London, England – The movie “Wicked” has sparked controversy with its portrayal of discrimination against characters based on their green skin. The British Board of Film Classification has issued a trigger warning for “discrimination” due to scenes that may be upsetting for some audiences.
The main character, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by actress Cynthia Erivo, faces bullying and mistreatment because of her green complexion. This leads to emotional and poignant scenes as she strives to be accepted by society.
The BBFC has highlighted instances of ableism, including the condescending treatment of a disabled woman in a wheelchair, as well as the persecution of talking animals in a fantastical world. These factors, along with occasional threatening scenes and a less-than-reassuring ending, contributed to the film’s PG rating and content warning.
Guidelines for PG ratings set by the BBFC emphasize the need to disapprove of discriminatory language or behavior, while allowing for some context-specific depictions if they serve a justified purpose. Research from 2021 indicates that parents value content warnings on racism and discrimination to help them make informed decisions about what their children watch.
While some critics have ridiculed the BBFC’s decision regarding “Wicked,” others have defended the necessity of the content warning. The debate surrounding the film touches on themes of racism, discrimination, and the moral responsibilities of filmmakers and regulators.
In the end, the controversy surrounding “Wicked” serves as a reminder of the complex societal issues that permeate the entertainment industry and the importance of depicting such issues thoughtfully and responsibly.