​

Baa baa black sheep 'cancelled': Have nursery rhymes been overly sanitised?​

A recent discussion on an Australian forum, Whirlpool, has brought to light the issue of whether or not nursery rhymes have been ‘sanitised’ to the point of being boring.

The original poster claimed to have found a book of nursery rhymes from 50 years ago, and that the same songs printed today are much less interesting. They provided the example of “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”, which they said has been changed from “She fed them some broth, without any bread, and whipped them all soundly and put them to bed” to “She fed them some broth, and plenty of bread, then kissed them all sweetly and put them to bed”.

Some people commenting agreed that the older version is more interesting and that by sanitising these classic songs they lose their humour, entertainment value, and even the lessons they often try to impart: “That original kinda had a moral, that if you had too many kids then you wouldn't be able to look after them properly and they would inevitably be treated poorly.”

Others disagreed, arguing that the older versions are often violent or offensive, and that it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to children’s content.

One commenter said that the change instituted at some kindergartens from “baa baa black sheep” to “baa baa rainbow sheep” is an example of political correctness gone too far, as it spoils the poetic rhythm and dumbs the song down.
​

In the case of baa baa black sheep, the controversy began in the 1980s and 1990s
when a few parents in the United Kingdom complained that their children
were being taught a song that alluded to slavery.
Credits: 1901 edition of Mother Goose
​

“10 years ago when I first used child care baa baa black sheep was banned because they said it was racist.

Better hide that book, it's probably been cancelled already.”

"Mother Goose" was also mentioned, with one person arguing that the original version of “Old Mother Goose and the Golden Egg” is anti-Semitic, as it features a Jewish character who is described as a “rogue” and a “villain”.

Another said that they are glad they grew up before political correctness “stifled” free speech and free thinking.

"I find it hard to admit that I'm now on the wrong side of three score and ten years old, but I am really glad that I lived my childhood when I did, in the time when all this silly "correctness" didn't exist. I was brought up listening to and learning all those old nursery rhymes and fairy tales that you now condemn. They had no ill effects on me or my brothers, my mother wasn't mad, she never whipped us, nobody took offence at the rhymes, nobody considered them violent. and nobody considered them representative of real life," said one commenter.
​

​

Another respondent mentioned Enid Blyton's books, which they said were also 'cleaned' and 'modernised' for today's readers.

But with the original versions of these classic nursery rhymes often containing violence, racism, or offensive language, do they still have a place in today's society, or have they been rightfully ‘cleaned up’?

One user felt the issue was overblown. "I think it's easy to put the silliest examples of political correctness (the baa baa example is stupid if true) in with genuine attempts to make content safer for children. A lot of old stories, nursery rhymes, songs and other material contains really offensive, racist, violent content that you'd be mad to expose a child to now that we know how harmful it is to their development. Of course, it's a scale and that balancing act is up to parents to decide," they said.

What do you think? Have nursery rhymes been sanitised to the point of being boring, or is it better to err on the side of caution? Let us know in the comments.​

 

[TeAnne]

*sigh*

 

[Teach]

Of course some lines in nursery rhymes don’t fit in with today’s society trying to eradicate any form of violence especially re: children. Kids are being brought up softly softly and are not being equipped to deal with what can be realities in life. BUT banning Baa Baa Black Sheep is a disgrace. It is a Black Sheep, black is black not blue nor rainbow. It is what it is and that is taking too far

We sanitize our nursery rhymes and school curricula and have anti-bullying policies etc but the children go home and play violent video games and watch violent films. I am against manipulating our right to free speech, and amending history, But, I adhere to the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have done unto you."

 

[Ashmenou]

I am glad I grew up before we had to have political correctness. I value my freedom, and my free speech.

So am I!

 

[diesel dan]

This whole situation makes me very sad, my generation (The dreaded BOOMER) and many before us grew up with all these stories and Nursery Rhymes that have all of a sudden become "Politically Incorrect" with no obvious damage to our mental capacity. It would appear to me that the "Perpetually Offended" are attempting to make themselves relevant. I believe it is my duty to cause them as much grief as possible.

 

[AusCanuk]

​

Baa baa black sheep 'cancelled': Have nursery rhymes been overly sanitised?​

A recent discussion on an Australian forum, Whirlpool, has brought to light the issue of whether or not nursery rhymes have been ‘sanitised’ to the point of being boring.

The original poster claimed to have found a book of nursery rhymes from 50 years ago, and that the same songs printed today are much less interesting. They provided the example of “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”, which they said has been changed from “She fed them some broth, without any bread, and whipped them all soundly and put them to bed” to “She fed them some broth, and plenty of bread, then kissed them all sweetly and put them to bed”.

