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Friday, March 20, 2009
Brent Bozell :: Townhall.com Columnist
"South Park" vs. Purity
by Brent Bozell
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Rock stars are rarely controversial for acting like rock stars. A decadent lifestyle of sex, drugs and alcohol abuse are the expected menu. In our upside-down popular culture, rock stars create controversy only when they advocate an alternative lifestyle -- when they wear purity rings and abstain from sex until marriage.

Some dream of being rock stars just for the selfish fantasy of organizing an assembly line of casual sex partners. In the minds of those with no moral brake on their sex drive, rock stars favoring abstinence are wasting a national resource, akin to monks pledging a vow of poverty while living inside a gold mine.

Last September, the Disney-boosted teen rockers known as the Jonas Brothers were a rich target for mockery at the MTV Video Music Awards for their purity rings. The emcee, a British comedian named Russell Brand, sneered that the Jonas Brothers were "a little bit ungrateful because they could have sex with any woman they want. That is like Superman deciding not to fly and go everywhere on a bus." Tee-hee, and all that.

Six months later, the sleazy Comedy Central cartoon "South Park" picked up where MTV left off, beginning their 13th season of imbecility on March 11 with an entire episode mocking purity rings and the Jonas Brothers. Comedy Central liked it so much that they replayed it weeknight after weeknight.

But before we get to that treat, there's this. On March 14, just three days after "South Park" resurfaced from the muck, Brand was interviewed on National Public Radio about his new memoir about his sadly debauched upbringing. It was shocking. Six months after leading the MTV charge, Brand suddenly attacked media corporations for commodifying sex to an extreme: "You know, food is not sold to us through necessity any longer, and sex isn't presented to us as a necessity, but more as a lifestyle. And I think the constant stimulation of these biological needs can lead to these sort of excessive, compulsive behaviors."

Take that, MTV.

Brand, who had giggled in front of MTV's spotlights at anyone who'd tell a teenager that sex can wait, spent time in rehab for sex addiction. He told NPR that he was brought up by a sickly single mother, and his father was nothing but dysfunctional: "Yeah, when I was a teenager, I went to the Far East with my dad. And my dad himself was fatherless and didn't necessarily know how to bring up a teenager. And you know, we did end up visiting sort of brothels and things like that. I think that was just, in a way, his manner of communicating."

By contrast, the Jonas Brothers have a father who is a Christian minister. But in today's culture, fathers who teach their sons to love their religious faith and to restrain themselves are setting their boys up for massive ridicule. Fathers who would take their teenagers to Asian brothels as a "manner of communicating" are apparently the role models for Comedy Central and MTV. There is certainly no laughing at the end result of that road.

But for Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the perennial ninth graders behind "South Park," everything is a sick joke, especially abstinence until marriage. To them, no one could seriously advocate that position and live by it. In their typical crayon-scribble plot, the Jonas Brothers wore purity rings only as a corporate scam run by Disney, so they could "sell sex" to pre-pubescent grade-school girls. The dictatorial CEO of Disney was of course, Mickey Mouse, who screamed profanities and beat up one of the Jonas boys until his nose bled for threatening not to make the purity-ring pitch.

Our "heroes" from South Park eventually exposed Mickey Mouse and his plot, turning up the microphone at the concert hall as Mickey sneered backstage that he makes money when little girls are sexually aroused, and "little girls are f---ing stupid. The purity rings make it OK for me to do whatever I want! Even the Christians are too f---ing stupid to figure out I'm selling sex to their daughters. I've made billions off Christian ignorance for decades now. And do you know why? Because Christians are retarded. They believe in a talking dead guy."

Since Mickey was defeated, "South Park" producers might try to argue the uptight Christians somehow won in this defeat of cynical, purity-exploiting Disney. But once again, it's quite clear that the people who think that the little girls and the Jonas Brothers and the purity-ring promoters and the Christians are idiots are the "South Park" crowd and their backers at Comedy Central. No matter how much they try to shift the blame, they are the profanity-spewing corporate rats who profit every time children are corrupted.

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About The Author
Founder and President of the Media Research Center, Brent Bozell runs the largest media watchdog organization in America.
 
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Wow - you really don't get it!
Bozell, stop. You're making conservatives look bad.

speaking of manure




Manure shows up, as the atheistic Pooh Bah;

Hello!

dreadnaught
"Why are the least important, hardly even cogent, simpletons of this world, so anxious to spread manure in public forums?"

This is a question you should be asking of yourself.

Bozell speaks, you sqeak

Is this a fairy thread?

How come you wish to stand out amongst normal men today? Melwhore found no action on the Prop 8 Hate front?

deadnut speaks!
So it must be true....

Pardon me, Cary in TX


Nobody of sound mind and serious intent wants to watch South Park. Even if you call it stupendous.

It's a load of crap, so save your dithyrambs. Don't be a fool.

Watching is required for evaluation!
Every so often I see Brent take aim at South Park, and each time I ask "has this guy ever bothered to actually WATCH the show?"

People... if you're someone who thinks "I can comment on this based upon what someone else has told me"... you're no better than the "Obama = Messiah" types.

There are three sects of Socialism. International Socialists (ie, Soviets, Red Chinese), Nationalist Socialists ("Fascists," "Nazis," still seen often today), and Religious Socialists (much of Islam but quite active in the USA). Socialism's about central control. Conformity of thought and of action. Silencing of criticism.

I find nearly ALL of what comes out of the "wholesome" Disney these days to be offensive. I've long believed that Disney "sells sex" to kids, while lying to their parents about being "wholesome entertainment." Disney MAY have been "wholesome" in the past, but today? No.

"South Park" did something that you, Brent, OUGHT TO BE DOING, and are FAILING TO DO.

If you had actually bothered to watch the show (not just reading a synopsis) you would have picked up on the point.

If you haven't watched it, you have no business pretending that you can comment on it. And if you do so, you're committing an act of deception.

Disney is FAR MORE OFFENSIVE than "South Park" has ever been. And yes, Disney is a corruptive force in the lives of children today... including "selling sex" to children (and promoting "same sex relationships" to those children).

I APPLAUD "South Park" for being one of the few resources in contemporary American media to have the guts to point out that the "emperor's new clothing" isn't really there.

Cavell-Wrong AGAIN!!
Guess what this 70ish WASP listens late at nite when he's mellow??I crank up the turntable and turn RICHARD PRYOR on for 3 or 4 LPs.
OR i do the same with a fellow who would never make th PC minimums nowadays..'Brother Dave Gardner' from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Circa 62/64 But I DONT WATCH THAT SH!T ur talkin about..CHEERS I didn't want U to vote for me anyway!!

Dear Zack in CA
Well, suck my nose!

"After reading the article, I am so happy to see that most are in disagreement with the author's take on South Park."

Yeah; that's because you're just another slack-jawed, mouth-breathing liberal. Being in disagreement with Bozell is no sign of a well-packed brainpan. But, you're entitled to your stupid opinion. It's a free country, Zacks.

a question about cavell

Why are the least important, hardly even cogent, simpletons of this world, so anxious to spread manure in public forums? They're busting out all over with quasi-intellectual gas and wheeze, as for instance, Cavell-- the poltroon's argument. Does anyone CARE what this mutt thinks?

"David Frum said in Newsweek, conservatives have flat-out slayed their chances of ever recovering the under-30 crowd. We'll be voting against you guys for the next 60 years. All because you can't just shut the **** up and leave the Bible out of public policy."

Can Cavie explain what the likes of David Farumm means to this world? Are we supposed to hang on his every word? Does David Shaboom put food on my table?

Why can't Cavell and Fazoom just go and clusterf-ck inside a spittoon at the Irishman's Lounge? We won't miss either one of them. They wouldn't miss either of you at your dinner tables.

About your awful theocracy; I'd surely support one.

