Two Episodes of “Bluey” Removed for Racist Remarks
The popular Disney Junior show Bluey has recently removed 2 episodes due to complaints of racist language.
According to ABC, the episode “Teasing” “included a term with racial connotations and a problematic history for Indigenous Australians.” Another derogatory term, “ooga booga”, was used in another episode called “Flat Pack.”
ABC released the following statement, “[We] sincerely apologised to the complainant for any distress caused by the term used in the episode titled ‘Teasing’. The ABC has a strong record for giving voice to Indigenous Australians and an ongoing commitment to helping reduce discrimination and prejudice and in this case, the language used was inadvertent.
“The complainant was advised that neither the ABC nor the external producers were aware of the potentially derogatory meaning of the term, which was intended only as irreverent rhyming slang often made up by children. The episode was removed from iview as soon as ABC KIDS became aware of the complaint and the ABC undertook to change the dialogue prior to future broadcast or publication.”
SOme fans were glad they removed the episodes, and some were not happy.
A Facebook user shared why some may find these episodes offensive.
“I know too many you just see this word as ‘caveman speak’, or in the harmless way the writers clearly did too,” they wrote. “But not everyone sees it that way. Including me. I’m in my 40’s, and I well remember a time growing up in Western Sydney where the phrase ‘Ooga Booga/s’ was used conversationally to describe a dark skinned person/s. It was used in social circles, in movies or TV depicting black indigenous people as ‘uncivilised fools.
“I personally balked at hearing it used in ‘Teasing’, but never said anything because I thought it was maybe just me.”
“Learn something every day, banning this word in our house now! Well done to OP/ABC/Bluey team for standing up and doing something about casual racism and educating us,” one parent wrote.
“Oh dear god my children say it all the time thanks to show! I honestly believe, once you know, you do better!” said another.
Do you love Bluey as much as my children? It’s certainly a favorite in our household!
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Source: essentialbaby.com