Some people commenting agreed that the older version is more interesting and that by sanitising these classic songs they lose their humour, entertainment value, and even the lessons they often try to impart: “That original kinda had a moral, that if you had too many kids then you wouldn't be able to look after them properly and they would inevitably be treated poorly.”

Others disagreed, arguing that the older versions are often violent or offensive, and that it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to children’s content.

One commenter said that the change instituted at some kindergartens from “baa baa black sheep” to “baa baa rainbow sheep” is an example of political correctness gone too far, as it spoils the poetic rhythm and dumbs the song down.
​

View attachment 3210
In the case of baa baa black sheep, the controversy began in the 1980s and 1990s
when a few parents in the United Kingdom complained that their children
were being taught a song that alluded to slavery.
Credits: 1901 edition of Mother Goose
​

“10 years ago when I first used child care baa baa black sheep was banned because they said it was racist.

Better hide that book, it's probably been cancelled already.”

"Mother Goose" was also mentioned, with one person arguing that the original version of “Old Mother Goose and the Golden Egg” is anti-Semitic, as it features a Jewish character who is described as a “rogue” and a “villain”.

Another said that they are glad they grew up before political correctness “stifled” free speech and free thinking.

"I find it hard to admit that I'm now on the wrong side of three score and ten years old, but I am really glad that I lived my childhood when I did, in the time when all this silly "correctness" didn't exist. I was brought up listening to and learning all those old nursery rhymes and fairy tales that you now condemn. They had no ill effects on me or my brothers, my mother wasn't mad, she never whipped us, nobody took offence at the rhymes, nobody considered them violent. and nobody considered them representative of real life," said one commenter.
​

​

Another respondent mentioned Enid Blyton's books, which they said were also 'cleaned' and 'modernised' for today's readers.

But with the original versions of these classic nursery rhymes often containing violence, racism, or offensive language, do they still have a place in today's society, or have they been rightfully ‘cleaned up’?

One user felt the issue was overblown. "I think it's easy to put the silliest examples of political correctness (the baa baa example is stupid if true) in with genuine attempts to make content safer for children. A lot of old stories, nursery rhymes, songs and other material contains really offensive, racist, violent content that you'd be mad to expose a child to now that we know how harmful it is to their development. Of course, it's a scale and that balancing act is up to parents to decide," they said.

What do you think? Have nursery rhymes been sanitised to the point of being boring, or is it better to err on the side of caution? Let us know in the comments.​

I’m all for political correctness, but Ba ba black sheep and Mother Goose? Please, give us all a break! I don’t recall either my parents, myself or my children ever relating those nursery rhymes to racist comments or being offensive to anyone. Just harmless ole nursery rhymes that delighted little children and sparked their imaginations…end of story.

 

[Mozzy]

​

Baa baa black sheep 'cancelled': Have nursery rhymes been overly sanitised?​

A recent discussion on an Australian forum, Whirlpool, has brought to light the issue of whether or not nursery rhymes have been ‘sanitised’ to the point of being boring.

The original poster claimed to have found a book of nursery rhymes from 50 years ago, and that the same songs printed today are much less interesting. They provided the example of “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”, which they said has been changed from “She fed them some broth, without any bread, and whipped them all soundly and put them to bed” to “She fed them some broth, and plenty of bread, then kissed them all sweetly and put them to bed”.

Some people commenting agreed that the older version is more interesting and that by sanitising these classic songs they lose their humour, entertainment value, and even the lessons they often try to impart: “That original kinda had a moral, that if you had too many kids then you wouldn't be able to look after them properly and they would inevitably be treated poorly.”

Others disagreed, arguing that the older versions are often violent or offensive, and that it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to children’s content.

One commenter said that the change instituted at some kindergartens from “baa baa black sheep” to “baa baa rainbow sheep” is an example of political correctness gone too far, as it spoils the poetic rhythm and dumbs the song down.
​

View attachment 3210
In the case of baa baa black sheep, the controversy began in the 1980s and 1990s
when a few parents in the United Kingdom complained that their children
were being taught a song that alluded to slavery.
Credits: 1901 edition of Mother Goose
​

“10 years ago when I first used child care baa baa black sheep was banned because they said it was racist.

Better hide that book, it's probably been cancelled already.”

"Mother Goose" was also mentioned, with one person arguing that the original version of “Old Mother Goose and the Golden Egg” is anti-Semitic, as it features a Jewish character who is described as a “rogue” and a “villain”.

