The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has moved to ruin the beloved Mary Poppins film for children by updating its rating from U to PG because it includes “racism.”
BBFC spokesman said that the update was because the film “includes two uses of the discriminatory term ‘Hottentots,'”
‘Hottentot’ is a historical South African term for the Khoekhoe, an indigenous group.
In the film, the character Admiral Boom uses the word while referring to chimney sweeps whose faces are covered in soot.
The BBFC spokesman added:
“While ‘Mary Poppins’ has a historical context, the use of discriminatory language is not condemned, and ultimately exceeds our guidelines for acceptable language at U.”
“We therefore classified the film PG for discriminatory language.”
The spokesman continued:
“We understand from our racism and discrimination research, and recent classification guidelines research, that a key concern for people, parents in particular, is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behavior which they may find distressing or repeat without realizing the potential offense.”
Disney fans took to X to express anger about the update of the film.
“You couldn’t make it up. Julie Andrews’ film ‘Mary Poppins’ has had its classification changed from U to PG,” one user wrote.
“Apparently, a term used to refer to soot-faced chimney sweeps was once used as a ‘derogatory term for nomadic peoples in southern Africa’. Woke sans frontieres!”
“Mary Poppins is racist and they’re putting a pill tax on toaster. Is it time to go home yet?” another quipped before a third added: “Mary Poppins is trending because in 2024 it’s been decided the film should be changed from U to PG rating.
“Imagine being the person that thinks Mary Poppins needs parental guidance to be seen. Getting ridiculous, so many bigger issues in media that really are affecting childhoods.”
Another user fumed:
“That’s it. This country is now officially mad. Reclassifying Mary Poppins so kids can’t see it alone is absolutely beyond sense – I just had to find a copy to hear it.”
The BBFC’s guidelines on PG content claim that “some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.”
It adds that while children of any age can watch, parents are advised to consider whether some scenes may upset “younger or more sensitive children.”
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