe. correct me if i am wrong. oh and just to clarify this, i am not saying “retards” or austistic people are “funny” but it was just a line…if it was every other line and the movie was basically making fun of people then yes that would be a horrible movie!
@Morningstarrising@xanga – there are a bunch of movies that are not accurate. just saying.
Well, the guy who said the line in the movie, if I remember correctly, played a character that was very immature, so I overlooked it during the movie. It’s not like he was some major role to look up to and learn from. Jeez, the movie is called the Hangover, I think if you have enough of a sense of humour to watch a movie with such a title, you can be openminded enough to overlook childish things like that.
@BunnyParfait@xanga – agggrrreeeeddd
I think your overreacting. It’s just a movie. Movies makes fun of every sterotype; ‘retards,’ insane jesus people, homosexuals, intelligents, foreigners…It’s just a stupid movie made to amuse those who find stupid things funny.
By the way, I personally find the Hang Over awesssoommeee :pp
I saw it in theaters, wasn’t a huge fan, didn’t even realize they said retard…I also have no clue who rainman is?
it’s stupid for you to let THAT ruin all interest in the whole movie. i loved it.
What is sad to me is that we as a society are obsessed with political correctness. The word retarded is derived from the word retard as in to slow down. Thus the term mentally retarded came to be used to describe people who developed mentally at a slower pace than expected. It was not meant as a derogitory term. It became derogitory once people began making fun of those people who had that label. So, we changed the acceptable term to mentally handicapped or mentally challenged and now I think the latest term is something like “person with a cognitive delay.” These are all other ways of saying mentally retarded. Changing the language has not made it less enticing to make fun of this group of people.
I am not advocating the use of the word retard or retarded. I am simply pointing out that it is all language and that the real problem lies in the unwillingness to not take ourselves so seriously. Also the willingness to educate without admonishing those who use language that we find offensive. Unless we can find comic relief in our differences I don’t see how we can advance as a society. I am not autistic but have a child and a husband with Asperger’s. My son has been called many names by his so called friends at school and instead of boycotting the language they use, I choose to educate them on what Asperger’s is so that they may understand his odd behavior better and find some way to connect with him.
I personally think that you are cherry picking. I completely and totally understand why that line would upset you, but what about all of the other stereotypes that movie perpetuates? They make tons of Asian and Jew jokes, but only in that single line refer to an Autistic person as a “retard.” Hollywood, in almost every single comedy film it creates and even some non-comedy films, objectifies at least one group of people and makes jokes at that group’s expense, yet I do not see you standing up and shouting for THOSE wrongs. I know that this particular incident is near and dear to your heart because of personal experiences and relationships, but if I honestly got this worked up at every single Jew joke Hollywood ever made (since I am a Jew), I would probably be a very angry and upset person. Was it right for the makers of The Hangover to refer to Rainman as a retard? No, it most certainly was not. But I think at some point you need to learn to let go, remember that they don’t mean any harm, and just enjoy the movie for what its meant to be. Either that, or get in their face for every un-PC/potentially-stereotype-perpetuating joke they ever made.
I also saw that movie and I thought it was good. I honestly don’t remember that line. (I saw it quiet some time ago and I have a pretty crappy memory)
But I see where your coming from, making a joke out of something like that isn’t right. Then again its Hollywood they make a joke out of everything.
@sufikitkat@xanga – well put.
Also, I’m sure the OP caught that the bearded character who made the offensive statement mispronounced it, implying the meaning of “retard” as in “to retard something, like fire.” It is obvious he MEANT the other meaning, but he may very well have something wrong with his brain, after all…
How do you know most autistic people are incredibly intelligent?
That’s like any one saying that most Americans are incredibly stupid.
And while we have polls to support the latter, what evidence do you have of the former statement?
And there are stereotypes everywhere, bitching about them isn’t going to change that. But that doesn’t mean that every one thinks people with autism are retarded, its a fucking movie. Since when did people change their morals based on what they saw in a movie?
I’m not even going to read the rest, its just too ignorant to even comprehend.
