Understanding Trigger Warnings for Wicked

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has issued a trigger warning for the movie adaptation of The Wicked Stories, also known as Wicked. This move highlights the film's sensitive themes, particularly its portrayal of discrimination, prejudice, and ableism. The warning is also relevant because of the fantastical elements surrounding talking animals. This article delves into the reasons behind the BBFC's decision and explores the importance of trigger warnings in children's entertainment.

The BBFC's warning addresses several key themes present in the film:

Discrimination and Prejudice

Elphaba, a character with green skin, is a central figure in the film. Her appearance subjects her to discrimination and bullying, drawing parallels to real-world racial and color-based prejudices. These elements serve a crucial narrative function but might be upsetting to viewers who are sensitive to such themes. The BBFC's trigger warning is a sensitive approach to preparation for viewers, especially in light of the movie's intended younger audience.

Ableism

The film also portrays ableism through the treatment of Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, who uses a wheelchair. She is often treated with condescension by others, which is a significant element of the story. Such scenes can be distressing for viewers with personal experiences of disability or those who are uncomfortable with stereotypical depictions of disability. The BBFC's warning serves as a cautionary note, addressing these potentially upsetting moments.

Persecution of Talking Animals

Within the film's fantastical society, there is also a theme of persecution of talking animals. This element adds an additional layer of depth to the film but may be distressing for animal lovers or those who empathize with non-human characters. The BBFC's trigger warning covers this aspect as well, ensuring that viewers are aware of all sensitive content.

Why Trigger Warnings Are Important

Trigger warnings are essential tools for ensuring that viewers can made informed decisions about the content they engage with. They serve multiple purposes:

Preparation and Prevention: Trigger warnings allow viewers to prepare emotionally and mentally for content that may trigger distressing feelings or memories. This is particularly important for content targeting younger audiences like Wicked. Accountability: Issuing a trigger warning can help protect content creators from unreasonable complaints or backlash. It demonstrates that the producers were aware of the potentially sensitive content and were proactive in addressing it. Empowerment: Trigger warnings empower viewers to make choices that align with their personal boundaries and comfort levels, promoting a more inclusive and respectful viewing experience.

The Debate Surrounding Trigger Warnings

Not all viewers are in favor of trigger warnings. Some argue that they are unnecessary and may shield younger audiences from growing emotionally and intellectually strong. For instance, one commentator suggests that the presence of a trigger warning in the case of Wicked may be more for the benefit of avoiding complaints than for any actual need to prepare viewers. However, the broader argument supports the use of trigger warnings as a responsible and considerate practice, regardless of whether they are strictly necessary.

Many viewers did not personally perceive the need for a trigger warning upon watching the film. This gap between the BBFC's decision and individual viewer experiences highlights the subjective nature of trigger warnings. It underscores the importance of reliable and transparent communication when it comes to potentially troubling content.

Conclusion

While the BBFC's trigger warning for Wicked may seem like an effort to ward off silly complaints, it serves a vital purpose in ensuring that viewers are prepared for the film's sensitive themes. These themes, though crucial to the narrative, may be distressing for some viewers. The use of trigger warnings demonstrates a conscientious approach to content that can benefit both the film industry and its audience. As the debate on trigger warnings continues, their importance in creating a safe and respectful viewing environment remains undeniably relevant.