Skip to main content
Columbia Pictures: Apologize for Autism Slur in "21 Jump Street"

Columbia Pictures: Apologize for Autism Slur in "21 Jump Street"

115 signatures 135 to reach 250
J
Joel G. signed
G
gen a. signed
D
Danny S. signed
S
social b. signed
M
modular h. signed
K
Kyle L. signed
L
Lynn M. signed
C
Carey D. signed
K
Konstantina P. signed
M
Mary R. signed
Started by Anonymous 14 years, 5 months ago
Columbia Pictures Sony Pictures Entertainment 10202 W. Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Attention: Mr. Douglas Belgrad, President Ms. Marisa McGrath, Senior Vice President, National Theatrical Publicity It is with the greatest sense of disappointment, frustration and sadness that I speak out against your production company’s remake of “21 Jump Street”. I just previewed a trailer of this movie (https://bitly.com/autism_apology) which makes a mockery of Autism. In doing so, it offends the more than 1.5 million individuals across the United States and Canada who suffer from this serious developmental disorder. Are you aware that 1 out of every 110 children in the US is afflicted by Autism? The prognosis for the majority of these individuals is bleak to say the least. Most of them will not marry. Due to limited or even non-existent social and verbal skills, many individuals on the Autism Spectrum find it difficult or even impossible to establish or maintain friendships. Social stigmas make securing or holding down a job extremely challenging. Autism is no laughing matter. Parent of children with Autism mourn every day for their children who have been lost to the grips of Autism. They lie awake every night wondering who will take care of their babies once they grow old and are no longer there for them. Your movie’s so-called “joke” is insensitive, offensive and hurtful. Through websites like AutismBeacon.com, advocates do their best to raise awareness, dispel myths and help shape society’s views about Autism. Getting the message out is difficult, to say the least, so when the mass appeal of a popular movie like “21 Jump Street” in less than a minute undermines everything advocates are trying so earnestly to change, I am sure you can appreciate how disheartening this can be. I look forward to a response from you and request that you issue a public apology to all individuals on the Autism Spectrum, and to their families for this distasteful and disrespectful slur. I would also request that you consider making a donation to a registered Autism charity that as part of its mandate, promotes Autism awareness.

Updates

July 2, 2012

The momentum generated by this petition underscores the widespread refusal to accept derogatory portrayals of the autism community in popular media. This response confirms that our demand for accountability resonates with a significant audience.

Reached 100 supporters

July 2, 2012

7 Comments

D
Danny Smiley
12 years ago Featured

As a father of autistic twin sons, I couldn't have said it any better myself. Lying awake at night trying to catch your breath with tears rolling down your face because of the fear of the future for your kids. If I had gone seen this movie, I would have got up and walked out! Absolutely sickening to put this in a movie let along a trailer. Wow!

S
Sarah Williamson
14 years ago Featured

This makes me so angry. My son is on the spectrum and works so hard every single day just to communicate. People have no idea how much pain this actually causes.

M
Mike Schmidt
14 years ago Featured

Seriously? In this day and age? Not funny. Not even a little bit.

J
Jessica Oliver
14 years ago Featured

Disgusting. Hollywood needs to stop using our kids as the butt of their lazy jokes. Do better.

L
Lisa Jenkins
14 years ago Featured

NEVER going to see this movie! I have a daughter with autism and this is just plain cruel. You guys need to apologize asap.

T
Tom Acosta
14 years ago Featured

My nephew has autism and he is the sweetest kid you will ever meet. Watching this trailer was just heartbreaking. Shame on you all.

J
Joel G
9 years ago

Apologize

Help this petition grow

Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.

Your share link

Share directly