I viewed it as part of the characters themselves, not an insult. I work with the population and trust me, when ANYONE tries to call my students retarded I correct them. However, the characters in the movie are crass, rude. ignorant, and cocky in ways too. I think the line was put in because it is something those types of people would say. Their crazy Vegas trip makes them think differently and appreciate life a bit more, so if it was at the end of the movie, I would think it was more of an insult. I hope that makes sense what I am saying. I really do not think it was intended to insult or stereotype, it was a line that those characters would say because that’s who they are.
By no means do I think its right to associate the two…but it is a movie and come across someone like that in person, they just may say it. And if you do…correct them.
Actually Raymond from Rain Man is not meant to be autistic as he was modeled after Kim Peek who had FG syndrome, which is characterized by mental retardation, not autism.
To be more specific, however, according to Hoffman: “[Inspired by Peek, Raymond] was portrayed as having Asperger Syndrome, although there is a common misconception that he has autism.”
Doesn’t mean, however, that people with these disorders cannot be insightful or exhibit traits of savantism.
@UQuest@xanga – That’s hillarious, that’s the exact moment I came to see the movie. But I had no idea that rainman was autistic, just a stereotypical idiot that is seem quite often in these types of movies with a knack for poker. Unless it’s mentioned earlier in the film that he is indeed autistic (and not just implied) then I can’t really agree with you that it’s unfair to autistic people.
I wholeheartedly agree that the use of the word retard is offensive. I wish people would stop using it altogether.
However, I disagree that associating autism with intellectual disabilities (“mental retardation”) is degrading. A lot of people who have autism also have some degree of intellectual disabilities, and there is no shame in that! In working so hard to separate yourself from people with intellectual disabilities, it shames them because it sends a clear message that they are a group you don’t want to be associated with. This sets up an unfortunate and unnecessary hierarchy (“Well, I may have autism, but at least I’m not as bad as THAT guy”).
I think everyone calling me ignorant is ignorant as to what ignorant really means. I know what autistic is and I know what retarded means. I wasn’t being down on autistic people and I wasn’t being down on retards. Most of you are being down on retards. THERE ARE STEREOTYPES EVERYWHERE YOU IDIOTS. Why don’t you cry about the fact that this movie added a little more to every other movie using stereotypes. I simply am saying it was a funny joke that was meant, not to offend, but to get a laugh.
I agree. I think calling ANYONE retarded or a retard is abhorrent
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – You are incredibly ignorant. Hollywood isn’t just trying to be funny; they’re perpetuating a stereotype that in this case isn’t only ignorant, but completely inaccurate.
@bluejacky@xanga – Snork!! I know about the chickens and I love reading about the little devils!!
Especially the logical one with the pointed ears,…who keeps an eye out for time traveling “mug-blugs!!”
Goes off to scratch out some bugs in my kitchen garden into a can of gasoline, and then cart some over-ripe water melons off to the local food bank!!
@bluejacky@xanga – 😀
But you all caught my sense of humor there, right? My rapier wit? The pun within the pun, as it were? It’s ok, *I* think I’m funny, that’s all that matters.
@sarahb_86@xanga – =) You are forgiven. I’ve been steeped in Trek since it began.
@Stanelle@xanga – Kinda makes you wonder what’s so cool about being normal sometimes, eh? Ok, apologies again to all the normals here. I’m not really evil and cruel, I’m a nice person. Really. I have pet chickens, and they follow me around like cats.
@bluejacky@xanga – I liked the new Trek movie, but then again, I never really watched the show. lol
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – Once again, a neurotypical arrives on the scene and gets after all the autistic people in the room for being typically autistic… We’re supposed to get over ourselves, and any normal person would yada yada yada. One of these days someone is going to come in here and realize they are surrounded by Vulcans who think the really funny thing is baiting neurotypicals and watching them scream while we stare at them. Inside we’re LAUGHING. Ok, ok, sorry, not to put a generalized light on the whole bunch of us. It’s just me. I’m evil, cruel, vindictive, and hate humans. Retards, all of them. You probably thought the new Trek movie was awesome, too, didn’t you?
