Content Warnings: Difference between revisions

{{quote|The preceding program contained scenes of extreme violence and should not have been viewed by young children.|''[[The Simpsons]]'', "Deep Space Homer"}}

 

 

Warnings given before the airing of a TV show or film, on the box of a video or computer game, on a movie poster, or in a fanfic's summary/[[Fan Fic Header|header]].

In other words, to the right (or wrong) mindset, [[Forbidden Fruit|an invitation to watch]].

 

 

On UK videos, the content warnings used to be under the headings Language, Sex, Violence, Other, which (with minor modifications) became the title of a Stereophonics album. It's since been replaced with an optional paragraph of text in the ratings label instead.

* Cookbooks--and some books on food that actually have no recipes--have started to bear the warning "The recipes contained in this book are to be followed exactly as written. The publisher is not responsible for your specific health or allergy needs that require medical supervision."

* Some shows dealing with ethnic minorities may give out warnings in regards to the portrayal of dead indigenous people ([[Australian Aborigines]] consider it taboo to directly mention the dead by name), for example, or the content features the portrayal of a certain race and advising viewer discretion.

* Similarly, arcade games often have a warning sticker somewhere near the monitor to caution people not to play if they have epilepsy.

{{examples}}

* Viz Media seems to make a habit of putting unusual content warnings on its English-language M-rated manga. The English version of the ''[[Black Lagoon]]'' manga has the following content warning:

{{quote| ''[[Black Lagoon]]'' is rated M for Mature and is recommended for mature readers. This volume contains graphic violence, strong language, nudity, adult situations, drinkin', smokin', ass-kickin', law breakin', gun-love, running with scissors and just about everything your mother ever told you not to do.}}

** In ''High School Boys and Mochi Soup'', each time when one of the main trio choked on mochi, there is an on-screen advisory, and when Tadakuni became the last of the trio to get chocked on mochi, the on-screen advisory [[Rule of Three|gets annoyed]]:

{{quote| "This might seem annoying, but please eat mochi slowly by carefully chewing small portions."}}

 

== Networks ==

* In a serious variant, shows on [[Australian Media|Australian television]] which feature deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders feature warnings that the shows "may contain the image and voice recordings of people who are now dead", in order to respect the traditional cultural beliefs of [[Australian Aborigines|Aboriginal]] and [[Torres Strait Islanders]], wherein discussion of the deceased is a taboo. Gotta be sensitive of the natives, man. This occurs significantly more frequently on the public broadcasters, [[The ABC]] and [[SBS]], than it does on any of the commercial broadcasters, to the point where it's practically unheard of on the commercial channels' part. Make of that what you will.

* For a short time, BBC America ran a warning suggesting that viewers unfamiliar with the accents of the United Kingdom would be well advised to turn on [[Closed Captioning]].

* One network in Canada's content warning (possibly CTV?) states that the following program "may" contain offensive content. [[It Just Bugs Me|It also "may" contain extended scenes of toddlers hugging puppies]]. It rarely does.

* YTV's Bionix anime(/Canadian-Content-we-need-to-please-the-CRTC/''[[Invader Zim]]'') block has the exact same warning throughout, even when they are showing shows that really aren't that violent. That said, the more violent shows usually get modified warnings.

* In the early days of the UK's ''Channel 4'', programmes of a sexual nature were marked with a 'red triangle'. Dropped after realising that this essentially marked out the good bits for everyone to find.

* Similarly, for many years Mexican TV networks would superimpose a capital "A" (for "adultos") in the corner of the screen on more mature shows.

* A [http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5389450/1/The_Finale_of_the_Ultimate_Meta_Mega_Crossover certain fanfic] began with the following warning:

{{quote| Concepts contained in this story may cause [[Call of Cthulhu|SAN Checking]] in any [[Go Mad From the Revelation|mind not inherently stable]] at the third level of stress. Story may cause extreme existential confusion. [[Mind Screw|Story is insane]]. The author recommends that anyone reading this story sign up [[Human Popsicle|with Alcor or the Cryonics Institute]] to have their brain [[My Death Is Just the Beginning|preserved after death]] for [[Unexplained Recovery|later revival under controlled conditions]]. Readers not already familiar with [[Eliezer Yudkowsky|this author]] should be warned that he is not bluffing.}}

* In the [http://www.wcnews.com/fiction/intro.html introduction] for ''[http://www.wcnews.com/articles/art10.shtml Wing Commander 4.123106: The Price of Entertainment]'', in addition to warning about adult language, graphic violence, gratuitous nudity, and sexual content, there's [[Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking|"EWSH Extremely Warped Sense of Humor"]].

