In its latest round of reclassifying films, the BBFC has changed Mary Poppins from a U to a PG certificate because of two uses of discriminatory language, specifically the word Hottentots, which Admiral Boom uses twice.
This was a learning experience for me because I didn't know the history of the word, exactly what Admiral Boom was talking about, and why Hottentot is now considered a racist term, but it looks like the BBFC is keeping up with the times and reflecting contemporary mores rather than what was considered acceptable in 1964.
Although it seems unlikely that children watching Mary Poppins would be upset or offended by the language, it seems common sense to raise awareness about the term so they don't repeat it and unintentionally offend someone who does consider it a racial slur.
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Mary Poppins has had its age rating lifted from U to PG because it contains 'discriminatory language' - but the word in question is so obscure you may have never noticed it.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) now considers the 1964 tale of Julie Andrews' magical nanny to be not suitable for children to watch alone, despite the film enchanting generations of youngsters.
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.
Admiral Boom, played by Reginald Owen, who believes he is a naval commander in charge of a ship, uses the word twice in the film. 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'.
They add that while children of any age can watch, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset 'younger, or more sensitive, children'.
The BBFC looked at historical context – the film is set in early 20th century London – but the fact the language is not condemned means it now exceeds guidelines for a U film.
The BBFC said: 'We understand from our racism and discrimination research... that a key concern for... parents is the potential to expose children to discriminatory language or behaviour which they may find distressing or repeat without realising the potential offence.'
It added: 'Content with immediate and clear condemnation is more likely to receive a lower rating.'
The BBFC recently dropped Brad Pitt's movie Fight Club from an 18 to a 15 despite 'sequences of graphic and brutal violence'.
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...uage-BBFC.html