Yet, I'm realistic. Christ said plainly His kingdom is not of this world. He could easily bring us a theocracy, let me assure Cavell. It's not the Will of our Almighty Father.

But I assure him as well; You won't get out of paying what you owe God. He has DIBS on your soul when the time comes. (And also on my soul. I wouldn't have it any other way.)



South Park = Conservative's Nirvana
After reading the article, I am so happy to see that most are in disagreement with the author's take on South Park.

This show is simply the best for ADULT conservatives with a sense of humor. It is ABSOLUTELY not for kids. And while the author states that Comedy Central replayed the show, he didn't mention that the show airs at 10pm.

I believe that "Cartoon Wars" is one of the most powerful television episodes ever aired. Matt and Trey exposed our (liberal) society for exactly what it is: compromising and unprincipled. They proved that America is willing to show Jesus and the POTUS deficate on the American flag, but are unwilling to show a simple picture of Mohammad.

Brilliant (yet so scary).

So I'd say they're exactly right on!
"South Park's Politics Summary:

Gay People: Really, Really Gay

Global Warming: A hoax promoted by Al Gore

Post-Op Transexuals: Mutlitated Gentialia

Psychics: Biggest *ouches in the Universe

Metrosexuals: Not gay, but close!

Mel Gibson: Insane

Democrats: "Democrats *iss Me Off!" - Cartman
Democrats: Pretty much every democrat gets portrayed as an idiot, *ouche, or usually, both

Pictures of Mohammed: If anything is OK then EVERYTHING is OK - they then SLAMMED their own network over it

Scientology: stupid, fake religion (and hen SLAMMED Tom Cruise over it, risking cancelation of their show due to network politics)

Mormonism: stupid, fake religion (but really nice, authentic people); the only religion that gets you into heaven (which is a pretty funny paradox when you resolve it)

Christmas: Everyone should celebrate because it is simply the best Holiday of all

Anti-religion views:

Christians: Gullible
Jesus: Both Imaginary & Alive and Among us Today
Moses: Both Imaginary & Manifesting himself At Will
Mohammed: Imaginary - hangs out with Jesus, Moses, Buddha, et al.
The Entire Hindu Pantheon: Imaginary
Joseph Smith: Con artist"

hoo d o u c h e ?
The verbose attempt to make good humor is a non-starter, hood. What does it matter if you think South Park is great literature? They'll bury it soon; just as James Thurber was buried. Except nobody will mourn. Your juvenile glee will come to nothing too. Can I tell you why?

You're a lightweight. Your taste is lightweight. Television comedy overall is lightweight. We mustn't feel too badly though.

Real laughter is still to be had in the western world. I caught a quick glimpse of Jackie Mason the other night; dealing with some obnoxious schmuck in the street.

Jackie Mason: a HEAVYWEIGHT --He could teach your Trey and Purkem something about sharp-edged humor.

One of them has to be conservative
Ever hear of Manbearpig? Ever see the Beaver Dam episode? What was the moral lesson behing Mr. Garrison becoming Mrs. Garrison and having a psychotic break because he actually was at that point a man trapped in a woman's body? What is their view on gender roles (remember the crab people episode?). Remember how Cartman, Jimbo, and Ned hate democrats because of their stance on endangered species and anti-hunting regulations? And remember how the democrats responded to them by banning the shooting of an animal, even in self defense?

These guys are more politically insightful than anyone gives them credit for. And their ability to see the conservative perspective is well-honed.

South Park's Politics Summary:

Gay People: Really, Really Gay

Global Warming: A hoax promoted by Al Gore

Post-Op Transexuals: Mutlitated Gentialia

Psychics: Biggest *ouches in the Universe

Metrosexuals: Not gay, but close!

Mel Gibson: Insane

Democrats: "Democrats *iss Me Off!" - Cartman
Democrats: Pretty much every democrat gets portrayed as an idiot, *ouche, or usually, both

Pictures of Mohammed: If anything is OK then EVERYTHING is OK - they then SLAMMED their own network over it

Scientology: stupid, fake religion (and hen SLAMMED Tom Cruise over it, risking cancelation of their show due to network politics)

Mormonism: stupid, fake religion (but really nice, authentic people); the only religion that gets you into heaven (which is a pretty funny paradox when you resolve it)

Christmas: Everyone should celebrate because it is simply the best Holiday of all

Anti-religion views:

Christians: Gullible
Jesus: Both Imaginary & Alive and Among us Today
Moses: Both Imaginary & Manifesting himself At Will
Mohammed: Imaginary - hangs out with Jesus, Moses, Buddha, et al.
The Entire Hindu Pantheon: Imaginary
Joseph Smith: Con artist

Any more guys?

Douglas
I am convinced that either Trey or Matt has a chunk of conservative perspective. There is no way they could have created Cartman otherwise.

Purity Rings are Funny; so is South Park
They're a match made in heaven.

And in case you think they're attacking anything but a LIE, STUDIES show that the correlation between wearing a purity ring and abstinence is ZERO. The two have NO relationship with each other; therefore, they are a LIE.

Bravo South Park, for ridiculing the ridiculous.

Bozell-DON"T KILL KENNEY!!
As a libertarian and fan of Trey and Parker,I realize that their work is irreverent,over the top, and hilarious. However, I have also heard messages in this show that are morally straight.
They are also creators of the "Citizen Kane" of puppet movies-Team America-World Police.
In an interview with the MSM,the interviewer was trying to out them as liberals,they responded by saying "we don't create our show to try to promote any political viewpoint, we create our show so our buddies come up to us and say,'Dude,that was sweet!'"

MissAnn,
My favorite comedian has always been Bob Hope.

Especially those time-delayed jokes he'd make as if in passing where he would start to move on and then the audience, realizing what he just said, started to laugh.


Give me that Old Time Humor!
Gone are the days when humor was actually funny in intself & we could laugh at ourselves because we never took ourselves too seriously. Today, Sarcastic remarks, put-downs, names calling & using bad language is supposed to be funny. Where is Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, & Tim Conway when we need thsm. They could teach you all a thing or two about humor! It is not funny to belittle people. It is done make the belittler feel superior. How sad!

Intelligent Humor,
BTW, if you'd like some truly intelligent humor -- humor that elevates the good while exposing the bad to merciless ridicule try reading Terry Pratchett's Discworld books.

A person familiar enough with classic literature to get all the jokes will periodically have to put them down momentarily to catch his breath and wipe the tears from his eyes after laughing until he choked.

Favorite Shows
Currently the budget dictates that we could have either the TV or the internet and we needed the internet for the business.

When I have TV, my favorite shows are,

Nascar races and the related programing,
Modern Marvels,
Mythbusters,
Good documentaries on a wide variety of subjects,
How-to home improvement shows on HGTV and DIY,
NFL games.

To a lesser extent I watch hunting shows, cooking shows, and Olympic/X-Games sports.

Learning new things and being amazed at the heights of athletic performance is a lot more entertaining than making fun of people.

Degraded culture
I have read all of the back and forth here, and I agree with Bozell and Mother of 4 that South Park and its ilk degrades our culture. The repetition and number of shows such as this constantly hammering at our citizens inculcates them with the idea that this is what life is about: endless hilarity at another's expense with the satire invariably expressed through grotesque sexual acts. The libs invariably argue that this is free speech at its best. Isn't it sad that free speech in our culture protects the profane? Our Founding Fathers put the right to free speech in there to protect political speech. Notice how our political speech is censored: policital correctness and laws such as McCain-Feingold, and the threat of the Fairness Doctrine coming back. That free speech argument for profanity and obscenity seem so civilized, but it attacks the foundation of our civilization. Tolerating this kind of constant filth means we live in a sewer, and we've determined that holding our nose is de riguer. I'm glad to say that I've never watched South Park: why would I watch a cartoon where the authors can't draw? Then to find out that their stories are gross? No thanks.
My favorite TV Shows:
Farscape
Star Trek
The Unit
Life
Bones
House
Due South
Everyone Loves Raymond
Forensic Files
The Sandbaggers
Angel
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Married with Children
Wire in the Blood
Second Sight

BTW, it is possible to write satire without the scatological humor. Good writers have done it. Orwell was mentioned. There are many others. But then, they wrote during a more civilized time when they had to make their points for adults, not overaged children who can only focus on sexual and bathroom humor.

