Disabled Teen Kicked Out Of Theater For Laughing Too Loudly

PrayersForMaura · Feb 28, 2006

OLDSMAR, Fla. -- The mother of a disabled teen complained to the American Civil Liberties Union after she and her son were kicked out of a movie theater because he was laughing too loudly.

Susan Brown said she and her 19-year-old son, Matt, were asked to leave an AMC Woodlands 20 theater during a showing of "The Pink Panther" Sunday. An AMC spokeswoman said several patrons complained about the teen's outbursts.

Susan Brown said she was outraged. Her son has Angelman syndrome, a neurological disorder that impairs a person's ability to speak and maintain balance. The disorder also affects mental development and can prompt excessive laughter and seizures.

More: http://www.local6.com/news/7542555/detail.html

PrayersForMaura · Feb 28, 2006

I don't know whether this makes me sad or angry.

This is not right. I hope he got to see the rest of the movie somewhere

Gmommy · Feb 28, 2006

That is just wrong. People are too uptight if they can't handle some loud laughter. I hope they never go out when it is a mentally challenged group home night out at a movie theater-they would probably have an aneurysm.

My sister and I got kicked out of "Beaches" because of laughing. Every time there was a tearjerker part the lady in front of us would start bawling in this almost fake Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo way and we kept getting the giggles and then glares from the other movie patrons.

The management came to our row with a flashlight, gave us back our money and escorted us out. Imagine having to tell your mom you were kicked out of Beaches: You got kicked out of WHAT movie????? That was her response.

concernedperson · Feb 28, 2006

Gmommy said:
That is just wrong. People are too uptight if they can't handle some loud laughter. I hope they never go out when it is a mentally challenged group home night out at a movie theater-they would probably have an aneurysm.

My sister and I got kicked out of "Beaches" because of laughing. Every time there was a tearjerker part the lady in front of us would start bawling in this almost fake Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo way and we kept getting the giggles and then glares from the other movie patrons.

The management came to our row with a flashlight, gave us back our money and escorted us out. Imagine having to tell your mom you were kicked out of Beaches: You got kicked out of WHAT movie????? That was her response.

Beaches was an upsettng movie.But it held true to a lot of other dictates.I am sorry that you don't see the whole picture.

And I am particulary upset that you see an aneuyism is something that you just get over.I am dealing with this on a daily basis.I expect that you don't have any clue.At least, I hope that is your perspective.

Gmommy · Feb 28, 2006

I think you took my post way too seriously and apologize if I offended you. One of my dear friends died of an aneurysm at 7 months pregnant so I know they're not something you just get over-I'm sure her daughter who survived via cesarean would agree as would her widower husband.

Bad choice of wording on my part so I apologize to any aneurysm victims out there and did not mean offense. I should've said if the persons who complained went to a movie during a mentally challenged group home night they would really have a conniption fit. I have worked in a group home and think it is ridiculous that people would complain about laughter during a comedy movie. I agree with the people who had my sis and I kicked out of Beaches-heck 17+ years later I know I would've had myself kicked out.

And as for Beaches, I agree it was an upsetting movie. My sister and I were really young at the time and the lady in front of us just had the most overly dramatic fake sounding boo-hoo crying that we just got the giggles and couldn't help it. We did see the whole thing a few days later.

concernedperson · Feb 28, 2006

Gmommy said:
I think you took my post way too seriously and apologize if I offended you. One of my dear friends died of an aneurysm at 7 months pregnant so I know they're not something you just get over-I'm sure her daughter who survived via cesarean would agree as would her widower husband.

Bad choice of wording on my part so I apologize to any aneurysm victims out there and did not mean offense. I should've said if the persons who complained went to a movie during a mentally challenged group home night they would really have a conniption fit. I have worked in a group home and think it is ridiculous that people would complain about laughter during a comedy movie. I agree with the people who had my sis and I kicked out of Beaches-heck 17+ years later I know I would've had myself kicked out.

And as for Beaches, I agree it was an upsetting movie. My sister and I were really young at the time and the lady in front of us just had the most overly dramatic fake sounding boo-hoo crying that we just got the giggles and couldn't help it. We did see the whole thing a few days later.

I am dealing with this on a daily basis. I am sorry if I offended anyone. My sister is so young, she is just 45. She has 4 kids under 18.I love her so much.I just don't know why this has happened.

Lauren · Feb 28, 2006

I can't watch Beaches now. I know how it ends, it's not like they changed it. Lol
As for the kid, they better kiss some serious butt (theater). You never know who has physical or mental problems in this world. They deserve some mercy and compassion.

Gmommy · Feb 28, 2006

concernedperson said:
I am dealing with this on a daily basis. I am sorry if I offended anyone. My sister is so young, she is just 45. She has 4 kids under 18.I love her so much.I just don't know why this has happened.

I wasn't offended, if anything I truly thank you for pointing out my ignorance because I do sometimes suffer from foot in mouth disease. I could have chosen a less offensive way to say what I meant. Sort of like when people make Alzheimer's comments when somebody is forgetful-not the nicest way to say something.

I'm sorry you are dealing with aneurysm recovery in your own life-there seems to be no rhyme or reason in a lot of cases. I know that 9 years after my friend died it still freaks me out a bit since she was only two weeks younger then me-we were 28 at the time she had her aneurysm.

I am thankful her beautiful daughter survived-a bittersweet way to come into the world but a gift nonetheless.

Mygirlsadie · Mar 1, 2006

Gmommy~ i'm guilty of saying 'don't have an aneurysm' as much as the next guy. It's a figure of speech. Not meant to be taken seriously. I wouldnt worry about it. As far as Alzheimers my grandpa died of that. I am always saying if I forget to do something that I am showing early signs of it. Everybody laughs its not 'knocking' any disease its just a figure of speech.

