In a move stirring controversy and igniting debates about political correctness, AMC, a network renowned for showcasing classic films, has affixed a trigger warning to the iconic mobster movie “Goodfellas.” The warning cautioned viewers that the film may contain language and cultural stereotypes inconsistent with contemporary standards of inclusion and tolerance, potentially offending certain audiences.
“This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today’s standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some viewers,” the message read.
Viewers noticed an unusual addition to a recent airing of the mob classic "Goodfellas" on AMC: a trigger warning.
"This film includes language and/or cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today’s standards of inclusion and tolerance and may offend some viewers”. pic.twitter.com/SPFBL5ZGQ6
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While “Goodfellas” received this cautionary label, other similar films on the channel, including “The Godfather,” were spared such treatment. The discrepancy in warnings has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various quarters. Notably, “The Godfather” was accompanied by a standard “viewer discretion” advisory, primarily concerning nudity, strong language, and intense violence.
Former NYPD officer Bo Ditel, who had a role in “Goodfellas,” condemned the imposition of political correctness, asserting that such measures tarnish the authenticity of historical narratives. “This is how life was back then. It was not a clean beautiful thing. You can’t cleanse history. If you want to tell true history, you gotta tell it the way it is,” Ditel remarked in an interview with the New York Post.
Similarly, a former captain of the Colombo crime family expressed bewilderment at the notion of shielding mob-related content from scrutiny, deeming it unnecessary and excessive.
AMC’s decision to attach trigger warnings aligns with a broader trend observed across the entertainment industry. Disney, for instance, has adopted a policy of appending advisories to certain films featuring racial or cultural references deemed potentially offensive. However, the selective application of such warnings, as evidenced by the disparity between “Goodfellas” and other mob flicks, has sparked allegations of inconsistency and favoritism.
“Goodfellas,” directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring stellar performances by Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, has long been hailed as a cinematic masterpiece. Despite its critical acclaim and cultural significance, the film’s portrayal of organized crime has now become a subject of scrutiny and debate amidst evolving sensibilities and heightened awareness of social issues.