First Amendment
The First Amendment says that Congress can't abridge the freedom of speech or the freedom of the press.

This means that ALL of the following are LEGAL and not to be infringed by government:

1. Making a cartoon that offends some people.
2. Complaining that the cartoon is offensive.
3. Pressuring the network to take the cartoon off the air.
4. Calling the producers names.
5. Idiotically insisting that #2-#4 are infringements of first amendment rights!

Whether we agree with them or not, #2-#4 are part of what the first amendment *protects*.

It's the arrogance...
I'd love to ignore these little pricks--and their defender-lefty-trolls. But the in-your-face arrogance is just.... Ahhhggg!!!

I'd like to pack the lot of them off to South Asia to visit those brothels, to see the children being raped by soul-destroyed adults from around the world.

I'd love to show them the villages in Africa where AIDS has killed 50% of the adults despite a UN/Bono sponsored condom program; then show them the results of the ABC program sponsored by the Anglican church among others.

Sadly, must agree
In general, I think Mr. Bozell is an idiot, and tend not to read his column because it makes me ill. But in this case, I have to agree with the man and many of the comments out here. It is extremely sad that in today's world, the idea of remaining pure can have bring such scorn on people. Of course, I feel everyone is fair game to satire or being the butt of a joke, but what's happened here is vindictive mockery with almost a touch of anger that someone would believe in remaining pure. That's sad. As for South Park, it's always been a load of crap, and it might attack everyone and every belief, but it saves special scorn for particular ideas, such as this one. I'm a liberal, I don't think people have to wait for marriage to have sex, but I fully support them if that's what they want to do.

Tie Game
More teen pregnancies: Tie, Con and Liberal families with Cons ahead in the more religious communities.

More divorces: Tie.

More gays: Tie, but probably closeted gays.

More on welfare: Tie.

You guys crack me up. Holier than thou logic deniers who don't understand statistics.

SERVO69
Yeah,the trouble with Disney is that they (used to)have some good movies,but now they went to witchcraft
in a lot of their movies.

What it is actually is very
sad is that anyone would have purity rings to start and that, worse, any one else would find such trinkets offensive and need to mock and deride them.

The left's problem is it is afraid everyone isn't debauched and doesn't think the *sex all the time for everyone everywhere* is either a healthy or moral way to live.

Ergo, the left has to keep shouting decade after decade that sex-drugs-rock/whatever is what the entire universe should promote or else.

I think the author missed the point.
The entire point of the episode was that Disney is NOT just a family friendly corp. They're in business to make money and one of the ways they do so is to get involved in people's lives at as young an age as possible. Their past history allows then to do this through many different avenues. At first it's kid's cartoons and movies and later as they mature it's television shows and music. Finally as adults it's all manner of entertainment venues.

Now, everyone knows that sex sells. But Disney isn't going to damage its brand name by blatantly selling sex to little children. This episode of South Park suggests that Disney's plan, or rather Mickey Mouse's plan, is to sell sex to little girls by selling the idea of NOT having sex by using stars that the girls will undoubtedly become sexually attracted to. The point is to get the subject of sex into the little girl's heads for use in future marketing later in their lives. The whole point being that Disney doesn't give a damn one way or the other about kids, they just want to make money.

I didn't think that Matt and Trey were really making fun of the brothers' Christianity. They did make a little fun of their mannerisms (implying that they're somewhat effeminate) but the brothers are still portrayed as genuinely nice guys who don't want to focus on the purity rings but wish to showcase their talent as musicians. Mickey Mouse, The Boss, shows up and reminds them in terms that cannot be misunderstood that the point of their act IS the purity rings; that's what Disney is counting on to use to make money as the girls get older.

Now make no mistake. I don't think Disney is some sort of evil empire or that all corporations are booger-men. But Disney is not just the animation company it was 50 years ago; It has its hands in all types of entertainment cookie jars . The point of this episode is to think about the things that being put out for sale to your children and not just take them at face value.

South Park
It's a surprisingly good show, sometimes. Sorry I missed this one. Some things deserve ridicule. The Jonas Brothers and purity rings are in that group. Sorry, Bozell, but advertising "purity" like a bumper sticker is unpure.

Reply to Cavell


You said we're smitten with envy. Now it's all AARP derived?

I'm not a joiner. They send me the application forms, but in the trash they go. What else will you misjudge?

I do believe watching those silly comics on the tube is affecting your overall routine.

my kids are 19 and 26
the 19 year old lives in his dorm, and the older one has his own place. Kids are irresponsible because their parents let them be. When I was 26, I was married, had finished grad school and owned my own home. I cannot imagine my folks letting me move back home. Nor would my kids want to live at home. That doesn't mean that I would turn them away if they could not find work. Right now, it is very difficult to find beginning jobs in one's profession, even law. Lots of law students graduating without jobs.

reply to cavell & also charlie LP
". . . so obvious that it's all motivated by jealousy that that guy over there is having a better time than you. Get out and live a little. Saturday night doesn't always have to be Bible study. You'll feel better for it."

That's unique counseling, indeed, Cavell. Where have you found such wisdom? I see; it's envy.

I envy a traumatized melon head for enjoying cartoon figures. There was he; Dreadnaught watching Verdi's Othello-- and there was Cavell, all of a Saturday night. (Splish-splash.)

I watch the horse races on TV, Charlie. With mute on. Occasionally, I see what O'Reilly has on The Factor for entertainment. My favorite guests, Dick Morris and Cool Ann.

Or; on EWTN, I like Father John Corapi. He's 10 PM Saturdays. Repeated on Monday morning, 10 AM. If you've never watched his talks, I heartily recommend. Definitely not a chewing gum experience.

(All these are on Dishnet; an awful place; you might like the many male-enhancement commercials. Right up your alleys.)

Sorry Lonny - thankfully my parenting
days were long before x-boxes ;-) But I do have eyes and ears and stong observational skills ;-) And what I stated is what I see! Too many over-aged irresponsible children!


Cape Cod Your right on point
I completely agree with everything you've said, especially in regards to this notion of parent's coddling their kids for too. I'm 24 years old and graduated college in 2007. I'm literally the only one out of about 10 of my good friends who is not living at home. I choose not to live at home because I want to learn how to be an adult. I can safely say that I am much more mature than everyone of my friends, hands down. Our ways of thinking are polar opposite, and personally I think they are stuck in a "childish" mindset.

As far as southpark goes, the show use to be 100% more funny. It's way played out. I found the bashing of the Jonah's Brothers pretty stupid. I understand that the show rotates from week to week on who it beats up on, but Comdy Central and MTV do have a nack for beating up on those young adults who aren't into sucking and f*ucking. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me.

Good grief!
You people are offended because someone criticizes your cartoon?


Best TV programs?
QI (i.e Quite Intelligent) hosted by Stephen Fry on BBC1.

Enough Rope with Andrew Denton (the _best_ interviewer on the planet) on ABC1.

South Park.

Farscape.

Spooks.

Torchwood.

Unit One. (In Danish, with subtitles where I watch it.)

Iron Chef (when they had subtitles instead of that appalling dubbing.)




Let's make a few stipulations
No one wants to censor SP. (First Amendment and all that.)

No one wants to censor Mother of 4. (Same reason.)

Some folk find SP offensive.

Some folk find Mother of 4 offensive.