* Chapter 14 of ''[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4020072/1/The_Land_Before_Time_Revenge Land Before Time: Revenge]'' has this warning: "Warning: THIS SCENE CONTAINS SOME INTENSE VIOLENCE!"

* The video and DVD releases of ''[[Dogma]]'' start with a disclaimer that states that the movie is a work of comedy and not intended to be taken seriously or offend, before going off into a long meandering rant about the platypus intended to represent that [[God]] does, in fact, have a sense of humor even if some viewers don't. What ''else'' could explain the platypus, really?

** He then makes a disclaimer apologizing to all lovers of platypuses.

** A more recent highly specific content warning: ''Aliens in the Attic'' contains misuse of fireworks. Of course, children playing with fireworks has been a major safety concern for decades.

* "The Environmental Protection Agency wishes to strenuously object to its depiction in this film. We are a competent, well-meaning government bureaucracy, and if we were ever granted any real power we would never, ever abuse it, we promise. -- Russ Cargill, Acting Head" -- from the beginning of ''[[The Simpsons]] [[The Movie|Movie]]'' DVD.

* The first two ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' DVDs were rated PG-13 for "violence and scary images."

{{quote| A capsule review for Fellowship of the Ring cautioned that it contained "epic battles, scary monsters, body-piercing swords, and [[Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking|smoking]]."}}

** From the ''[[Gantz]]'' box set:

{{quote| ''"R18+: Strong animated violence, Strong animated sex scenes, High level theme, Strong coarse language"''}}

** If anyone wants conclusive proof that the MPAA are being paid off, ''[[The Simpsons]] Movie'' was rated PG-13 for, I swear this is real, "Irreverent humor throughout." I guess they ''really'' wanted the inclusion of {{spoiler|Bart's willie}} to stay a secret.

* ''[[Team America]]'' has the ever-amusing MPAA warning of "graphic crude and sexual humor, violent images and strong language - all involving puppets". Which is pretty much accurate. The BBFC's warning is similar.

* More MPAA evidence: On ''The [[Powerpuff Girls]] [[The Movie|Movie]]'', they warn of "non-stop frenetic animated action".

{{quote| We are about to unfold the story of Frankenstein, a man of science who sought to create a man after his own image without reckoning upon God. It is one of the strangest tales ever told. It deals with the two great mysteries of creation -- life and death. I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even...horrify you. So if any of you feel that you do not care to subject your nerves to such a strain, now's your chance to...uh, well, we warned you.}}

* One of the reasons ''[[Twister]]'' was given a PG-13 by the MPAA was "intense depiction of very bad weather".

* [[Public Enemies]] has "Gangster Violence" as a descriptor.

* Prior to airing the infamous nuclear war film ''[[Threads]]'', at least [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfFa-jlN22U two] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdI_TYAT0z4 broadcasters] aired extended disclaimers telling viewers that the film is incredibly disturbing, but that the decision to air it was ultimately made due to [[Some Anvils Need to Be Dropped|the importance of its message.]]

 

 

* The ''[[Spitting Image]]'' parody of Margaret Thatcher's memoirs bore a sticker on the front that said "'''WARNING!''' This book carries a salacious warning on the front that is an '''OBSCENE''' attempt to sell more copies".

* [[Dave Barry]]'s novel ''[[Big Trouble]]'' comes with a warning at the beginning saying that the book contains bad words and is not for children. His next novel, ''[[Tricky Business]]'', had a similar warning in a larger [[Useful Notes/Fonts|typeface]], because apparently not enough readers of ''[[Big Trouble]]'' got the warning.

* [[Terry Pratchett]]'s [[Nation]] has a couple of Author's Notes at the back where he explains some of the science used-with 'Don't try this at home' warnings. He then subverts it with his final note:

 

* ''[[The Hogan Family]]'': The second-season episode "Bad Timing," where a frank discussion between David (Jason Bateman) and his [[Girl of the Week|girlfriend]] involves the use of the word "condom." The episode -- one of the first [[Dom Com|DomComs]] to address safe sex -- had a parential guidance discretion read before the episode, and again during commericals for birth-control products and safe-sex PSAs. (And yes, David and his girlfriend decided to "wait.")

* Read out before episodes of ''[[The Daily Show]]'' in the UK:

** That is shown before any international broadcast. In the US we get no such warning... probably because (in the words of Jon Stewart) [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE it's lead-in is "puppets making prank phone calls".]