@bluejacky@xanga – I never quite uderstood that term, “idiot savant”. I mean if you think about it, it is a bit of an oxymoron.
@Stanelle@xanga – I could not agree more! Many people with many different handicaps are labled as such simply because people are to lazy to become informed.
Your post made my blood boil!! People with autism are not the only folks,..who have been mislabeled by others because of a physical condition. The deaf have been called “retarded” and treated as “retards”…for YEARS!!
Some so-called “NORMAL” people are just plain..”information impaired!!”
A person who was trying to be kind to me once told me I was one of those ‘idiot savants’. I can’t tell you how that ruined my day and the way I felt about her.
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – I do realize that they were trying to make the guy look like an idiot but the fact is there were other ways that they could have used to do this. I supopose you have to look at it the way I am. The people writing the script had a choice of what lines they could have used in that section. They chose to use a line that, while making the character saying it look incredibly stupid, also degrades people with Autism through the comparasion of Autism to Mental Retardation. It may have been meant as a harmful joke, but the fact still remains that it could cause damage to advocacy being done now for Autistics.
The word ‘retard’ can be funny. Of course it can be demeaning too. I hate it when autistics are referred to as retarded or stupid. It’s not true and it can be hurtful. However, it’s only a movie and shouldn’t be taken too simply. There are better movies out there to watch anyway.
@sarahb_86@xanga – What
kind of response are you looking for to that? Yes IT JUST IS funny. You
can’t answer that about any joke, just the same as this one. Nobody was
making fun of autistic people, they mispronounced a word to make the
movie’s creeper look like an even bigger idiot. And it worked because
it was fucking hilarious.
@hey_outxthere@xanga – You
don’t know anything about me, thanks. And like I said above, they
weren’t making fun of autism, they were making fun of the guy in the
movie.
@hey_outxthere@xanga – Thanks.
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – You’re an ignorant ass, and until you grow up, stop doing drugs, and get a real life, your opinion doesn’t even matter. I used to be addicted to drugs, and I’ve gotten clean. It’s something you should look into. There’s more to life than highs, believe it or not.
I know a six year old boy with autism, and he is the sweetest little thing. He doesn’t speak very much at all, uses sign language, and is very shy, but he is always very excited to see me. He’s such an innocent person. I couldn’t imagine someone ever degrading him in such a terrible way. I haven’t seen this movie, and while I might find the movie funny, I would definitely take offense to a line such as that. The “retard” is always a popular theme in Hollywood, and they’re quick to play it up. I think it’s hurtful, and degenerate. I’m a very apathetic person and to even imagine being treated like that breaks my heart. I wish the best to your nephew, and thank you for standing up for a cause that most people know nothing about.
@Sammyhellsyea@xanga – As someone who advocates for Autism Awareness, I do not see my reaction as an over-reaction in any way shape or form. I see comments like that as a very big step backwards, all because Hollywood was “trying to make a funny movie”. I have a sense of humor, but not when it comes to people perpetuatiing negative stereotypes about a group of people who cannot help what they are.
So you found it funny. Now I simply wish to ask WHY you found it funny. “It just is” would not be an appropiate response. It would seem to me that the only reason anyone would find such a thing funny is because they are truly ignorrant to what Autism really is.
Its probably really shitty of me, but someone has to say it…you’re overreacting. I laughed my ass off at that line. It’s supposed to be funny. I understand that autism and retardation are different, but anyone could confuse that level of autism with retardation.
Get a sense of humor and don’t be so sensitive about it. They weren’t trying to offend anyone, they were trying to make a funny movie and anyone without connections to autism would laugh at that scene.
You make a very good point, but I think this issue comes back to the old “does life imitate art or does art imitate life?” argument. I think the moviemakers were just trying to portray the common attitude without any regard as to whether the statement was true. But I can definitely sympathize with your reaction- such opinions are not accurate at all.
I watched it too… it wasn’t that good.. in my opinion. probably because I was kind of late for the movie.. it was when they all gathered up for a drink that I arrived at the theatre.
just my own opinion..
Thanks for posting.