Age rating changed
Racist expression: Children should only watch “Mary Poppins” with their parents
Julie Andrews portrays “Mary Poppins” in the 1964 film of the same name
© Imago Images
Even more than 60 years after it was first broadcast, the story of “Mary Poppins” is still very popular with children. But in Great Britain it can now only be viewed under parental supervision. The reason: Quotes from the classic film have now been classified as discriminatory.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBOFC) has given the age rating for the classic 1964 film “Mary Poppins” a rating of U (for everyone Suitable for children) increased to PG (parental guidance), meaning: This film is better watched under parental supervision. The background is the use of a derogatory term originally used by white Europeans for the Khoikhoi, a group of nomadic herders in South Africa, which is now considered offensive and racist.
Specifically, it’s about the term “Hottentots”. In the film, the term is used twice by Admiral Boom, a Navy veteran and neighbor of the Banks family, whose children are looked after by Mary Poppins. In one scene he asks the children as they walk past his house if they are “fighting the Hottentots.” In another, in which chimney sweeps with their faces painted black dance on a roof, he shouts: “Alarm, we are being attacked by the Hottentots.”
Discriminatory language in “Mary Poppins”
The film, starring Julie Andrews, is set in 1910 London and is about the adventures of a nanny with magical powers who looks after a family’s two small children. The film stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
A spokesman for the organization told the BBC that while the historical context was taken into account, the use of discriminatory language in the film “is not condemned” and ultimately “exceeds our acceptable language guidelines under U.”
The BBFC said its research into racism and discrimination showed that the main concern, particularly for parents, was “that children could be exposed to discriminatory language or behavior which they may find disturbing or repeat without being aware of the potential offence.” .
In the UK, PG means some scenes are not suitable for children under 8. The organization said that while children of all ages could watch the film, parents should consider “whether the content may be unsettling to younger or more sensitive children.”
Watch the video above: In 1965, the then 29-year-old Julie Andrews received the Oscar for her role as the flying nanny “Mary Poppins.” Not her only screen success. She has remained loyal to the camera to this day. Watch the video to see what Andrews is doing today.
Sources: British Board of Film Classification, BBC