The Controversy Surrounding Wicked: A Republican Perspective
Wicked, the film adaptation of the beloved musical, is facing backlash for a warning about its content. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has cautioned audiences that scenes depict discrimination against a green-skinned character.
Discrimination in Fiction? Really?
The BBFC’s warning states, “A green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied and humiliated because of her skin color.” It also mentions that “a disabled woman in a wheelchair is treated in a condescending manner by able-bodied people.” And let’s not forget the hilarious note about “talking animals being persecuted in a fantastical society.” Oh no! What’s next? A warning for fictional talking animals?
Let’s get real here. Green-skinned characters are purely fictional. They don’t exist outside this whimsical world or alongside icons like the Hulk, Kermit the Frog, or Shrek. So why are we treating this as if it were real-life discrimination?
A Misguided Warning System
The BBFC further explains that seeing Elphaba mistreated might be upsetting for some viewers because her skin color is used to portray her as the ‘Wicked Witch.’ But come on! This is part of storytelling; it’s supposed to evoke emotions. You’re meant to feel something when you watch these characters face challenges!
This kind of preemptive warning should be reserved for serious issues—like graphic violence or explicit content—not for fictional bullying within an engaging plotline.
Are We Becoming Too Sensitive?
This isn’t just about Wicked; it’s part of a larger trend where trigger warnings are popping up everywhere in the UK. People are starting to call it a snowflake society where everyone needs to be coddled from any form of discomfort.
A Misinterpretation by Activists
Now we see activists trying to spin Wicked into something more than just entertainment—a vehicle for their agenda. It’s simply another Wizard of Oz story at heart! Why must everything be politicized these days?
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