First time I have ever seen a warning like this

**ItalicPixels** · 05-28-12 at 05:32 PM

Silly Warner Brothers.

**Shawn_7** · 05-28-12 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

What is it with calling White folk Caucasian too?

It's due to the fact that our white Indo-European ancestors lived in Caucasus (Area Kurgan) before the Indo-European Diaspora. Nothing related to political correctness, I believe, just a taxonomic criterion.

**fraudster111** · 05-28-12 at 06:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by RaptorHunter

As I stated early I'm black, or as a prefer to be called in my language "Negro", witch is something that for some reason it's very uncomfortable in some places, but my point is black people are very sensitive when comes to racism, we can never me racist because we are black, we even got a Black Entertainment Television, but if there was a White Entertainment Television it would be the most racist thing in the world.

There are several white entertainment television program my friend. There are just not called that. Fox, cbs, nbc, amc e.t.c I personally think B.E.T is racist in itself just like black history month. It seems I am the only that sees the racism in a race having their own month and their own television station. If you really want to remove racism, all races should be subjugated to the same standard but that will never happen because the wounds of the past still bleed today.

evaevers · 05-28-12 at 08:21 PM

Remove your detachable genitalia. Learn about fashion, shopping, hair, and how to speak evenly and properly. Giggle on cue. You are obsolete. The more you play, the more points you can earn. Wait until the new available female authority gives you direction. Thank you for playing Male Aggression Extreme. Remain still for three minutes until a matron arrives. Giggle and and receive ten points by complementing her choice of Nike heels.

A game I'm working on.

**acdc137** · 05-28-12 at 08:43 PM

This was way before Obama. I think there is a wikipedia page about cartoon stereotypes. Tom and Jerry surprises me of being racist because I've never heard of it before. But most of the stuff was made in the pre-60's in a politically incorrect time. Some of it is to poke fun at the Japanese since it was released during WWII. And major changes have been made like how speedy gonzales was once known as a lazy drunk.

rtjnyoface · 05-29-12 at 02:21 AM

I'm somewhat surprised to see some of the responses. Have most of the people who posted not watched T&J in the past few years (not the new stuff, just with an adult perspective)?

I wouldn't say that the racism was rampant or in every show but small parts of some shows were fairly racist (e.g. savage native americans, drunk French, stereotypical black house maid). While yes, most of it IS funny (as I myself am far from politcally correct), it is still fairly racist.

The parts that were somewhat more troubling were those that were completely inaccurate (i.e. the native american ones). Native Americans weren't savages, didn't wear headdresses most of the time, and didn't shoot bows and arrows. The problem is that they cemented ideas about what these people were and how they acted; which in turn reflected the way that people would treat these groups in the real world, instead of simply staying within fictional boundaries.

I'm not African American but civil rights were barely given to African Americans 50 odd years ago and yes, it's completely safe to assume that this group of people still have negative feelings about horrible things that happened to their parents/grandparents that didn't stop just because laws were made. I could see how one could come to a different conclusion without certain facts (i.e. a disproportionate number of A.A. being jailed for crimes for which data says non A.A's do the same amount of, or salary/pay, or education, etc, etc, etc).

I've done enough comedic bits over my short life to say that I am faaaar from politically correct but I don't disregard nor overlook the wealth of data that says caucasians fare better in almost every category over non-whites. This doesn't mean that I'm in favor of new forms of reparations in any form but despite a closing of a gap, I'm sure to remember that people who are minorities (and primarily LOOK like a minority) are treated differently. Arizona anyone? TSA anyone?

I grew up in a blue collar, primarily redneck, oil boom town (town, not city) and there were many hispanics and native americans. For years as growing up jokes were made about these two groups - lazy, drunks, worthless, etc. It wasn't until I grew up (with the help of college) that I realized that these were those "serious" jokes and people ACTED on these ideas of what they thought these people were such as not hiring them just because they were from that race. For instance, a Native American man with special needs was beaten up by a group of caucasian teens and they had carved swastika symbols on his face/forehead. It wasn't a problem to call someone a ni-gger because there weren't enough other African Americans or educated people willing to stand up for that person.

Despite being "just" cartoons, they influenced how people thought of these groups and cemented preconceived ideas about them. If I remember correctly these were initially ADULT movies. I love them and my children watch most of them but I'm sure to either talk about or not let them watch certain ones.

