- The British Board of Film Classification has officially branded Mary Poppins not suitable for children to watch alone
- Fans of the movie on X, formerly known as Twitter w
Furious Disney fans have slammed the ‘woke’ decision to change Mary Poppins’ movie rating due to ‘discriminatory language’.
Today it emerged the children’s classic had its age rating lifted from U to PG by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).
The BBFC now considers the 1964 tale of Julie Andrews’ magical nanny to be unsuitable for children to watch alone, despite the film enchanting generations of youngsters.
It says the reclassification is due to the use of the word Hottentots.
The dated term was historically used by Europeans to refer to the Khoekhoe, a group of nomadic herders in South Africa, but is now regarded as racially offensive.
And the decision was made by the BBFC who say they help families ‘choose well’ by giving guidance on what’s right for them and ‘what’s not’.
Film fans have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to air their frustrations, with many venting about the ‘woke’ nature of the swift film classification change.
One said: ‘You couldn’t make it up. Julie Andrews’ film “Mary Poppins” has had its classification changed from “U” to “PG”.
‘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!’
Another added: ‘Mary Poppins is racist and they’re putting a poll tax on toasters. Is it time to go home yet?’
A different user chimed in: ‘Mary Poppins is trending because in 2024 it’s been decided 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’.
And one X 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’.
He added: ‘In 1954 the BBC broadcast 1984 where Winston Smith rewrites history, so what is different here?’ while another user claimed: ‘If you’re offended by, of all things, Mary Poppins, then you’re 100% a b****’.
Another quipped : ‘Mary Poppins, the classic film starring Julie Andrews, has had its age rating raised by British film censors because it features “discriminatory language”. Can it get any more ridiculous?’
In the film, Admiral Boom, played by Reginald Owen, who believes he is a naval commander in charge of a ship, uses the word twice throughout.
On the first occasion, he is seen dangling from the roof in a boat where he asks one of the Banks children if they are ‘going to fight the Hottentots’.
Later in the film when the chimney sweeps, whose faces are blackened from soot, dance on the roof the admiral exclaims ‘we’re being attacked by Hottentots’.
He then aims fireworks at them.
According to the BBFC’s guidelines on PG content, ‘some scenes may be unsuitable for young children’.
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Zeenia Naqvee