Now that's out of the way, let's look at the substance.

SP satirizes American culture. It does so in a way that is (IMO) extremely funny and often over the top. Seeing how far they can go is part of the fun. (Rather like that Monty Python sketch with the gourmand. "It's waffer thin!" etc.)

Mother of 4 thinks that anything over the top fails to discriminate between that which deserves respect and that which does not.

Which rather misses the point of satire. (Anyone ever read Flatland?)

Charles LPKY

Now Charles, Idol is family time :-) Now I do draw the line when in comes to "The Bachelor".

But..

Battlestar Galatica, season 1&2 was the best on TV. It been a struggle to watch it lately, it really went down hill. But it does end tonight.

I agree, Heroes and Sara Conners is great.





Cavell did it again
"I've been feeling sorrier and sorrier for SoCons the longer I hang out here and read what you've got to say, because it's just so obvious that it's all motivated by jealousy that that guy over there is having a better time than you. Get out and live a little. Saturday night doesn't always have to be Bible study. You'll feel better for it. "


Cavell # 147
I doubt that we would agree on most issues, I am glad we can agree on this one. Good post.

Cape
None of the issues you raise are caused by the media. They are caused by parents. The media reflects our population, not the other way around. This nonsense that South Park somehow pollutes the culture is just that--nonsense. If you are not mature enough, or smart enough, to 'get' the humor, you shouldn't watch. I took my then 11 year old to see Schindler's List. I took him because he could handle it, and needed to see it. I'm sure that many 11 year olds wouldn't have a clue. He did.

Police your own families. Stop trying to tell the rest of us how to live. If your parenting skills are so inadequate, that isn't anyone's fault but yours.




Dreadnuaght
So what do you watch?

didn't I toilet you?

The cretins are all out in force. You see them here pushing their lounge lizard entertainment; oblivious of how gross it makes them look.

D students having fun online @ ToonHall! Lol!

My five tv shows
Battlestar Galatica
Sara Conner Chronicles
Heroes
Adult Swim (Late night Cartoon Network(NOT for Children or the easily offended))
South Park

That was directed at Lonny, btw....
My favorite5 tv shows are O'Reilly Factor, Hannity, The Simpsons, South Park, Seinfeld, and Family Guy. (okay, that's 6, but who's counting?)

If you have a great sense of humor....
...you'll love the show. Just take it for what it is. A comedy. SouthParkStudios.com has every episode from every season that you can watch uncensored.

A friday afternoon question
what are the 5 tv shows you watch regularly?

mine are Jeopardy, 24, American Experience (on PBS), 30 Rock and any 76er/Eagles game.

I have never seen American Idol, and until today, didn't TIVO South Park. It will now be TIVO'd because it obviously is hysterical.

It is what it is
Mod Mark
Reply # 23
Date: Mar 20, 2009 - 8:42 AM EST John
"I see Islamofascist is the demon of the day to make your point.
Those 'bleep'ing Islamic nutters are the ones who are issuing death sentences for a simple cartoon satire of Muhammad."

Which, I might add, was satired on South Park.

I'm a conservative Republican and I have no problem with shows like South Park, Family Guy, or the Simpsons. As a matter of fact, I watch them almost every night when I get home from work. I see them for what they are. Shows meant to make us laugh, often at our own expense. Everyone should be able to laugh at others as well as themselves on occasion.

Can't even bother to continue reading...
but will say that our country has digressed to such a point that it has become unrecognizable!

Children are no longer allowed to be innocent...NO NO NO We must enlighten them to words and ways of the world that were unknown to past generations until well into adulthood!

And, worst of all to me is the fact that young adults remain children far too long. Where are those who 'have put away childish things' and accepted PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY???? So many choose to stay under mom and dad's roof becsause they don't want to grow up!! Do without their x-boxes??? i-pods???? NO NO NO!

It is time for parents to stop allowing this irresponsible conduct - toss those little birds out of the nest - they WILL learn to fly, but only if they are forced to! Giving them room and board and clean clothes so that they can continue to play games and watch stupid tv shows does NOT make for a mature individual!

We are now tragically reaping the results of this younger ME generation who voted for the 'Cool guy' - Never mind what his policies were - who cares about that stuff anyway!!! He's Cool - that's enough! Why look, he is the first president to demean the office by appearing on a late night show - He's Cool - even cracks jokes and smiles as the audience gets his smart a$$ reference to those less fortunate than most - after all - He's Cool - just like the Simpsons, right?!?

TV
YOU CAN'T WATCH A DECENT SHOW ANYMORE
WITHOUT SOME JERK TRYING TO SELL SEXUAL PILLS FOR MEN OR SOME OTHER TRASH!Odd,to watch a good show without some sexual inuendo as part of the plot;you have to step back in time when the FCC did their job.Today,they try to make everything look as if everyone is doing it and a natural part of our lives. P--U K--E

The best quote (ModMark)
"I hate hippies! I mean, the way they always talk about 'protectin' the earth' and then drive around in cars that get poor gas mileage and wear those stupid bracelets - I hate 'em! I wanna kick 'em in the nuts!
Eric Cartman"

My very favorite quote!

Mod Mark
How can you watch that cr@p...American Idol...lol

Mom of many
"Anything that isn't intentionally crude and intentionally offensive is boring?"

Come on, when did I say that.

Since you believe that " 99.95% of the shows on TV are complete drivel", save to say I enjoy a far greater range of entertainment than you.

I even watch America Idol with the family, is that drivel? But I do plan on protesting that show now that Alexis Grace was booted!




huh, Mom
"You're obviously fully on board with the "dead white men are EEEEEVIL!" misreading of history."

Really? So, everyone over 21 could vote in 1787? No poll taxes, etc? You are the one who said that the values of the Founders were your guide. Well, the Founders themselves didn't think you should vote. They were more advanced than those who believed in a monarchy, but surely not very modern. Why would you cite to their values instead of the ones we have now? They were not evil. They were what they were, facts are facts. Even inconvenient ones.

Why is South Park a threat to you?

Mine are 19 and 26
and they've watched the Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park for years. They are great young men, grounded, great students, hard workers. One was an Eagle Scout, the other captain of his hs swim team. But they are sophisticated. They can understand that this particular SP episode attacked Disney for its pimping of young girls who love the Jonas Brothers. Now, I tend to blame parents who do not familiarize themselves with what their kids listen to or watch, not the JB or Disney or SP. It is the parents' job to determine what THEIR children do or watch, not mine, not the network's, not the performer. That's what makes me mad...conservative parents who seem incapable of raising their own kids. Mine didn't buy jeans that hung off their butts because I didn't pay for it. They knew better than to buy something that stupid and expect me to give them money when they needed it. If you are so afraid of the modern world, that is not my fault, it is yours.

Thanks for your Prop 8 pov. It reveals your hypocrisy. You have no problem denying others their first amendment right to see things because you boycott advertisers, but you claim that the Prop 8 boycotts are "deliberate attempts to circumvent the due process of law, are both constitutional and dirty tactics." How so? You contribute money, it is public. If you can't stand the heat, don't get involved.


Lonny,
You're obviously fully on board with the "dead white men are EEEEEVIL!" misreading of history.

You're dead wrong, but since my 8yo is home and my husband is off to get a load of dirt for my new garden beds I'm not going to bother with you any more.

After all, you're just trying to distract everyone from the real point -- that mockery of all with no attempt to sort the good from the bad is nothing but juvenile appeals to people's baser instincts in pursuit of a cheap laugh.

No muzzle dear Mom
I really don't want to muzzle you, Mom. My cable provider seems to have like a dozen religious (primarily fundy Christian) stations. I don't lobby to take them off the air. The time and bandwidth they consume is, in my opinion, worthless, and I wish I didn't have to click by them as I watch them in rapture. But I'd never ask to have them closed down or regulated. I wouldn't call any advertisers to have them removed from the airwaves.