Another said that they are glad they grew up before political correctness “stifled” free speech and free thinking.

"I find it hard to admit that I'm now on the wrong side of three score and ten years old, but I am really glad that I lived my childhood when I did, in the time when all this silly "correctness" didn't exist. I was brought up listening to and learning all those old nursery rhymes and fairy tales that you now condemn. They had no ill effects on me or my brothers, my mother wasn't mad, she never whipped us, nobody took offence at the rhymes, nobody considered them violent. and nobody considered them representative of real life," said one commenter.
​

​

Another respondent mentioned Enid Blyton's books, which they said were also 'cleaned' and 'modernised' for today's readers.

But with the original versions of these classic nursery rhymes often containing violence, racism, or offensive language, do they still have a place in today's society, or have they been rightfully ‘cleaned up’?

One user felt the issue was overblown. "I think it's easy to put the silliest examples of political correctness (the baa baa example is stupid if true) in with genuine attempts to make content safer for children. A lot of old stories, nursery rhymes, songs and other material contains really offensive, racist, violent content that you'd be mad to expose a child to now that we know how harmful it is to their development. Of course, it's a scale and that balancing act is up to parents to decide," they said.

What do you think? Have nursery rhymes been sanitised to the point of being boring, or is it better to err on the side of caution? Let us know in the comments.​

I am 84 years and I grew up with all these nursery rhymes and nothing has happened to me or my friends. It has reached the point of being ridiculous, that we have to be so careful that we do not offend others by what say. I now have an 8 month old grandson, and I am singing all the nursery rhymes to him as I know them.

 

[JustPat]

Political correctness has got a lot to answer for and has gotten totally out of control to the point we are ignoring history and were some of our history has come from through names, saying and nursery rhymes.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

I think I have just read the biggest load of "woke" crap ever. I keep saying Australia is, NO, has gone to the pack.
There have been millions of children (more than likely nearly all our members on this site included) who were bought up with the original rhymes.
I would suggest we are all well-adjusted ethical people with the highest regard for their fellow humans. There will always be the odd one out but not because Jack and Jill went up the hill
Acute anxiety and psychologist appointments for kids were unheard of. The woke society has certainly made sure that changed.
The next generation of kids will really be hitting drugs when they are taught that a natural black coloured sheep is actually psychedelic
Bloody hell, the Dudley Do-Rights need to get a grip so we can revert to bringing up normal well adjusted children

 

[Janmf]

Of course some lines in nursery rhymes don’t fit in with today’s society trying to eradicate any form of violence especially re: children. Kids are being brought up softly softly and are not being equipped to deal with what can be realities in life. BUT banning Baa Baa Black Sheep is a disgrace. It is a Black Sheep, black is black not blue nor rainbow. It is what it is and that is taking too far

Todays society has gone way over the top, I’m 66 and all the nursery rhythms and cartoons never hurt or made us want to go out and do anything wrong. That’s whats wrong today always blame someone or something else.

 

[Janmf]

I think I have just read the biggest load of "woke" crap ever. I keep saying Australia is, NO, has gone to the pack.
There have been millions of children (more than likely nearly all our members on this site included) who were bought up with the original rhymes.
I would suggest we are all well-adjusted ethical people with the highest regard for their fellow humans. There will always be the odd one out but not because Jack and Jill went up the hill
Acute anxiety and psychologist appointments for kids were unheard of. The woke society has certainly made sure that changed.
The next generation of kids will really be hitting drugs when they are taught that a natural black coloured sheep is actually psychedelic
Bloody hell, the Dudley Do-Rights need to get a grip so we can revert to bringing up normal well adjusted children

Well said

 

[@valentid1960]

​

Baa baa black sheep 'cancelled': Have nursery rhymes been overly sanitised?​

A recent discussion on an Australian forum, Whirlpool, has brought to light the issue of whether or not nursery rhymes have been ‘sanitised’ to the point of being boring.

The original poster claimed to have found a book of nursery rhymes from 50 years ago, and that the same songs printed today are much less interesting. They provided the example of “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”, which they said has been changed from “She fed them some broth, without any bread, and whipped them all soundly and put them to bed” to “She fed them some broth, and plenty of bread, then kissed them all sweetly and put them to bed”.

Some people commenting agreed that the older version is more interesting and that by sanitising these classic songs they lose their humour, entertainment value, and even the lessons they often try to impart: “That original kinda had a moral, that if you had too many kids then you wouldn't be able to look after them properly and they would inevitably be treated poorly.”

Others disagreed, arguing that the older versions are often violent or offensive, and that it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to children’s content.

