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Jim Henson’s series “The Muppet Show” began streaming on Disney+ starting Friday. What struck some people as odd was before seeing Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy, an offensive content disclaimer is now incorporated into 18 episodes of the show by the popular streaming platform.
“This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures,” the warning reads. “These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversations to create a more inclusive future together.”
According to the L.A. Times, “Each episode bears the 12-second disclaimer for a different reason, from Cash’s appearance singing in front of a Confederate flag to negative depictions of Native Americans, Middle Easterners and people from other cultures. Additionally, two episodes from the final season, featuring guest stars Brooke Shields and staff writer Chris Langham, are left out entirely.”
“The Muppet’s Show” ran for five seasons between 1976 and 1981 in the U.K. after the original pilot was rejected by ABC. It was pushed into syndication in the U.S. after gaining popularity.
Last year, Disney added disclaimer warnings to films like “Swiss Family Robinson,” “Peter Pan,” “Aladdin,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Aristocats,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and “Dumbo” and for similar depictions of stereotypes.Disney’s stance has been universal since rolling out content on their streaming platform.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures,” reads a statement on the Stories Matter site. “Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been erased or forgotten altogether and we’re committed to giving voice to their stories as well.”
Pat McCrory believes this is Disney’s newest way to bow down to the PC police. He wonders why 18 of the over 100 episodes of the show were opened by a disclaimer. “So the PC police drew the line somewhere; not 17, but 18; not 19, but 18,” McCrory noted.
In one episode, Johnny Cash performed in front of a Confederate flag which prompted the disclaimer. McCrory asked the question to his audience about the symbolism of it. “If it had been a Black lives Matter flag, would that be okay?”
“Or a peace flag? or how about a Russian flag? or a rainbow flag? I mean, which flags are acceptable according to Disney and which flags are not? It’s the PC police who make this determination.”
Listen to Pat’s entire thoughts on Disney’s disclaimers below.
