Mary Poppins. The name became world famous primarily through the Disney film and Julie Andrews’ iconic performance in 1964. But it is the 1934 creation of author Pamela Lyndon Travers, who through the eight-book series established Mary Poppins as the ultimate classic British story. fairy tale.

The magical nanny comes to tame two children in a London family in 1910 and eventually changes the whole family with her practices. Features her “weapon”, the umbrella that allows her to fly, but also a bag, which holds anything the human mind can imagine.

60 years after the film was shown in cinemas, however, it is being targeted by political correctness. Specifically, after an investigation by the British Board of Film Classification, the film is considered to contain divisive and racist language. As a result the Council, which was founded in 1912, removed the suitability mark ‘U’ (Universal) or in Greek ‘K’ (Suitable for all) and replaced it with ‘PG’ (Parental Guidance). In other words, “parental consent” is necessary.

The word that raised the appropriateness level

But what was it that led to the Council’s decision? It is the word “hottentots”. This particular term, which is heard twice in the film, is considered a racial slur, as it was used by Europeans – mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries – for the South West African Koikoi tribe, to describe someone as barbaric and uncivilized.

In one of the two scenes, Admiral Boom faces the chimney sweeps in the distance, who have ash-blackened faces, shouting “we are under attack by hottentots”. Thus, on the occasion of this simile, the Council decided that any children aged 8 and under who wish to see the film, should first receive “the green light” from their parents.

The Council’s official announcement states, among other things, that “from research on racism and discrimination we understand that a key concern for parents is the potential exposure of children to discriminatory language or behavior that they may find disturbing or repeat without realizing the potential offense.”

The film’s fans are resisting

The issue has been heavily covered by all the British media. Of interest is the live poll carried out by the Daily Mail newspaper, which first highlighted the report. According to her, 92% of the nearly 4,500 participants believe that the sign of necessary parental consent should not be included, while only 6% agree with the changes and 2% are undecided.

Many are the reactions of the fans on the X platform. According to them, the change in question is considered “ridiculous” and “regressive” for a film that raised generations of children. “The country is officially crazy” is characteristically written in some of the posts.

The 1965 film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won 5, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews and Best Song.