One commenter said that the change instituted at some kindergartens from “baa baa black sheep” to “baa baa rainbow sheep” is an example of political correctness gone too far, as it spoils the poetic rhythm and dumbs the song down.
​

View attachment 3210
In the case of baa baa black sheep, the controversy began in the 1980s and 1990s
when a few parents in the United Kingdom complained that their children
were being taught a song that alluded to slavery.
Credits: 1901 edition of Mother Goose
​

“10 years ago when I first used child care baa baa black sheep was banned because they said it was racist.

Better hide that book, it's probably been cancelled already.”

"Mother Goose" was also mentioned, with one person arguing that the original version of “Old Mother Goose and the Golden Egg” is anti-Semitic, as it features a Jewish character who is described as a “rogue” and a “villain”.

Another said that they are glad they grew up before political correctness “stifled” free speech and free thinking.

"I find it hard to admit that I'm now on the wrong side of three score and ten years old, but I am really glad that I lived my childhood when I did, in the time when all this silly "correctness" didn't exist. I was brought up listening to and learning all those old nursery rhymes and fairy tales that you now condemn. They had no ill effects on me or my brothers, my mother wasn't mad, she never whipped us, nobody took offence at the rhymes, nobody considered them violent. and nobody considered them representative of real life," said one commenter.
​

​

Another respondent mentioned Enid Blyton's books, which they said were also 'cleaned' and 'modernised' for today's readers.

But with the original versions of these classic nursery rhymes often containing violence, racism, or offensive language, do they still have a place in today's society, or have they been rightfully ‘cleaned up’?

One user felt the issue was overblown. "I think it's easy to put the silliest examples of political correctness (the baa baa example is stupid if true) in with genuine attempts to make content safer for children. A lot of old stories, nursery rhymes, songs and other material contains really offensive, racist, violent content that you'd be mad to expose a child to now that we know how harmful it is to their development. Of course, it's a scale and that balancing act is up to parents to decide," they said.

What do you think? Have nursery rhymes been sanitised to the point of being boring, or is it better to err on the side of caution? Let us know in the comments.​

Political correctness has definitely gone to far. Just listened to the new version of Baa Baa Black Sheep. All the sheep were Ollie and Nellie. My sister and I grew up singing the original and best version of Baa Baa Black Sheep and turned out okay. We have learned to love everybody and never judge them.
I would hate to think what the Political Correctness Police would do with Jack and the beanstalk.

 

[Luckyus]

What a load of Boll, Boll, Bollocks.

 

[PepeLePew]

In my house it will always be Baa Baa Black Sheep as black is a colour and when teaching my children and grandchildren their colours this nursery rhyme was one that helped them to remember the colour black. Plus on a half hour bus ride to a shopping centre we would go past a paddock with sheep in it and they would take great delight in being able to pick out the only black sheep in amongst all the white ones.

 

[Jay Jay]

My youngest grand-daughter - now in Year 6- entertained me as as Kinder pupil with her new song 'Baa baa rainbow sheep'. When I said we'd learnt it as 'black sheep' she earnestly told me 'black was racist'. She could not respond to discussion about 'black' as a general colour.
For example, their dog was black. How would she describe her pet without using the colour word 'black'. She knew the dog was black. She could name lots of black coloured things around her, but at 4 years old she trusted her teacher, and was too young to understand the concept of racism.

Her PC Kinder teacher had thoroughly and needlessly confused her young students.

(Fortunately she soon learned from her family, how ridiculous this particular notion was, and enjoyed singing both versions of the song!)

 

[TonyV]

Nursey rhymes and fairy stories and meant for little kids who could not care less about political correct rubbish. The only ones offended are the fools who spend their time looking for things to offended about!

 

[Mindygirl12022]

I am glad I grew up before we had to have political correctness. I value my freedom, and my free Me

 

[Mindygirl12022]

Me too, we didn't have to have eagle eyes out for everything under the sun that could be considered wrong. I'm wondering though, is it wrong to say 'Baa Baa White Sheep?', I mean shouldn't I be offended them (being white that is).

 

[Thecla]

OMG, How stupid can people get? At my great age I have seen many sheep and I'm pretty sure not one of them was rainbow coloured! Surely this would just confuse kids if they were taken out to the country and couldn't find a rainbow sheep. Lets just keep things real folk, Millions and millions of people were brought up on these rhymes and stories and none of us equated them to the things these do gooders are intimating. I think maybe they are the ones with warped minds.These people would be spinning if they heard half the stories we used to tell our kids!!

Ummmm rainbow sheep....isn't that implying that they are gay???? hahahahaha