Don't be too hard on yourself.

Gmommy said:
I wasn't offended, if anything I truly thank you for pointing out my ignorance because I do sometimes suffer from foot in mouth disease. I could have chosen a less offensive way to say what I meant. Sort of like when people make Alzheimer's comments when somebody is forgetful-not the nicest way to say something.

I'm sorry you are dealing with aneurysm recovery in your own life-there seems to be no rhyme or reason in a lot of cases. I know that 9 years after my friend died it still freaks me out a bit since she was only two weeks younger then me-we were 28 at the time she had her aneurysm.

I am thankful her beautiful daughter survived-a bittersweet way to come into the world but a gift nonetheless.

KRW · Mar 1, 2006

concernedperson said:
Beaches was an upsettng movie.But it held true to a lot of other dictates.I am sorry that you don't see the whole picture.

And I am particulary upset that you see an aneuyism is something that you just get over.I am dealing with this on a daily basis.I expect that you don't have any clue.At least, I hope that is your perspective.

I too have been dealing with an aneurysm since 2000,
after undergoing a crainotomy. I am very sensitive using
"aneurysm" in a laughing matter, but I am sure he/she
didn't mean it a derogatory manner.....

GMommy, I sometimes make light of my own situation.
It is the only way I can get through some days.....
:blowkiss:

eve · Mar 1, 2006

Life can be cruel, but humor helps. Sometimes I think we all (myself included) just have to lighten up. People often say things without meaning to hurt anyone!

Eve

Amraann · Mar 1, 2006

Why am I not surprised that this happend in Florida??

Raising a disabled child is not eay but couple that with a place where civil rights are lagging by about 30 years??

Well if I were mom AMC would be ensuring that my son never wants for anything EVER again..
HIt em where it hurts and I promise they will get with the year 2006 veiw of civil liberties pretty damn quick.

eve · Mar 1, 2006

Amraann said:
Why am I not surprised that this happend in Florida??

Raising a disabled child is not eay but couple that with a place where civil rights are lagging by about 30 years??

Well if I were mom AMC would be ensuring that my son never wants for anything EVER again..
HIt em where it hurts and I promise they will get with the year 2006 veiw of civil liberties pretty damn quick.

Yes, meanwhile the ushers are nowhere to be seen while people's dam# cell phones go off constantly in movies. I attend movies in Fl. while visiting my parents and the same holds true there!

Eve

Lauren · Mar 1, 2006

OR the people who are 3 feet bigger than you are or have hats or big hair. Now that irritates me. It could be an empty theater and boom their they sit. Right in front of me..........:waitasec:

eve · Mar 1, 2006

Hats should be against the rules in movie theaters, it drives me nuts! In fact, I make my son (19) take off his hat when indoors, just good manners, even though no one seems to know it anymore. My hubby and I were at a nice restaurant for dinner and I counted 5 men w/ baseball caps on!

Chivalry and civilized behavior are dead!

Eve

Lauren · Mar 1, 2006

They let kids wear them in schools now. I remember when a teacher would yank it off your head and keep it!

tybee204 · Mar 1, 2006

Ok just to view this from the other angle. It really doesnt say how disruptive this young man was even tho his disability is not his fault the article was framed from his mothers perspective.
Every other patron likely payed $10 each to enjoy a movie at the Theatre. if the behavoir was highly disruptive I can understand their agitation at not being able to hear or enjoy what they payed for.
The Theater did not discriminate against them by turning them away at the door due to a disability. The request to leave was made after several complaints about disruptive behavoir.

She refused to address the disruptive behavoir with Management and then was asked to leave. She was also offered a refund which she refused.

So I guess my question is does this young mans disability entitle him to infringe on what every other patron of the Theater payed for? and if so why?

j2mirish · Mar 1, 2006

tybee204 said:
Ok just to view this from the other angle. It really doesnt say how disruptive this young man was even tho his disability is not his fault the article was framed from his mothers perspective.
Every other patron likely payed $10 each to enjoy a movie at the Theatre. if the behavoir was highly disruptive I can understand their agitation at not being able to hear or enjoy what they payed for.
The Theater did not discriminate against them by turning them away at the door due to a disability. The request to leave was made after several complaints about disruptive behavoir.

She refused to address the disruptive behavoir with Management and then was asked to leave. She was also offered a refund which she refused.

So I guess my question is does this young mans disability entitle him to infringe on what every other patron of the Theater payed for? and if so why?

depending on the level of the disruption, I tend to agree with you- I appreciate the young man may be disabled, but based on what we have heard, why should the mother now own the movie theater?

spclk · Mar 1, 2006

I grew up dealing with prejudices against those with mental disabilities. My best friends sister was mentally disabled (and I practically lived with them). Her sister is very loud and laughs alot.....and she CAN'T help it. You would not believe how many people say mean things to or about her and how many nasty looks we still get out in public with her.

I have seen how hard it has been for her parents and know that a night out at the movies is a blessing. Why should this child have to stay home and the mom not get a few precious minutes of entertainment because of other peoples intolerance? We are all God's creatures, and none of us are perfect. And but by the grace of God, this could be one of our children.

I just wish people would put themselves in others shoes before reacting. After living with this for years, I would gladly sacrifice my $10 to see a child who has been mocked, scorned and cast aside enjoy a few loud laughs!!!

bbmcrae · Mar 1, 2006

This is so tragic.

I mean the remake of THE PINK PANTHER. Why???

ps-It's upsetting the kid was kicked out, too-though I can see both sides here. But kicking a disabled kid out of a movie just feels wrong.

Disabled Teen Kicked Out Of Theater For Laughing Too Loudly

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