Tropic Thunder

I've debated whether to write anything personal about the movie, Tropic Thunder. I believe if you give something credence, then it becomes bigger than it would have otherwise. I don't like giving power to something so trite as a movie meant to make 15-year old boys laugh. (even if it is as the expense of other people) So instead I will tell you about a 3 year old boy whom I love very much and who someday will know what the 'r' word means and will be hurt by it.

He was born with Down Syndrome but that is just one aspect of his life and personality. He LOVES music. Sings at the top of his lungs to Wiggles songs, Disney songs, Josh Groban songs, The Banana Boat song, Avalon's song, Orphans of God, and on it goes. He loves playing outside. He likes sliding and swinging and just being outside. He adores his big brother. If big brother does it, he thinks it's the best thing every. He loves slap stick humor. Falling on the floor and bumping into things are some of his faves. He tells knock-knock jokes. He also will say, "Give me 5" "Up High" "Down Low" "Too Slow".

He cannot stand it when someone cries. (except maybe his sister) He LOVES teasing his sister. (who doesn't?) He can count to 20 and recognizes the numbers 1-20. He knows his abc's and their sounds. He has trouble with his colors. He loves cars and trains and anything with wheels. He needs to work on trunk strength. He loves meat and potatoes. Sweets and Veggies? Eh, not so much.

In other words, he's just like your kids and kids you know. He has strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone. It may take him longer to learn something and he may have to work twice as hard as other kids, but he can and does learn. He has feelings like everyone else. So, before you use the 'r' word (or any word that demeans a person or group of people),
DON'T. Plain and simple.