Simply because racism (or what YOU think is racism) doesn't exist in YOUR area doesn't mean it doesn't exist in large parts of the country INCLUDING "hippie" areas like Portland, Oregon where there's large factions of hippies but also resides groups of white supremacists.

I'm not a bleeding heart liberal but I'm also not an ignorant racist conservative. I try to make decisions based on data and the data (along with a dirty, horrid history) lead me to conclude I'm ok with a company providing the "warning". Just passing a law doesn't undo years and years of history between two cultures/races.

Unfortunately, my cynical side leads me to believe a PR company told Warner what to say it that way to not exclude any of their consumers as being openly racist isn't "PC" anymore...which I'm perfectly alright with.

edit: wow, that's a lot of crap no one's gonna care to read though lol

thecza · 05-29-12 at 05:30 AM

I'm glad WB is responsible enough to address this. Not sure it was done by any moral distinction but that they're afraid they might lose audience if not done speaks volumes and the message is if I impact your bottom line I can force you to play nice (as long as alternatives exist).

**Shawn_7** · 05-29-12 at 05:58 AM

I don't like to say obvious things, but it's evident that every book, novel, essay, play, and movie must be seen in its historical context and only in its historical context.

When those cartoons were produced the historical-social context was completely different, if we apply our nowadays historical-cultural context to a cartoon of about 50 years ago of course we are easily misled.

I mean, for instance Thomas Jefferson - third President of the US - had slaves, also if successively he freed them. Can we morally judge him for this, for what he did in his time and historical context? I don't think so.

**Omega_Prime** · 05-29-12 at 06:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7

I mean, for instance Thomas Jefferson - third President of the US - had slaves, also if successively he freed them. Can we morally judge him for this, for what he did in his time and historical context? I don't think so.

I certainly think you can, though the idea of slavery was probably due to British influence. It still took a long time for it to be rid of in America compared to Britain.

Dairt · 05-29-12 at 05:14 PM

These conversations are the ones that I enjoy the most. People can say things intelligently and present their point of view without being ostracized or resorting name calling. I enjoy the lack of insults, it's an escape from the stupidity I see where I live sometimes.

Thanks guys for being mature on this site (On most of the threads I've read at least :P). It is oh so refreshing to see people putting thought into internet posts!

*insert smiley here, I am too lazy to find them in quick reply*

elvisfan · 05-29-12 at 06:06 PM

The Tex Avery Droopy box set had the same warning. Personally, I feel that Warner Bros. should include all versions of all cartoons and let the customer decide the definitive version. I am tired of these boxsets that only don't include the version that I saw on TV as a kid, yet I am glad they try to restore the cartoon to its original form. Mammy Two-Steps was probably the reason for the warning on the Tom and Jerry Boxset, but the version I saw on TV had been edited and slightly changed the comical plot. With DVDs and BDs it isn't exactly diffiuclt to split different video segments and include all versions.

Furthermore, did you know Disney still hasn't realsoned Song of the South for this very reason, yet the Disney Treasures series includes Lenard Maltin disscussing racisim in the cartoons. On some discs they include the racist cartoons in the bonus features features. Why not release Song of the South and just include Lenard Maltin giving a disclaimer?

shoguns · 05-31-12 at 05:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7

It's due to the fact that our white Indo-European ancestors lived in Caucasus (Area Kurgan) before the Indo-European Diaspora. Nothing related to political correctness, I believe, just a taxonomic criterion.

Then wouldn't it make more sense to be called European-Americans?

misfit2187 · 07-28-12 at 05:23 AM

I've always strongly believed that if something offends you, don't watch it. Everyone is so afraid of offending others. It's turning the country into a bunch of cry babies.

**spudsickle** · 07-28-12 at 08:38 AM

It is a strange warning as I agree that most people are smart enough to view things in context and, in the case of cartoons, parental guidance is usually enough. To me, being PC is about being polite and nothing more; everyone has views that are not accepted 'en masse' and it's about being smart enough to know which ones may offend and should be kept within the confines of your close friends and family.

