Satirical Nature of South Park
Ariel Searcy
Teacher Mary Ellen Jones
AP Literature
5 February 2013
Abusing Free Speech? The Satirical Nature of South Park Warning: This thesis paper deals with a controversial and raunchy television show. Some content may be inappropriate for a younger audience (or immature persons.) While many Americans (and certainly other disapproving countries) would view the popular American television show as a threat through its mockery for several reasons, South Park employs the right to free speech to its utmost advantage time and time again, creating an undeniable truth that to be a truly free country, we must show that we are not afraid to protect and utilize our rights. Free speech is defined as “the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.” (dictionary.reference.com). This historic privilege of the American people has been tested time and time again, leading one to wonder if it is truly freedom of speech. An excellent topic of debate would be the popular American television show, South Park. Since 1997 this show has gained cultural significance, both through its raunchy, debatable humor and direct mockery of what many still believe to be sensitive topics. In the words of a distressed blogger on cinematicallycorrect.wordpress.com:
“When the show first aired, I was in college and much like any other 20-year old male, worshipped the show…[now] I am not impressed…[they] have been obnoxiously crude.” Obviously, the general public is not satisfied nowadays. After pushing the envelope (more than) a few too many times, many citizens cry in outrage the creators are going too far in their quest for a good laugh. A particularly memorable instance is the 2006 episode “Cartoon Wars: Part 1” which featured the Muslim prophet Muhammed; just the very idea that he was going to be onscreen for a couple seconds sparked retaliation from Middle
Teacher Mary Ellen Jones
AP Literature
5 February 2013
Abusing Free Speech? The Satirical Nature of South Park Warning: This thesis paper deals with a controversial and raunchy television show. Some content may be inappropriate for a younger audience (or immature persons.) While many Americans (and certainly other disapproving countries) would view the popular American television show as a threat through its mockery for several reasons, South Park employs the right to free speech to its utmost advantage time and time again, creating an undeniable truth that to be a truly free country, we must show that we are not afraid to protect and utilize our rights. Free speech is defined as “the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.” (dictionary.reference.com). This historic privilege of the American people has been tested time and time again, leading one to wonder if it is truly freedom of speech. An excellent topic of debate would be the popular American television show, South Park. Since 1997 this show has gained cultural significance, both through its raunchy, debatable humor and direct mockery of what many still believe to be sensitive topics. In the words of a distressed blogger on cinematicallycorrect.wordpress.com:
“When the show first aired, I was in college and much like any other 20-year old male, worshipped the show…[now] I am not impressed…[they] have been obnoxiously crude.” Obviously, the general public is not satisfied nowadays. After pushing the envelope (more than) a few too many times, many citizens cry in outrage the creators are going too far in their quest for a good laugh. A particularly memorable instance is the 2006 episode “Cartoon Wars: Part 1” which featured the Muslim prophet Muhammed; just the very idea that he was going to be onscreen for a couple seconds sparked retaliation from Middle