Bowdlerizing

Bowdlerizing refers to the act of removing or altering parts of a written work, film, piece of music, or other form of art deemed offensive, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable. This process is intended to sanitize the original work, making it suitable for a broader audience, often for reasons of perceived morality, political correctness, or commercial viability. The term derives from Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare in 1818. While bowdlerization aims for censorship and the exclusion of potentially offensive or controversial material, it also removes context, impact, and artistic integrity. The effects are complex; some celebrate it as bringing the work into the mainstream, while others decry the practice as cultural vandalism. The value judgment always comes from the editor not the author, therefore fundamentally changing the authors intent.

Bowdlerizing meaning with examples

• The studio decided to start bowdlerizing the script of the action movie by removing scenes depicting graphic violence, resulting in a much lighter tone. The change would make the film more appealing to younger audiences and secure a PG-13 rating, boosting its box office prospects. This editorial change was done to capture the largest viewing audience.
• Critics argued that the television network's bowdlerizing of the historical drama significantly weakened its power and the impact of historical characters. The original version dealt with complex social issues in depth. The modified version, however, removed certain scenes deemed controversial, watering down the original intent of the writers and producers.
• In order to publish her novel in the conservative local market, the author was asked to bowdlerize specific passages related to sexuality and societal norms, removing nuance and causing the author a considerable amount of stress. The revised text preserved the plot but lessened the complex relationship of the protagonist.
• To avoid controversy, the music label began bowdlerizing lyrics of popular songs that had strong messages of political criticism and commentary. The changes resulted in simplified verses, making it friendlier to advertisers on streaming services. This was done to allow the artists to reach the widest listening audience.
• Following complaints from concerned parents, the children’s animated series was bowdlerized, cutting out scenes containing what was seen as inappropriate humor and suggestive content. The network's alterations changed the original intention of the producer, creating a cleaner show for younger audiences.