Favorite "Special Person" in Film

[Dalton]

Actually, I think the term "special" is kind of patronizing. I'm certainly not implying you intended it that way, though, MrPryck, I'm sure you didn't. I believe what is considered PC at the moment (it seems to change frequently) is "developmentally disabled" or "intellectually disabled."

The problem with that is that most retarded people are not disabled in any way. One part or another of their person has been retarded in its development. Hence "retarded".

When I hear people say not to use the term 'retarded', I feel like I am listening to Michael Scott not want to use the term 'mexican' because its derogatory.

 

[VintagePunk]

The problem with that is that most retarded people are not disabled in any way. One part or another of their person has been retarded in its development. Hence "retarded".

When I hear people say not to use the term 'retarded', I feel like I am listening to Michael Scott not want to use the term 'mexican' because its derogatory.

I understand what you're saying, and by definition, that is indeed what happens, certain physical or mental processes are "retarded." It's correct, but it's still generally not used in a PC way, at least these days.

(side note - it annoys the shit out of me to hear people refer to things as being retarded, much the same as people use the term gay as a put down.)

In the PC terms I've stated, you can also substitute the term "challenged" for "disabled."

Honestly, I took a course a few years ago, and looking at the various terms used by the medical profession, the mental health profession, the education system, care providers, and the people and their families themselves, it's confusing, to say the least.

 

[Dalton]

Honestly, I took a course a few years ago, and looking at the various terms used by the medical profession, the mental health profession, the education system, care providers, and the people and their families themselves, it's confusing, to say the least.

Agreed. That is why I have adopted the stance that I am better than every person I meet regardless of their race, sexuality, religion, nationality, or social position. Therefore, everything I say is, by default, either derogatory or condescending. Sometimes both.

 

[VintagePunk]

In a twisted way, it's admirable that you're equally offensive to all people.

 

[VintagePunk]

It's probably because of that goddamned Dakota Fanning, isn't it?

Liz: Yeah, Tracy has mental health issues.
Jenna: He bit Dakota Fanning on the face.
Liz: When you hear his version, she was kinda askin' for it.

 

[LMP]

Rosie O'Donnell FTW!

YouTube - Rosie retard

This, coupled with the Corky dancing video, has made my day.

 

[MrPryck2U]

"Retarded" is the correct term. They are 'retarded' because their development (and sometimes their genetics) is slowed or impeded.

They would be 'special' if their condition gave them super powers.

You are correct, sir! No doubt!


I also agree, "special" could be a patronizing term, but that wasn't my intention. I was simply using the term with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
I guess I could've named the thread Favorite Retard in Film. But, special sounded a little more broad. A person could've been retarded, or learning impaired or blind or deaf or a mute. A freak of some sort. But, they could all fit nicely under the "Special Person" umbrella.

In Slingblade, everyone called Carl a retard, but I didn't look at him as a retard. I looked at him as a "special person" because of his innate ability to repair small engines in a timely fashion. Plus his haircut rocked!

 

[JCOSTER]

Sean Penn in I am Sam.

 

[MrPryck2U]

I remember many years back in the 80's when Mickey Rooney played a retarded man in a TV movie called Bill. He would say his name was William, but call him Bill for short. I think he did a couple of those movies and they were actually based on a real man named Bill. These movies were tearjerkers for sure. At one point, we actually saw the real Bill.

Anyway, does anyone remember this?

 

[MrPryck2U]

Shit, I was really bored so I looked up the movie.

It came out in 1981 and Dennis Quaid also starred in it. Bill actually has an 8.1 rating out of 10 at imdb.

They even did another TV movie in 1983.


Now your life is complete!

 

[beegee]

"I coulda drownded, Gilbert!"

Why do I NOT own this movie?

I'm totally going to go buy the dvd later today.

 

[BAW]

I doubt if anyone born after 1970 would remember this one

YouTube - Like Normal People (1979) - Shaun Cassidy, Linda Purl

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

What's the Rosie thing from?

 

[Hewson]

What's the Rosie thing from?

Her home movies.

 

[beegee]

What's the Rosie thing from?

Riding the Bus with My Sister - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I remember watching it when it was on.

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

Her home movies.

Haha...

Thanks, bg - I would've bet money on seeing something like that before, but guess not.

 

[MrPryck2U]

Aww, I remember that movie, Like Normal People. They used to rerun that during the 80's too.

 

[LMP]

William H. Macy did one a few years back on TNT, if I recall correctly.

 

[JCOSTER]

I doubt if anyone born after 1970 would remember this one

YouTube - Like Normal People (1979) - Shaun Cassidy, Linda Purl

I remember this. I still think sean penn was good in iam sam regardless.