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Not everything in Mary Poppins comes with a spoonful of sugar.
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The Walt Disney-produced musical film starring Julie Andrews had its age rating raised from U to PG due to “discriminatory language,” though the word in question is an obscure one.
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The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) now considers the 1864 tale of Andrews’ magical nanny to not be suitable for kids to watch alone.
The reclassification is reportedly due to the use of the word “Hottentots,” a dated term that was historically used by Europeans to refer to the Khoekhoe, a group of nomadic herders in South Africa.
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Admiral Boom, a character played by Reginald Owen who believes he is a naval commander in charge of a ship, uses the word twice in the film.
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On the first occasion, he is seen dangling from the roof of a boat where he asks one of the Banks children if they are “going to fight the Hottentots.”
Later in the film as the chimney sweeps, faces blackened with 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.”
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The BBFC looked at the 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.
“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 realizing the potential offence,” the BBFC said.
“Content with immediate and clear condemnation is more likely to receive a lower rating.
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