Jim Henson’s classic series, “The Muppet Show,” started airing on Disney + on Friday, but is now preceded by a warning of offensive content.
“This program includes negative representations and / or mistreatment of people or cultures,” says the warning. “These stereotypes were wrong at the time and they are wrong now. Instead of removing this content, we want to recognize its damaging impact, learn from it and start conversations to create a more inclusive future together. “
The show, which spanned five seasons between 1976 and 1981, features new warning content in 18 episodes, including those hosted by Steve Martin, Peter Sellers, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Debbie Harry and Marty Feldman, among others.
Each episode features a 12-second disclaimer for a different reason, from the appearance of Cash singing in front of a Confederate flag to negative representations of Native Americans, people from the Middle East and people from other cultures. In addition, two episodes of the final season, with guest stars Brooke Shields and team writer Chris Langham, were left out.
Last year, disclaimers were also added to Disney films such as “Peter Pan”, “Aladdin”, “The Jungle Book”, “The Aristocats”, “Lady and the Tramp”, “Dumbo” and “Swiss Family Robinson “for similar representations of stereotypes.
“Disney is committed to creating stories with inspiring and ambitious themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience worldwide,” continues the warning before redirecting viewers to the company’s Stories Matter initiative.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are reviewing our library and adding recommendations to content that includes negative representations or mistreatment of people or cultures,” says a statement on the Stories Matter website. “Instead of removing that content, we see an opportunity to start a conversation and an open dialogue about the story that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been completely erased or forgotten and we are committed to giving voice to their stories as well. “