‘Discriminatory’ language leads to new age rating for ‘Mary Poppins’

(WJW) – Beloved classic “Mary Poppins” has had its age rating raised because of “discriminatory language.”

The British Board of Film Classification has increased the 1964 film’s rating to PG for parental guidance.

Macy’s to close 150 stores: What we know

The film had previously been classified U by British film censors, which stands for universal.

So why the increased rating?

The film uses the discriminatory term “hottentots” twice.

The Oxford English Dictionary says it was used to white Europeans to describe the South Africa and Namibia tribes in the 17^th century.

“It is now regarded as offensive with reference to people and should always be avoided,” Oxford states.

In the film, it’s used to describe the soot-covered faces of chimney sweeps.

That now “exceeds our guidelines” for U films, the BBFC said.

Photographer accuses Taylor Swift’s dad of punching him in the face

The word is used twice by the character Admiral Boom, a neighbor of Jane and Michael Banks.

Boom is a retired naval officer who fires a cannon from his roof.

“Mary Poppins” follows a magical nanny played by Dame Julie Andrews, who looks after Jane and Michael Banks with the help of Bert, a chimney-sweep played by Dick Van Dyke.

The film won five Oscars in 1965.

In the U.S., the rating remains unchanged.

The Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) classifies films in the U.S.

“Mary Poppins” is rated G, which is for all general audiences, with no notation about discriminatory language in the movie.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.