The British Board of Film Classification stated that the rating for the beloved children’s musical “Mary Poppins,” released 60 years ago, has been elevated to PG in Britain due to the use of “discriminatory language.”
This change in rating is part of a trend of reevaluating and reclassifying films from the past to align with modern cultural norms.
“Mary Poppins” contains two instances of an offensive racial slur towards an Indigenous group in South Africa. The film, originally rated as “U” in 1964 and 2013, was reclassified as PG in 2022.
In Britain, PG is the second-least severe rating, with 18 being the strictest. The decision to change the rating was influenced by concerns about exposing children to discriminatory language.
Leshu Torchin, a film studies lecturer, supported the rating change, emphasizing that it serves as a guide for parents in determining appropriate content for their children.
Torchin highlighted the importance of considering the impact of films on new audiences and the role of ratings in helping parents navigate potentially sensitive content.
The reclassification of “Mary Poppins” is part of a broader trend of reassessing and reclassifying films, such as “Santa Claus: The Movie” and “Star Wars: Episode VI,” with updated ratings.
Similar reevaluations have taken place in the United States, with streaming platforms removing or adding disclaimers to content deemed racially insensitive.
Books, like those by Roald Dahl, have also undergone revisions to address outdated or offensive language and portrayals.
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