With the level of knowledge about different people’s realities increasing across the board, we have learned, as a species, that it is insensitive to joke about some issues. In light of that realization, here are 17 comedy film scenes we think won’t make the cut today:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – Mr. Yunioshi
Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi was highly offensive, and a character like that will most likely not be written today, not to talk of making the cut. In 1990, the Boston Globe described the character as “an irascible bucktoothed nerd and an offensive ethnic caricature.”
Sixteen Candles (1984) – Mike’s Comments on Long Duk Dong
Long Duk Dong was a Chinese character in Sixteen Candles, played by Gedde Watanabe. The outright racist and stereotypical jokes hurled at the character in the film are so many, but I think the worst is when Mike says they will have to “burn the sheets and mattresses” once he leaves.
Tropic Thunder (2008) – Never go full retard
It’s a bit surprising that Tropic Thunder was made as recently as 2008. Although Robert Downey Jr’s character has been defended as a form of social commentary, it would most likely be cut out today, along with Kirk Lazarus’s conversation with Speedman, where they joke about being retarded.
Animal House (1978) – Peeping Bluto
Several scenes in Animal House promote non-consensual sexual behavior and the objectification of women. However, one I find repulsive, and I’m sure will not make the cut today, is Bluto using a ladder to spy on women undressing in a sorority house.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) – Einhorn Reveal
The movie contains transphobic elements, particularly in a scene toward the end where it reveals that Ray Finkle, the character Ace is searching for, has become a woman named Lois Einhorn. When Ace finds this out, he remembers he has kissed Einhorn, then vomits, washes his mouth, and burns his clothes.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984) – Lewis and Julia having sex
One of the nerds takes advantage of his crush, fighting with her boyfriend to have sex with her while pretending to be her boyfriend. In the film, he ends up dating her, but sex under false pretenses definitely won’t make the cut today, not to talk of being rewarded.
Dumbo (1941) – Song of the Roustabouts
In the original Dumbo, some Black characters are working in the rain and singing a song. Check out some lyrics: “We work all day, we work all night, We never learned to read or write, We’re happy-hearted roustabouts.”
Peter Pan (1953) – What makes the red man red
The Disney musical reinforced racial stereotypes. In a bid to teach white kids “what makes the red man red,” the Native American tribe performs a song and attributes their redness to the blush of the first Native American who tried to kiss a princess. “We’ve all been blushing since.”
The Party (1968) – Hrundi’s place at the table
Peter Sellers wears brownface to portray a Native American character, Hrundi V. Bakshi, laden with stereotypes. Of course, that won’t be acceptable today, even though the character somehow manages to carry out some dignified acts while being silly. At dinner, the character is seated by the kitchen door with a very low seat.
Holiday Inn (1942) – The Abraham Sequence
For a Christmas musical, the level of racism in the film is absolutely unnecessary, but it was 1942. While performing a song to honor Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Jim and Linda and their band of musicians appear in shoe-polish blackface.
Gone with the Wind (1939) – Portrayal of the KKK
Even though the movie was well-received and critically acclaimed at its release, it had many racist depictions. Among its many incursions, one that easily catches the eye is the film’s attempts to portray the Ku Klux Klan as heroes, even though they were not expressly named.
Some Like It Hot (1959) – Sleeping Car Scene
Some Like It Hot was a very progressive film for its time because it showed men cross-dressing to avoid a dangerous gang while hiding out with a band of female musicians. However, it also set a bad precedent for the general perception of transgender people because it showed them as deceptive.
Trading Places (1983) – Blackface scene
Even though the film is accepted as generally funny, it still has a very problematic scene that won’t survive post-filming cuts, even if it is filmed. When they have to get on a train in disguises, Louis (Dan Aykroyd) opts to go as a Jamaican stoner, complete with the blackface.
Under the Cherry Moon (1986) – Christopher and Tricky at the restaurant with Mary
As a larger picture, the film’s story is brilliant (as long as you ignore the sub-par performances). However, so many scenes reinforce gender stereotypes before stripping them away, making the point that there might be two sides to every person.
The Dictator (2012) – After Zoey gives birth
The Dictator is undeniably funny, but it achieves that by going to the extreme and making fun of things you know are wrong to laugh at. But I think scenes like Aladeen joking that male children are superior after Zoey gives birth won’t make the cut today.
Miss Congeniality (2000) – Male agents looking at women
Miss Congeniality is another film I thoroughly enjoyed. Sandra Bullock’s performance as Gracie Hart is incredible. But, again, there is a scene where male FBI agents gather around a computer to look at and make remarks about female bodies. It definitely wouldn’t be allowed in a film today.
American Pie (1999) – Jason filming Nadia
The American Pie films contain a lot of comedy that won’t be acceptable today. But there’s a scene where Jim films Nadia getting changed in his room and broadcasts it through a webcam for him and his friends to watch without her consent. Not acceptable.
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