05-29-12 at 02:21 AM	#20
rtjnyoface Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lost and Found Posts: 493	I'm somewhat surprised to see some of the responses. Have most of the people who posted not watched T&J in the past few years (not the new stuff, just with an adult perspective)? I wouldn't say that the racism was rampant or in every show but small parts of some shows were fairly racist (e.g. savage native americans, drunk French, stereotypical black house maid). While yes, most of it IS funny (as I myself am far from politcally correct), it is still fairly racist. The parts that were somewhat more troubling were those that were completely inaccurate (i.e. the native american ones). Native Americans weren't savages, didn't wear headdresses most of the time, and didn't shoot bows and arrows. The problem is that they cemented ideas about what these people were and how they acted; which in turn reflected the way that people would treat these groups in the real world, instead of simply staying within fictional boundaries. I'm not African American but civil rights were barely given to African Americans 50 odd years ago and yes, it's completely safe to assume that this group of people still have negative feelings about horrible things that happened to their parents/grandparents that didn't stop just because laws were made. I could see how one could come to a different conclusion without certain facts (i.e. a disproportionate number of A.A. being jailed for crimes for which data says non A.A's do the same amount of, or salary/pay, or education, etc, etc, etc). I've done enough comedic bits over my short life to say that I am faaaar from politically correct but I don't disregard nor overlook the wealth of data that says caucasians fare better in almost every category over non-whites. This doesn't mean that I'm in favor of new forms of reparations in any form but despite a closing of a gap, I'm sure to remember that people who are minorities (and primarily LOOK like a minority) are treated differently. Arizona anyone? TSA anyone? I grew up in a blue collar, primarily redneck, oil boom town (town, not city) and there were many hispanics and native americans. For years as growing up jokes were made about these two groups - lazy, drunks, worthless, etc. It wasn't until I grew up (with the help of college) that I realized that these were those "serious" jokes and people ACTED on these ideas of what they thought these people were such as not hiring them just because they were from that race. For instance, a Native American man with special needs was beaten up by a group of caucasian teens and they had carved swastika symbols on his face/forehead. It wasn't a problem to call someone a ni-gger because there weren't enough other African Americans or educated people willing to stand up for that person. Despite being "just" cartoons, they influenced how people thought of these groups and cemented preconceived ideas about them. If I remember correctly these were initially ADULT movies. I love them and my children watch most of them but I'm sure to either talk about or not let them watch certain ones. Simply because racism (or what YOU think is racism) doesn't exist in YOUR area doesn't mean it doesn't exist in large parts of the country INCLUDING "hippie" areas like Portland, Oregon where there's large factions of hippies but also resides groups of white supremacists. I'm not a bleeding heart liberal but I'm also not an ignorant racist conservative. I try to make decisions based on data and the data (along with a dirty, horrid history) lead me to conclude I'm ok with a company providing the "warning". Just passing a law doesn't undo years and years of history between two cultures/races. Unfortunately, my cynical side leads me to believe a PR company told Warner what to say it that way to not exclude any of their consumers as being openly racist isn't "PC" anymore...which I'm perfectly alright with. edit: wow, that's a lot of crap no one's gonna care to read though lol Last edited by rtjnyoface; 05-29-12 at 02:27 AM.

07-28-12 at 08:38 AM	#28
spudsickle "I must break you" Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,925	It is a strange warning as I agree that most people are smart enough to view things in context and, in the case of cartoons, parental guidance is usually enough. To me, being PC is about being polite and nothing more; everyone has views that are not accepted 'en masse' and it's about being smart enough to know which ones may offend and should be kept within the confines of your close friends and family. Last edited by spudsickle; 07-29-12 at 01:41 PM.

05-28-12 at 05:32 PM	#15
ItalicPixels Elite Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Italic Ocean Posts: 2,191	Silly Warner Brothers.

05-28-12 at 05:34 PM	#16
Shawn_7 Elder Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Eventyrland Posts: 3,662	Quote: What is it with calling White folk Caucasian too? It's due to the fact that our white Indo-European ancestors lived in Caucasus (Area Kurgan) before the Indo-European Diaspora. Nothing related to political correctness, I believe, just a taxonomic criterion.

05-28-12 at 06:23 PM	#17
fraudster111 Newcomer Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 32	Quote: Originally Posted by RaptorHunter As I stated early I'm black, or as a prefer to be called in my language "Negro", witch is something that for some reason it's very uncomfortable in some places, but my point is black people are very sensitive when comes to racism, we can never me racist because we are black, we even got a Black Entertainment Television, but if there was a White Entertainment Television it would be the most racist thing in the world. There are several white entertainment television program my friend. There are just not called that. Fox, cbs, nbc, amc e.t.c I personally think B.E.T is racist in itself just like black history month. It seems I am the only that sees the racism in a race having their own month and their own television station. If you really want to remove racism, all races should be subjugated to the same standard but that will never happen because the wounds of the past still bleed today.