* Though the ''[[Wonder Showzen]]'' theme song claimed it to be a "kid's show, kid's show, oh good lord it's a kid's show," viewers were warned in no uncertain terms by a disclaimer shown in the beginning and after commercials:

{{quote| WARNING<br />

WONDER SHOWZEN CONTAINS OFFENSIVE, DESPICABLE CONTENT THAT IS TOO CONTROVERSIAL AND TOO AWESOME FOR ACTUAL CHILDREN. THE STARK, UGLY, PROFOUND TRUTHS WONDER SHOWZEN EXPOSES MAY BE SOUL CRUSHING TO THE WEAK OF SPIRIT. IF YOU ALLOW A CHILD TO WATCH THIS SHOW, YOU ARE A BAD PARENT OR GUARDIAN. }}

* "Before we begin the fourth episode of ''[[Quatermass]] II'' we'd like to say that in our opinion it is not suitable for children, or those of you who may have a nervous disposition." - [[Retraux]] content warnings, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIFjU8BpOok 1955 style].

* Particularly dangerous experiments (or anything involving microwaves) on ''[[Brainiac]]'' are preceded by Richard Hammond popping up and saying "Do not try this at home." Then, a few seconds later, popping up again: "No, ''really''. Don't."

* The DVD of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' Series 5, Volume 1 warns that it contains "smoking scenes." Yes. [[Winston Churchill|Winston. Flippin'. Churchill.]]

* Parodied by Steve Coogan on one of his DVDs which warned that the show contained [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42UCpOzTbNU bad language], almost all of it in the warning itself.

* One skit on ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' opened with Kermit warning the audience, "some scenes may not be suitable for adults".

* Spoofed by [[The History Channel]] show ''Weird Warfare'', which has a warning before each segment that describes the bizarre military concepts it will explore: "The following program features a [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]] [[Gender Bender|sex change]] and [[Lethal Chef|exploding pancakes]]. Viewer discretion is advised."

{{quote| "The following is a graphic depiction of a violent prehistoric battle. Viewer discretion is advised."}}

* Parodied by ''[[Top Gear]]'', which has a sign warning live audiences that they ''don't'' have potentially seizure-inducing strobe lights, because they ran out of budget.

== Music ==

 

* The cover for the [[PDQ Bach]] album ''Oedipus Tex & Other Choral Calamities'' bears this humorous sticker:

{{quote| Warning! Contains "Classical Rap"<br />

Pathetic Advisory: Inane Lyrics }}

{{quote| "The only track you probably won't want to play is "Damage, Inc." due to the multiple use of the infamous "F" word. Otherwise, there aren't any "Shits", "Fucks", "Pisses", "Cunts", "Motherfuckers" or "Cocksuckers" anywhere on this record."}}

** Not too surprising, since it's based off a past experience of his (Girlfriend killed herself, [[Captain Obvious|though he didn't kill himself]]).

* Capitol Steps recordings: "Warning: this CD contains parodies!"

* [[Steel Panther]], an [[Affectionate Parody]] of the hair metal genre, has two warning stickers on its album ''Feel The Steel''. The one on the front is a standard Parental Advisory label, while the one on the back has this to say:

{{quote| "The CD/LP you are about to listen to contains parodies that feature foul language, adult content, satanic imagery and depictions of sexually deviant fantasies that may offend the religious right, the unreligious left, fat girls, skinny girls, metrosexuals, animal lovers, animal haters, hippies, skinheads, the current presidential administration and people with ears. The record label and its parent companies do not endorse or support the opinions of Steel Panther. They just think they f--king rock."}}

== Radio ==

 

** ''Hitchhikers'' offered a straight example when the episode featuring the destruction of the Guide offices was broadcast on [[The BBC|Radio 4]] [[Too Soon|shortly after 9/11]].

* Another straight example, this time from ''[[The Archers]]'': An episode where Owen raped Kathy was preceded by such a warning, and immediately followed by a number to call if you are raped.

* The '40s horror series ''Lights Out'' routinely opened with one of these:

{{quote| "''Lights Out'' brings you stories of the supernatural and the supernormal, dramatizing the fantasies and mysteries of the unknown. We tell you this frankly, so if you wish to avoid the excitement and tension of these imaginative plays, we urge you calmly - but sincerely - to turn off your radio now."}}

{{quote| "Is it suitable for children?<br />

"It's not even suitable for ''people''!" }}

* "Some parts of this game may be considered violent or cruel", from the ''[[Silent Hill]]'' series, usually shown over a picture of the protagonist beating the snot out of a monster.

** Please note that beating the snot out of monsters is rarely the most disturbing, violent, or cruel things about the games.

* ''[[Eversion]]'' contains the following: "Not indicated for children or those of a nervous disposition." on the screen right before the title screen... right underneath an H.P. Lovecraft quote. The warning is quite appropriate, particularly the latter group. Those who do not heed the waring WILL become slightly paranoid because of the game.

* ''[[Modern Warfare]] 2'' goes beyond having a content warning, and actually allows you to skip the 'No Russian' level, which, it warns, might be considered offensive. {{spoiler|Given the fact that the level allows you to participate in a simulated terrorist attack, striding through an airport and gunning down civilians}}, the warning is definitely justified.