But you, Mom, can't deal with just passing the channels by. Why is South Park any of your business? If you want things on the air that suit your morals and values, then fund a channel that does that? Television and cable, radio, film, these are all money controlled.

I don't want you to shut up. I do want you to stop pretending that you know what American values are. And no one is stopping you from home schooling your child. Mine went to private schools, my choice. I still paid my property taxes and other taxes that fund public schools. Part of living in the US.

I implore you to actually know what this country stands for, and evolved from, before you rant about 'traditional' values. Those, at least 200 years ago, were quite dreadful and quite 'unAmerican' given modern life.



Lonny,
My kids range from preschool to teen.

We watch sports and documentaries. Now and then some Star Trek or older Dr. Who.

I was not kidding about believing it when people claim that South Park is one of the most intelligent things on TV because 99.95% of the shows on TV are complete drivel.

Reading or playing games is a much better use of our time.

Mother of 4
So, you want to embrace "traditional values" embraced by the Founding Fathers in the actual words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence? Really? In 1776, and up to 1863, slavery was a 'traditional value'. And even after blacks could vote, places in the South instituted poll taxes and other means to stop people from voting. Those values the ones you are talking about? Until about 1920, women couldn't vote. Those values?

When the Constitution was written, only white male adult property-owners had the right to vote; that lasted until sometime in 1850's. Native Americans had their voting rights restricted, there were even religious limitations until about 1810. Those values?
So, no, I wouldn't agree to teach such values in anything other than a historical perspective.


Lonny,
Individual citizens are free to engage in non-violent protests without government interference and individual property owners are free to have protesters removed from their private property and to have law enforcement act on relevant breach of peace statues.

Violence, intimidation, harassment, and the the like are dirty tactics regardless of who uses them.

The Proposition 8 boycotts, being deliberate attempts to circumvent the due process of law, are both constitutional and dirty tactics. They are on a par with the nuts from that cult church who hold protests at military funerals -- likewise constitutional and dirty.

Freedom is a messy thing -- people have the right to be wrong and what is morally wrong is not necessarily illegal.

Yes, you do, Lonny,
"No one wants to muzzle you, Mom. I do want you to stop trying to push your point of view at schools, etc, on what books can be read or not."

Do you actually read what you write?

You don't want to muzzle me, you just want me to shut up.

Yeah. Right.

Here's a deal for you, ...

I'll stop advocating that traditional viewpoints, the ones embraced by the Founding Fathers in the actual words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, be taught in public schools on the day that I get a no-strings-attached voucher for the FULL VALUE of the tax money allotted per student in my community to be used to either buy homeschooling supplies or to send my kids to the school of MY choice -- whether religious or secular.

mother of 4
how old are your kids? What shows do you watch? What shows do they watch?

Mod Mark,
Anything that isn't intentionally crude and intentionally offensive is boring?

Glad I don't live in your world.

Brent, dude, sorry...
But you dropped the ball on this one. You don't have to enjoy South Park, but please, if you're going to write about it, watch it first. Otherwise it's embarrassing to me, as a conservative, to see you get skewered for obviously deadbeat researching. Maybe you watched parts of this particular episode. I'm not even sure about that. Again, you don't have to like their show, but calling Parker and Stone perpetual 9th graders is a dead giveaway that you are in the dark here. I never saw one episode of Sex In The City, but I sure read plenty about it in the media. Was my reading enough for me to write a column on why Sex In The City was a harmful show? From what I understand, it had a pretty big following, even going so far as to retain fans with IQs above pet rock status.

No, Mom of 4
I totally understand free speech. I'm sure you have no problem then with the boycotts of Utah because the Mormons supported Prop 8. You can convince anyone you wish to stop South Park. The more you push, the more those of us who really could care less about South Park, but want the option to watch things we pay to watch (it is on my cable, is it on network for you?), will push back. Frankly, when people like Bozell and you complain, lots more folks watch just to see why you are complaining.

Greater merit? Like what? Who are you to decide what is better or of greater merit?

No one wants to muzzle you, Mom. I do want you to stop trying to push your point of view at schools, etc, on what books can be read or not. You don't seem to understand that not all of us are afraid of words like you are. I find those who want to deny healthcare to illegals, for example, to be much more uncouth than those who write South Park.

But answer my Prop 8 question. I'll be interested if you defend the right of people to boycott Mormons and Utah.


Mom of many
"If the writers who create the gutter slime that is South Park are so talented and have such valuable things to say could they not create programing of far more value without the crutch of crudity and offense?"

It would be boring and nobody would watch, including you.

But that is the goal of a good satirist, to use a style which attracts an audience.

Orwell could have written an essay concerning authoritarian governments, instead he delivered his message in Animal Farm which had talking pigs.

As you can see, there are many fans of South Park. A clear indication that we approve of their style of satire.








Southpark
Southpark used to be satire. Once, it was even dumbed-down Chaucer: no more, no less vulgar.

Now it's just mindless.

Charles LPKY,
I've already addressed that "just turn it off" argument.

I prefer to bequeath to my children and, someday, grandchildren a civilized society that encourages people to be the best that they can possibly be and to shoot for the stars.

I will not stand on the sidelines and let silence pass for approval of a culture that reduces humans to beasts and caters to the basest of instincts.

No one will ever be able to accuse me of standing idly by doing nothing while civilization burned to the ground around me.

Lonny,
Another person who doesn't grasp that free speech works both ways.

I have EVERY right to attempt to convince others, including station managers and cable/satellite providers, that crude, Jr. High humor is not worthy of its timeslot and to substitute something with greater merit.

Funny how the defenders of all things low-class always cry "free speech" while simultaneously attempting to muzzle anyone who criticizes crudity.

Bozell has never watched Dis. Channel.
If he did, he would see that the Disney Channel is a pedophiles dream come true. South Park hit the nail on the head, doesn't take much viewing of the Disney channel before some teenage girl is prancing around in "booty shorts" in a sleazy MTV wannabe music video. I believe South Park was too kind to Disney in this satire. Its becoming way to common to get away with saying one thing, and doing the opposite and Disney is guilty of trying to have it both ways. The "purity" rings are a prime example even if well intentioned, you can be assured, Disneys intentions are for $$, and $$ alone. And sorry to say, if Christians are so careless as to let their children watch this crap, then they are everything S.P. made them out to be. Bozell is exactly the type of person S.P. was mocking, ignorant to the fact that Disney uses sex to target children. I've been horrified by what I've seen on Disney Channel, and I thank South Park for bringing it to more peoples attention. Just look to the past, How did it work out for another Disney prodigy; Britney Spears remember it was public knowledge although later learned to be a farce that she was a virgin. Do you think she got her gig on talent? OH btw South Park doesn't target children, it has an MA rating is on after 9:30 p.m., maybe Mr. Bozell you should focus your energy on the real culprits here.

All
This has been a great discussion, but i have to go for now. Be Back after lunch.

Mother of 4...Have a blessed day.

Mother of 4
I am well aware the free speech works both ways...My point is if you are offended turn the channel, do not watch Comedy central. The same way the Atheist should just turn the channel from CBN to something else.

Why can you not grasp this concept?

I know you believe South Park is "evil", You know i find South Park entertaining and comical.

Solution, Do not watch it and let those who do want to watch South Park, watch in peace.

Sorry to hear, Mother of 4
that you cannot afford a television with an on/off button, or one that lets you change channels.

You have no right to restrict what people want to see. South Park is on cable. If your kids end up watching it, where are you?


Keith,
You say "Part of the humor is that nothing is sacred."

Which backs up my point that this stuff is the product of an immature mentality.

Part of becoming an adult is sorting out what is worthy of reverence and what is not.

Little children assume that all that is is as it should be. The rebelling mind of the middle teens sneers at everything.