05-28-12 at 08:21 PM	#18
evaevers Newcomer Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 71	Remove your detachable genitalia. Learn about fashion, shopping, hair, and how to speak evenly and properly. Giggle on cue. You are obsolete. The more you play, the more points you can earn. Wait until the new available female authority gives you direction. Thank you for playing Male Aggression Extreme. Remain still for three minutes until a matron arrives. Giggle and and receive ten points by complementing her choice of Nike heels. A game I'm working on.

05-28-12 at 08:43 PM	#19
acdc137 Done Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 698	This was way before Obama. I think there is a wikipedia page about cartoon stereotypes. Tom and Jerry surprises me of being racist because I've never heard of it before. But most of the stuff was made in the pre-60's in a politically incorrect time. Some of it is to poke fun at the Japanese since it was released during WWII. And major changes have been made like how speedy gonzales was once known as a lazy drunk.

05-29-12 at 05:30 AM	#21
thecza Newcomer Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1	I'm glad WB is responsible enough to address this. Not sure it was done by any moral distinction but that they're afraid they might lose audience if not done speaks volumes and the message is if I impact your bottom line I can force you to play nice (as long as alternatives exist).

05-29-12 at 05:58 AM	#22
Shawn_7 Elder Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Eventyrland Posts: 3,662	I don't like to say obvious things, but it's evident that every book, novel, essay, play, and movie must be seen in its historical context and only in its historical context. When those cartoons were produced the historical-social context was completely different, if we apply our nowadays historical-cultural context to a cartoon of about 50 years ago of course we are easily misled. I mean, for instance Thomas Jefferson - third President of the US - had slaves, also if successively he freed them. Can we morally judge him for this, for what he did in his time and historical context? I don't think so.

05-29-12 at 06:53 AM	#23
Omega_Prime Autobot Supreme Commander Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,603	Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7 I mean, for instance Thomas Jefferson - third President of the US - had slaves, also if successively he freed them. Can we morally judge him for this, for what he did in his time and historical context? I don't think so. I certainly think you can, though the idea of slavery was probably due to British influence. It still took a long time for it to be rid of in America compared to Britain.

05-29-12 at 05:14 PM	#24
Dairt Newcomer Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 3	These conversations are the ones that I enjoy the most. People can say things intelligently and present their point of view without being ostracized or resorting name calling. I enjoy the lack of insults, it's an escape from the stupidity I see where I live sometimes. Thanks guys for being mature on this site (On most of the threads I've read at least :P). It is oh so refreshing to see people putting thought into internet posts! insert smiley here, I am too lazy to find them in quick reply

05-29-12 at 06:06 PM	#25
elvisfan Newcomer Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 74	The Tex Avery Droopy box set had the same warning. Personally, I feel that Warner Bros. should include all versions of all cartoons and let the customer decide the definitive version. I am tired of these boxsets that only don't include the version that I saw on TV as a kid, yet I am glad they try to restore the cartoon to its original form. Mammy Two-Steps was probably the reason for the warning on the Tom and Jerry Boxset, but the version I saw on TV had been edited and slightly changed the comical plot. With DVDs and BDs it isn't exactly diffiuclt to split different video segments and include all versions. Furthermore, did you know Disney still hasn't realsoned Song of the South for this very reason, yet the Disney Treasures series includes Lenard Maltin disscussing racisim in the cartoons. On some discs they include the racist cartoons in the bonus features features. Why not release Song of the South and just include Lenard Maltin giving a disclaimer?

05-31-12 at 05:46 PM	#26
shoguns Apprentice Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 415	Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7 It's due to the fact that our white Indo-European ancestors lived in Caucasus (Area Kurgan) before the Indo-European Diaspora. Nothing related to political correctness, I believe, just a taxonomic criterion. Then wouldn't it make more sense to be called European-Americans?

07-28-12 at 05:23 AM	#27
misfit2187 Newcomer Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 5	I've always strongly believed that if something offends you, don't watch it. Everyone is so afraid of offending others. It's turning the country into a bunch of cry babies.