Is Tom and Jerry Too Offensive for Kids Today?

Warner Bros.’ classic cat and mouse cartoon from the 1940s now comes with a disclaimer on iTunes and Amazon Prime Instant, saying that the animated series may contain scenes of “ethnic and racial prejudice.”

“Tom and Jerry shorts may depict some ethnic and racial prejudices that were once commonplace in American society,” the disclaimer states. “Such depictions were wrong then and are wrong today.”

Does this mean that the Tom and Jerry cartoons are racist? No. Does it mean that you are racist for liking the animated shorts? No.

It means that these cartoons are reflective of a time when certain groups were openly disrespected and discriminated against. Any offensive comedy at their expense was unfortunately commonplace in the 1940’s and viewers today may need to have it put into context.

A similar disclaimer appeared on the classic 1940s show’s DVD set from Warner Home Video. Whoopi Goldberg also narrates a pre-film disclaimer recognizing offensive scenes.

I have heard that a few folks feel that adding these disclaimers, are a form of censorship. However, I disagree. Adding a disclaimer to cartoons shown in their original form is not censorship… Cutting out all the offensive content is censorship… Telling me to not say I am uncomfortable or offended is censorship… However adding a brief explanation to uncut content that is offensive is not censoring anything

How do you feel? Should we take time to explain the context of racial and ethnic humor of the past or should we just leave it alone and let the children of today figure it out for themselves?