The adult knows what to sneer at, what to reverence, and what is justly considered a matter of indifference.

dreadnaught,
Good point.

If the writers who create the gutter slime that is South Park are so talented and have such valuable things to say could they not create programing of far more value without the crutch of crudity and offense?

Or, if you took away that crutch, would the content be revealed as hollow and worthless?

Charles LPKY,
An atheist offended by Christian programing has every right to complain to the network and the cable/satellite provider -- the Constitution protects him from any government interference.

Free Speech works both ways.

Why are you incapable of grasping this concept?

One person advocates crude, juvenile humor that make a "broad mockery of pretty much everyone". Another advocates distinguishing between what is good and what is evil and reserving mockery for the latter.

One person favors catering to the lowest, crudest, most broadly-appealing aspects of human nature. Another advocates making the conscious choice to elevate their sights and aim for the highest and best of human potential.

People with different views discuss and debate their positions in any forum they have to do so and attempt to persuade others of the merits of their causes.

Each side has every right to *gasp* say that the other is wrong and that there are dire consequences to being wrong on the issue in question.

This stuff used to be Civics 101.


That episode of South Park
was the funniest ever, after the Tom Cruise in the closet one.

What do you want? Censorship?

Gary, FL 1:37 PM ET
You say you're a Catholic?

You're very disappointing, then. Even repeating something like you do, about Christ's holy mother-- is too sick for any good Catholic. Bozell's a faithful Catholic himself, BTW.

Then, you flip this off:

". . . the abstinence crap, no one is stupid enough to believe that works, biology is biology." --Your crack about that womb, there's your Church, I realize.

Yeah--abstinence; who would want that, with "seven" inches? But, 100% success--abstinence works every time it happens; doesn't matter what you say. --Love is for a married couple; and biology seems OK with that.



Tommy,
You fail the reading comprehension test. I never mentioned "greed".


the mod mouse roars

"That's like researching the greasy yellow stuff on your unit"

Come on, keep the talk clean will ya. Keep your fantasies about lathering up male "units" to your self.----

Har har!

Fantasies? I'm only talking about those who would "research" your own fantasy world, Southpark, etc.,

As for dirty, don't you keep yourself dainty anymore, since Obama told you it's all gentrification?

And, did I place you among the men, just intuitively? Again, a laugh.


so petty
Bozell is picking a trifling subject to complain about. South Park is South Park, c'MON already.
Out of wedlock parenthood numbers are off the chain. Especially with marginalized minority women. Child abuse and neglect are and can be by products of such a condition as is increasing foster care and welfare rolls.
It's not SP that had any influence on it.

The burden of the unpopularity and difficulty in being married or staying that way is on each and every heterosexual that doesn't take the institution too seriously themselves, until gay people showed their need and interest in it and cared more about it and taking care of children than they get credit for.
Apparently the abstraction of marriage is more important than the substance of it as the national spotlight reveals.

Mixed, contradictory and hypocritical messages abound in how morality and the values regarding personal freedom, responsibility and respect for others are disseminated.
Clearly in evidence in TH and it's conservative readership. Especially about sexuality, purity, orientation and gender.

Young people know when they are being treated as if they are stupid and will act out to test which adult will step up in ways that aren't confusing and contradictory. Religious dogma won't do it (which can be more dangerous out of context), neither will lip service as they watch the adults who are the staunchest about such things, contradict it in their actions.

SP is a way of calling out what needs to be. It's bait to be sure, and it's laughable all over again how Bozell went for it and why.


South Park Mocks Hypocricy
When South Park targeted Media liberals in their movie I don't remember hearing a peep from the Right. They (South Park) do have a fierce Libertarian streak, but that's because there is so much hypocricy in American culture. They will never run out of material

How about left-wingers who love trees and animals but think nothing of abortions and Right-wingers who want a culture of "life" and then execute criminals?

I'm all for the gas chamber, we should use it more.
I love animals too,in the wild and on my dinner plate.
Old people and the sick should be cared for to the point they no longer want to be around, and then they should be able to decide to live or die.

Babies are wonderful, I hate abortions, but if a woman wants to get rid of a fetus or whatever you want to call it nothing we say or do will stop her.

Drugs are bad, people still do them -even the last three of our presidents, but those same presidents have waged a war on drugs that has destroyed our society. Of course they did it for "the good of the people"

Nice to live in a country where you can legislate your morality (I'm talking to the Right and the Left)isn't it?

All we have to do is let government handle our moral crusades. If we can't convince people that we are right about something, then we can always pass a law and make them behave can't we?

Funny how both sides scream tyranny and fascism at each other!


MY favorite episode is
"Mormon" - A 'terrific' family moves into SP. They are clean cut, kind, industrious. Every thing you would want to be when you grow up. (OR ARE THEY?) SP takes a closer look at some of the beliefs of the Mormons.

Surprisingly, I have heard no mention made (by any Mormons) of any 'disparaging remarks' on SP (could that be because they don't even HAVE tvs which they consider to be "bad"?)

But, like some "Christians" - if we only see some of the "good parts" and none of the bad - how can we make any judgments?

Mormons and Evangelical Christians - two groups I hope to live around forever. They are great people, but I'm not quite sure I want to be one. BOTH take life MUCH TOO SERIOUSLY. When I want to laugh at least occasionally. (Yes, even in these dismal economic times, we NEED to laugh!)

There's a Reason South Park is at 10PM
Brent,

I agree with pretty much everything you say regarding culture and morality, but I'm afraid you aren't analysing South Park in context. Your article is akin to people criticizing Rush Limbaugh who haven't listened to his show enough to put it into context. You obviously haven't watched enough South Park to fully understand the context from which the writers make social commentary. The episode was mainly a criticism of the concealed sexualization coming from large corporations such as Disney, while harmlessly poking fun at the Jonas Brothers (lousy performers, by the way) and purity rings. Tell me, if you've actually made a strong personal commitment to be abstinent until marriage, why do you need to wear a ring to tell everybody? If the commitment is actually strong, you won't need to advertise it to everyone. As usual, a criticism of South Park attacks the style and not the substance. There's a reason why postmodern liberals tend to hate South Park with a passion.

deadnuts
"That's like researching the greasy yellow stuff on your unit"

Come on, keep the talk clean will ya. Keep your fantasies about lathering up male "units" to your self.







Gary # 100
LOL...

Did you see the election episode? if not you need to.

South Park....
I am a South Park Conservative. Yes, they do things that can be offensive(I'm a Catholic, and the Virgin Mary statue bleeding out of her butt was offensive to me, but it's South Park and no one escapes)but they are dead on with what's going on in society. Out of all the media, they will be the only ones to do a scathing episode on the Messiah, and I'm not talking Jesus...As for the abstinence crap, no one is stupid enough to believe that works, biology is biology. I've been trying to get back into the womb for the last 35 years, 7 inches at a time....

Dreadnaught
Why do you want to bring Porn into this, i am NOT ashamed, I buy my porn at the Video store. Wife normally picks it out though.

And talking about cleaning up TV, don't you think that it should start with Day Time tv? Soap Operas, Jerry Springer, Maury? or how about Prime time with the Violence of 24, Heroes, and Sarah Conner Chronicles, Should MASH have been cleaned up? Klinger was a cross dresser. The Honeymooners should have been cleaned up due to the promotion of Domestic violence? "One of these days Alice, right in the kisser.". And let us not forget the most violent show of all times, the buggs bunny road-runner hour. Cross dressing rabbit and a hunter trying to kill him. A coyote that always got the violent end of the stick.

a
"Like a goldfish?"

He he he

What funny about that episode, they even mock atheist!




Tip from sdf in AL for Brent

"Wow
Isn't "write what you know" a journalistic principle? You need to do some serious research Brent. I don't think you quite understand Southpark yet."

