Mary Poppins fans SLAM ‘woke’ decision to change classic movie rating as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘backwards’: ‘You couldn’t make it up’
- The British Board of Film Classification has officially labeled Mary Poppins as not suitable for children to watch alone
- Fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, was disappointed by the move
Furious Disney fans have condemned the ‘woke’ decision to change the film rating of Mary Poppins due to ‘discriminatory language’.
Today it emerged that the age rating of the children’s classic has been increased from U to PG by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).
The BBFC now considers the 1964 story of Julie Andrews’ magical nanny unsuitable for children to watch alone, despite the film enchanting generations of young people.
It says that 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 considered racially offensive.
And the decision was made by the BBFC, who say they are helping families ‘choose well’ by offering advice on what is good for them and ‘what isn’t’.
Film fans have taken to
Mary Poppins has its age rating raised from U to PG due to ‘discriminatory language’. Top right is Admiral Boom, played by Reginald Owen, who thinks he is a naval commander in charge of a ship. He uses the word “offensive” twice in the film.
One said: ‘You couldn’t make it up. Julie Andrews’ film “Mary Poppins” has had its rating changed from “U” to “PG.”
‘Apparently a term used to refer to sooty-faced chimney sweeps was once used as a “derogatory term for nomadic peoples of southern Africa”. Awaken without limits!’
Another added: ‘Mary Poppins is racist and they put a poll tax on toasters. Is it time to go home yet?’
Another user chimed in: ‘Mary Poppins is trending because in 2024 it was decided that the movie should be changed from U to PG rating.
“Imagine being the person who thinks Mary Poppins needs parental guidance to be seen. It’s becoming ridiculous so many bigger issues in the media that really impact childhood.”
And one X user furiously said: ‘That’s it. This country is now officially crazy. Reclassifying Mary Poppins so that children can’t just see it makes absolutely no sense – I just had to find a copy to hear it.’
He added: ‘In 1954 the BBC broadcast 1984 in which Winston Smith rewrites history, so what’s different here?’ while another user claimed: ‘If you’re offended by Mary Poppins then you’re 100% ab****’.
Another joked: ‘Mary Poppins, the classic film starring Julie Andrews, has had an age rating raised by the British film censors because it contains ‘discriminatory language’. Can it get any more ridiculous?’
Users have taken to
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 black with soot, dance on the roof, the admiral exclaims: ‘we are being attacked by Hottentots’.
He then points fireworks at them.
According to the BBFC guidelines on PG content, ‘some scenes may be unsuitable for young children’.