In a noteworthy shift, the cherished children’s classic, ‘Mary Poppins,’ has undergone a rating change in the UK, now designated as PG due to the use of discriminatory language. The decision by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) highlights a broader trend of reassessing films to align with contemporary sensitivities.
Mary Poppins
Originally bestowed with a ‘U’ rating (Universal) upon its 1964 release and reaffirmed in 2013 for a theatrical reissue, ‘Mary Poppins’ has been reclassified as PG, the second-least severe of six ratings. This alteration is attributed to the inclusion of an offensive racial slur towards an Indigenous group in South Africa.
The controversial term is uttered twice in the film: first, when Admiral Boom questions a child, Michael, about embarking on an adventure to confront the mentioned group, and later during a chimney sweeps dance sequence. In the latter instance, Admiral Boom repeats the slur while mistakenly identifying white dancers with soot-darkened faces as the targeted group.
The BBFC spokesperson clarified that the decision stems from concerns, based on racism and discrimination research, as well as recent classification guidelines research. Parents, in particular, expressed worry about exposing children to potentially distressing language or behavior, which they might unintentionally repeat.
This revision aligns with a broader reevaluation of films, as seen in the Mary Poppins BBFC’s 2023 decision to raise the rating of “Santa Claus: The Movie” and “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” to PG due to violence. Similar reevaluations have occurred in the US, with platforms like HBO Max and Disney+ addressing concerns about content depicting negative depictions or mistreatment of people and cultures.
The evolving landscape extends to literature, as exemplified by the Roald Dahl estate’s 2023 initiative to modify or remove offensive language from several books. These instances collectively signify a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in entertainment.
