Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be offended by this word in a children's play?

108 replies

amammabear · 18/10/2016 21:26

My kids are currently taking part in Elf the musical, and one of the lines has Buddy the Elf singing "making toys is so fantastic that I shake until I'm spastic!".

Now I'm really struggling with this, I have a condition that causes muscles spasms myself (developed as an adult) but I grew up under the impression that "spastic" isn't considered appropriate any more. Before I raise it with the theatre group, I wanted to know what others think.

My children aren't singing it, only Buddy, but my parents agree with me that it's not appropriate and my Mum thought that if even one person in the audience is offended, it could be harmful to the groups reputation. So, AIBU?

OP posts:
WaitrosePigeon · 19/10/2016 09:22

Ah damn. That's absolutely terrible.

RoseGoldHippie · 19/10/2016 12:00

Have you spoken with them OP?

SkySmiler · 19/10/2016 12:03

YANBU at all, doubt you'll be the only one either...

AgentProvocateur · 19/10/2016 12:16

Can it easily be changed? The drama group will have agreed to the licensing T&Cs, one of which is likely to say there can be no deviation from the script. Otherwise I'm sure the producer would have changed it already.

pipsqueak25 · 19/10/2016 12:37

that is off and could be changed,

RoseGoldHippie · 19/10/2016 21:24

Agent - that's what I was trying to get at but you put it way more eloquent than me Grin

RoseGoldHippie · 19/10/2016 21:25

Way more eloquently (slaps face at state of language tonight!)

wasonthelist · 19/10/2016 21:34

YANBU OP, US TV progs shown here use spasti and spazzy. It seems it's OK in the USA, but that's no reason we should accept it.

BowieFan · 19/10/2016 22:07

It's considered acceptable in the US. As long as it's made clear to the kids that it's not OK to use, I have no issue with it.

ohgoodlordthatsmoist · 19/10/2016 22:30

One for the daily mail perhaps???

AgentProvocateur · 19/10/2016 22:33

Rosegoldhippie, that's the first time I've ever been called eloquent! Grin

EvilTwins · 19/10/2016 22:42

It's in the script for Hairspray too - we did the Jr version last summer. It's a spoken line - Penny refers to Amber as a "plastic little spastic" We changed to "plastic wannabe Barbie doll" immediately. Easier than in a song as it didn't need to scan/rhyme. It's an American thing, as previous posters have said.

MsJudgemental · 19/10/2016 23:21

Once, when I worked as a teaching assistant, I had to hastily retrieve a pile of photocopies of the lyrics to 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On' which the class teacher had failed to check....google the original lyrics if you're interested.

OutDamnedWind · 19/10/2016 23:21

Even if it says in T&Cs that the script can't be changed, is anyone actually going to hunt down a youth theatre group who swap out a single word which is offensive in this country? How would anyone even know?

AgentProvocateur · 19/10/2016 23:31

Outdamnedwind, DS (who has produced musicals) said that they do do spot checks. It's a rigorous process to get the rights to perform, even for amateur groups. You can't perform the same show within a certain distance/time of another group doing it, and they're hugely strict with the scripts. You get a certain number, and all marks have to be in pencil and rubbed out before they're returned. It's very regulated (and very expensive to get the rights - especially in a recent WE show like Elf)

OutDamnedWind · 19/10/2016 23:45

Oh I'm sure it is strict, but it is one word which is offensive in the place it's being performed. Can you imagine the fuss if they did kick up a stink?

AgentProvocateur · 19/10/2016 23:52

True. An experienced producer would change it and accept any consequences.

Original poster
amammabear · 19/10/2016 23:54

Thanks for everyone's thoughts, it's really helpful.

OP posts:
RoseGoldHippie · 20/10/2016 08:01

Can you let us know the outcome of this one OP I don't think anyone thinks YABU but I would just be interested in what they say.

Original poster
amammabear · 20/10/2016 08:11

Thank you, yes I will

OP posts:
Muser54321 · 20/10/2016 08:26

I not only agree but I was watching an amateur production of some play back in January (actors were kids 9-11 I'd say) and this word was used. I did the side ways eye check and saw other gobsmacked parents tapping their ears in disbelief.

Different things offend in the US, I'm Irish but a friend who's been living in America for 20 years winced and recoiled in shock and horror at something I said. She ''corrected'' me but I said nope, sorry that sounds so self-consciously pc in Ireland that its 'feel' is patronising and excluding.

RoseGoldHippie · 21/10/2016 23:13

Hey OP any verdict?

Original poster
amammabear · 21/10/2016 23:21

Not yet, but I will update!

OP posts:
pinkie1982 · 22/10/2016 00:54

V v inappropriate!
My BIL is disabled. His supervisor at work called him a spastic over a recorded telephone line. BIL complained to owners, their resolution was to make BIL move branches which was further away from home to avoid the supervisor. BIL sought legal advice and took the company to court. Supervisor/company was made to pay a very large compensation due to descrimination and got demoted and as not allowed to contact BIL.

Using that word against someone is regarded as hate crime now isn't it? So should definitely not be used in a children's play. They would think it's acceptable language

kali110 · 22/10/2016 02:38

The US seem to still use certain words today that we know deem offensive.
Spastic and the R word do not seem to be offensive there, like they are here.
Whilst i would not be offended by the word, others may and would be.
I'm sure you will not be the only one asking to change this word op.
There are multiple words that they could replace it with.

Swipe left for the next trending thread