You don't even think yet, sdf. Much less understand Bozell's commentary. "Research" South Park? You're serious?

That's like researching the greasy yellow stuff on your unit. It's better to apply soap & water, Geeks.

Disney vs South Park
A lot has been said but it is true, they were mocking Disney for cynically manipulating people. The show may be crude and not to people's liking but it is not delivering the message you think it is. As noted, the ending left Kenny with an STD which is a classic "moral of the story" lesson. Also noted, Disney does sell sex. My sister has chosen this Tinkerbell theme for my 18 month old niece and when I tried to get her something (at the Disney Store no less), I was shocked at how few items presented her in any other light than promiscuous.

My larger point is that if people want conservatism to be more than people 40 and over, it is better to find common ground with vehicles such as South Park than reflexively criticize them. Doing that just makes one look uptight and insecure in their beliefs. You don't have to love everything about the show, but there are things to love about it like skewering Al Gore, BS, tree-huggers, cynical liberal corporate types selling sex under the guise of purity, the phoniness of BHO, and countless other things most of us would agree with if presented in a different venue.

get over it - you missed the point
I find South Park funny as all get out. They mock everything, and everyone. Part of the humor is that nothing is sacred. If you dont like it dont watch it. Just as another author said on this very site - show me in the constitution the right to not be offended. If you dont find it humerous, dont watch it. I do find it amusing, so i do watch.

Aside from that, as other posters have said, you are missing the point. They are mocking Disney exploiting the purity rings.

But lets also be honest here, purity rings are ridiculous. And many people feel that way. So if your going to wear one, be prepared to take the mocking that comes with it.

Charles LPKY responds:

Mother of 4 and Dreadnaught
So should South Park be censored?"

No-- it should be cleaned up. We know it could be done, if enough of a protest reaches their sponsors. Do you have something deep inside you against clean programming?

That's what I thought. You don't like it if it isn't dirty.

Isn't it true the ONLY thing keeps dopes watching that trash is the dirty stuff? If it were just sanitized by half, you'd leave it to "unsophisticated viewers," and go check out the porn online?

Wow
Isn't "write what you know" a journalistic principle? You need to do some serious research Brent. I don't think you quite understand Southpark yet.

Missing the point
The point was that Disney is exploiting the phenomenon of purity rings/Jonas Brothers to make big bucks. If you think the folks at Disney are pushing the Jonas Brothers' innocent image because they support it, take a look at some of their recent movies.

Mickey's tirade on the South Park episode was pointing out the hypocrisy of Disney, not ridiculing little girls or abstinence from premarital sex.

Brent... relax
40 yr old here. Although I find practically all original Left-wing programming on Comedy Central snobbish & condescending, I still enjoy SP even after 12 yrs. I really appreciate how they exempt no one (I mean NO ONE) from being ridiculed or called out if they appear foolish. Look, I recognize that movies/TV constantly bash the Christian faith. And I'm usually disgusted by their actions. These TV shows & movies criticism is usually based on fact less assertions & exaggerated claims against this faith.

However, SP is quite possibly the most unbiased point of view to be found anywhere on TV or movies. In this particular episode, the writers feel the Jonas Bros. are a fake, commercialized phenomenon designed specifically to sell products to stupid teenage girls. They created a similar episode about how Paris Hilton is such a bad role model for young girls. I think we can all agree with that sentiment.

Is SP crude? Yes. Can it be tasteless? Yes. Do they really mean to offend people? Probably. But since when do we have the right not to have our feelings hurt? Get over it. Some of us, every once in a while, like to have a good laugh. Even if it is at someone else's expense.

Mother of 4
No offense intended, but it seems that you are on a Holy War against anything you feel is indecent.

Hypothetical situation.

A program on a Christian television network is explaining that Creationism is correct and Evolution is entirely flawed. An evolutionist is flipping through the channels and stumbles across the program and is offended by said program. He/she starts a campaign to get the Network not to air the show, stating "a lack of scientific evidence".

How would that make you feel? Should the person pursue having the Networks programming changed, or should they just change the channel?

But Mother of 4
Greed is forever, as is mendacity, cupidity, and cravenness. It is not unique to these times and certainly not a result of entertaiment of which you disapprove. If you want an example of the most ostensibly moral society on earth which punishes transgression and forces moral certitude upon its populations, you must search the Muslim world, for there you will find it. Do not seek halcyon utopias in American history, for there is none, ever.

I expected you to come back with the degraded culture argument as the source of our problems, but with your intellect, I was hoping you would not.

Misreading South Park
Did it ever occur to you that maybe South Park was mocking DISNEY, for mocking the Jonas Brothers?

I still maintain that while you have the right to voice your opinion, that you also have the much more powerful right to boycott what you don't like. Fine. But (not having seen this episode), what you describe here, with Mickey Mouse bludgeoning people who won't get on board with the "sex sells" theory, sounds like it's DISNEY that's the butt of the joke. (no pun intended).

Being familiar with the subject ...
I'd have to say that the South Park episode in question was excellent.

Anyone who believes that South Park was intended for or is appropriate for children is woefully ignorant. It is a show designed for and aimed at adults, not kids. It is not "family television," nor does it have to conform to anyone's unfounded prejudice that any and all animated content must be for children. Hence, claims that South Park is somehow a vehicle for corrupting America's children is truly a farce.

For the largest portion the writers favor a Libertarian bent on most issues. They engage in broad mockery of pretty much everyone that comes across their radar. They engage in more targeted satire and mockery of pop-culture conceits and figures.

In this particular episode they brought up an important point that I think a lot of parents need to be beaten over the head with: just because it has a superficial "kid friendly" label (or ring) slapped on it doesn't mean the programming content is actually good for your kids. A lot of modern Disney programming is terrible for your kids.

Here's a hint, folks: This Hanna Montana and Jonas Brothers garbage isn't good for your kids! All they really learn is to obsess over fame, looks, and popularity. When they get a bit older your kids move onto other pop idols or their pop idols move out of the Disney brand (see Britney Spears). Either way their formative years have been wasted focusing them on pop-star culture and by the time it shifts from the kiddy-pool fully to the cess-pool it may be too late to set those children straight.

So stop sitting your children in front of an idiot box that trains them in bad habits. Just because the logo has mouse-ears doesn't mean the programming is in your best interests or those of your kids!

Disney V. South Park
Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Christina Aguilera all got their start in Disney programs. It will be interesting to know what the Jonas Brothers are in 5 years.

Charles LPKY,
For the same reason that liberals come here to calling upon conservatives to mend their ways and embrace liberal thinking instead of sticking to The Huffington Post.

Evil's greatest ally is the complacency that refuses to attempt to advance Good because its too much trouble.

You don't win a war by allowing the enemy to set up camp on your ground and saying "Its OK, we'll just use a different part of the country instead."

The stakes involved in what is known as "the culture wars" are nothing less than the survival of civilization itself and that means not only holding the lines against the barbarian invaders but advancing against them when we can.

Mother of 4
Then I get to see how "South Park" falls outside the purview of your definition. Is there anything more complacent than the young with their addictions to ghetto culture, their political correctness, their slavish devotion to peer pressure which leads them constantly into stupid behavior? That is the bulk of what South Park satirizes and does so brilliantly. Not all satire can be g-rated, and I don't want to live in a world where it is. I like a rough edge and a rudeness in my satire, and for me, South Park is a delight. And most importantly, it is not mandatory like having to read "Great Expectations." Anyone can tune in or not. I choose to tune in from time to time, and only sporadicaly because it is best taken in small doses, like all the concerns of America's youth.

DBZ77
Exactly the episode was about Disney.


Furthermore, Tommy,
The idea that moral principles and seeking the best and highest rather than the crudest and lowest is not for a nation in crisis is overturned by the fact that said crisis was caused by a society-wide breakdown of morality and that very rush to the gutter.