* ''Soul Bubbles'' has an amusing one, warning the player of the ''absence'' of orcs, wizards, soldiers, etc, and assures that "everything will be hunky-dory". Which indeed [[Needs More Love|it is]].

* Heavily subverted in [[Step Mania]] with one of the announcer packs (more exactly [http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8563&file=SM3.0_Announcer_SchizKitty.smzip this one]). When showing the usual "don't play this in a small room" warning, the girl will sometimes say "Who reads this crap anyway?"

* ''[[Deception|Tecmo's Deception]]'' offers us this little blurb on the back of the jewel case:

{{quote| "{{color|red|WARNING:}} This game contains satanic references and may be inappropriate for some individuals."}}

 

* "''[[Venus Envy]]'' is Rated WEB-14 and probably isn't suitable for younger viewers or those who find the following things offensive: Homosexuality, Bisexuality, Transsexuality, Jews, Slapstick, Mixed-Religion Marriages, Women in the Workplace, Women in Pants, Plot, Girls' Soccer, or Chickens teaching Hard Science. If you find any of the above offensive, please go [http://www.simiansociety.org/ here]."

* ''[[Sluggy Freelance]]'' has this warning at the start of the "K I T T E N I I" arc:

{{quote| The following story contains graphic violence not suitable for anyone. Parental guidance is suggested. Or you can just staple the kid's eyelids shut. That's not ''suggested'', the parental guidance thingy is ''suggested'', but we can't deny that staples are a timesaver.}}

* Referenced and parodied in ''[[Least I Could Do]]'', when the main character is asked what he hears when the ''[[Myth Busters]]'' give their famous warning "Don't try what you're about to see at Home." "''Ever.''". The answer? "Do it. Do it at home." "Do it ''bigger''."

* [http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Abel_02.php I'm Fa-Teen, the NC-14 panda, and this comic is now rated me. How joyous...] Notable in this is a side comic, and the main comic, according to the artist (Who makes Ratings Pandas for others to use) is PG. The aformentioned Ratings Pandas can be found [http://www.mabsland.com/Adoption.html here.]

 

== Web Original ==

C) Rocks.<br />

Viewer Discretion is advised. }}

* ''[[Beavis and Butthead]]'' had, not one, but two different [[Content Warnings]] during its run; apparently the first one wasn't quite serious enough, so they changed it up a bit without sacrificing the funny:

** ''Beavis and Butt-head are not real. They are stupid cartoon people completely made up by [[Mike Judge|this Texas guy]] who we hardly even know. Beavis and Butt-Head are dumb, crude, ugly, thoughtless, sexist, self-destructive fools. But for some reason the little wiener heads make us laugh.''

** ''Beavis and Butt-head are not role models. They're not even human, they're cartoons. Some of the things they do could cause a person to get hurt, expelled, arrested... possibly deported. To put it another way, [[Don't Try This At Home]].''

** As the image at the top of the article shows, they even had to put in content warnings ''during'' the episodes "Stewart's House" and "Way Down Mexico Way". Sadly, not even this bold act can save those episodes from being [[Missing Episode|removed from circulation]].

** In the episode where Bender becomes a TV star, a scene of him setting himself on fire was given the disclaimer "Don't try this at home, kids", while Bender himself said "try this at home, kids!"

** "You're watching Futurama, the show that does not endorse the cool crime of robbery"

{{quote| '''TV announcer''': We'd like to warn our viewers that the following footage may be disturbing to young children.<br />

'''Young boy''': Turn it up! }}

* [[Rob Zombie]]'s ''[[The Haunted World of El Superbeasto]]'' begins with a very straight faced rendition of the ''Frankenstein'' "friendly warning."

* ''[[The Simpsons]]''' first few "Treehouse of Horror" [[Halloween Episode|Halloween Episodes]] had these. The first one was a direct parody of the ''Frankenstein'' warning.

* ''[[The Boondocks]]'' occasionally features a disclaimer, most notably before its episode focusing on closeted rapper [[Gayngster|Gangstalicious]], assuring its audience that no, Gangstalicious was not based on any real artists, ''no'', not even the one you're thinking of, and we'd really prefer to avoid the requisite hate mail and death threats, thank you.

* ''[[Clerks the Animated Series]]'' has some great ones, especially when the narrator ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]]) wonders aloud "And is anyone still watching after all that?" or talks about how the first episode is supposedly awful: "Tune in next week for a much better episode! For now, though-courage."

* Made fun of on [[Family Guy]] at the beginning of Homicide: Life on Sesame Street: "This show contains adult content and is brought to you by the letter H."