The "truly staggering problems" the USA faces will not be solved until we turn our culture around to once again value honesty, truth, personal responsibility, hard work, family, promises, commitment, faithfulness, and the much mocked "purity" instead of the self-centered hedonism that has become its driving force.

You don't save a sinking ship by throwing the pumps and the materials with which holes can be patched over the side.

Mother of 4 #75
We are in agreement on the first amendment.

"when I call upon those who create, promote, air, and advertise on TV to aim for the mountaintops instead of the gutter."

Yes that is you right as dictated in the First amendment, would it not be better just to turn the channel to something you find More Appropriate to your tastes, instead of trying to change programming.

There is a large section of the population that enjoys these cartoons. Let us enjoy them. I watch Adult swim every night(Family Guy, Robot Chicken, and ATHF), along with King of the Hill, Simpsons, and South Park on Wednesday. And get a good laugh everyday.

From the Description...
The episode was attacking DISNEY.

Tommy,
On the contrary, Swift's piece was exactly what I was thinking of -- satire as a tool to expose evil and jerk people from their complacency about the plight of the Irish.

A cheap laugh was the last thing Swift aimed for in his satires.

Lon,
You've just provided the perfect example of what I said.

Mockery is not satire -- its just taking delight in offending or even hurting others.

Confusing the two is common in the immature. True adults have grown past that.

David
"...why we don't allow South Park in the house. Same with Family Guy. Heck, even the Simpsons gets raised eyebrows"

Use the V-chip wisely.

My kids did rejoice one day when they me say, it OK to watch the Simpsons!




Charles LPKY,
Censorship means official, government action to prevent the material from being seen. The Constitution prevents the government from interfering with the creation and broadcast of such things.

Strangely enough, that same First Amendment freedom of speech says that the government cannot interfere with me, or any other individual or organization, when I call upon those who create, promote, air, and advertise on TV to aim for the mountaintops instead of the gutter.

Mother of 4
Jonathan Swift suggested that the Irish might save themselves from the potato famine by eating their children. It was in a piece called "A Modest Proposal."

I do not see your narrow definition of "satire" encompassing Swift's work, though "A Modest Proposal" is considered one of the great pieces of satire in the English canon.

I submit that your definition of satire is yours, and yours alone, and like smut, is in the eyes of the beholder. I also submit that much of what South Park satirizes belongs to the culture of people much younger than yourself and that you are unqualified to comprehend the source culture or the efficiency of its satirization. You complaint in fact, sounds very "old." (I am not being ageist in so saying, I am a great deal older than you.)

What you do sound like is a junior Brent Bozell, worried about things that have no bearing on the ship of state as it sinks. Arguments like yours are meant for a nation not on the brink of foundering and for times when such issues may absorb the attention of the powerful and thoughtful without distractng from truly staggering problems. This is not such a time.

Continue teaching your children your moral code, I think that's great, but as a nation we dont' have time for your or Bozell's brand of mothering just now.

South Park is right this time
Sorry, I'm with South Park on this one. The Purity Ring is just a cynical fig leaf for selling the same hormonal teenage excitement that every other boy band is offering.

Oddly enough, Brent, you quote Russell Brand saying something that I'd think you'd agree with, and then you criticize him for his upbringing. I'm pretty sure that if anyone is expert on the commodification and cynical exploitation of sex it'd be the guy who ended up in rehab.

Lon # 68
Well said

a


A classic full episode...

Red Hot Catholic love

http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103969/


Kicking ourselves...
While I respect Mr. Bozell's moral stand, I think he's missing some of the OTHER south park episodes, as well as movies that Parker/Stone have produced. While Parker and Stone are famously pro-profanity, they are also famously somewhat libertarian and pro-US.
Team America World police makes fun of both sides of the political spectrum, but the hollywood libs are the primary target. Parker and Stone get a lot of conservative messages out in South Park that liberals and younger viewers might never otherwise be exposed to.

Think of it as sneaking the medication into the peanut butter...

That doesn't mean I approve of every line they cross, but it's still a valuable tool in the larger cultural debate. (They also make a point of satirizing the very line-crossing they engage in).

Summary- Parker and Stone are pro-freedom. We need their voice to reach the kids sometimes. They consistently package a message amongst the trash, as opposed to Family Guy, which just serves up trash.

she's right
Mother of 4 is right. It is only satire when it mocks other people's beliefs. When it mocks my beliefs it is indecent.

this just goes to show
...why we don't allow South Park in the house. Same with Family Guy. Heck, even the Simpsons gets raised eyebrows.

Mother of 4 and Dreadnaught
So should South Park be censored?

bravo, mother of 4 !
That--! is a great post!

Dreadnuaght
My "What?" was exactly that, I was unsure of what you meant in your post. I meant no disrespect towards you.

Thank you for the reply.

none of Co
There's the squeak of another boy-genius telling his elders off:

"It must horribly embarrassing to be a syndicated columnist and to suffer the indignity of having the writing of people you characterize as "perennial ninth graders" go sailing a mile over your head. Ironic karma at work?"

We can't wait to find out how embarrassed you make that columnist. I somehow think we'll be waiting forever, "none." None of you seem ready to write for the syndicates as of today, that's easy to see. To make a point concisely, you should first state your point; then stay concise. You need a remedial English course.

Trying to learn writing as you wank over a cartoon series while letting your hair grow for months makes you poor career material. And let's hear why, please-- karma would mean anything substantive to a thinking American? Just asking. I often run into that senseless word when reading commentary from college creatures like you. Did you learn those profundities from Ward Churchill?



Its Not Satire,
The crude, Jr. High "humor" of South Park and its ilk is not satire at all.

Satire deflates the overblown, punctures pomposity, exposes hypocrisy, and shines painful light into dark corners full of hidden trash.

Satire is a humorist's tool to cleanse away evil by bringing wrongs that have been hidden away into the light of day in a way that surprises people and forces them to pay attention to what they would rather ignore.

Whacking away at what is good as well as what is bad while either being unable to or unwilling to distinguish one from the other as you search for a cheap laugh is just the Jr. High version of the younger child's potty humor -- evidence of mental immaturity.

To a true adult offending people is a mere byproduct of exposing the truth. Truth, not insult, is the point of satire. When giving offense is the point its a sure sign that whatever the calendar may say about the years of existence, the mind remains sub-adult.

a

Thanks for the link, I needed a little cheering up today!

Another classic!

Tiring
It just gets tiring to see the same old intolerant tolerance of the left. They ridicule anything they see as being outside of their "progressive" do-as-you please attitude to life. They talk a better line then they actually walk. They would be the first to point of the hypocrisy they so wantonly embrace.

Charles LPKY the man!


I can handle satire, Charlie.

"If one cannot handle the satire, one does not need to complain, one should turn the channel."

Poor syntax; stodgy writer.

" . . . I graduated college (computer programming) with a 3.96 gpa. I would think one would need a higher IQ than 80 to achieve that gpa."

Reply:
Lol! To the awesome tune of belittling another person of intelligence on a public forum? For this you cracked all those books? When does it seem for you time to get a life?

Bozell has a life. He's a commentator esteemed by a vast number of people. Doesn't he have a license to write think-pieces and deplore a drift in society DOWNWARD into the gutter of immorality and irreverence for all that's holy? You say he COMPLAINS? I see nothing in this column like a complaint. Is reading comprehension the lost art in Kentucky these days?

Remember, Charlie; I'm just satirizing. Don't get your geek hackles up.

Charles LPKY
"BTW ever see the World of Warcraft South Park Episode? Classic"

Agreed!

By the way, for South Park fans..


http://www.southparkstudios.com/


Raymondo is Right
Bozell completely missed the point of this episode. Southpark is social satire, and the target of this episode was Disney's manipulative efforts to sell sex to young girls for profit, not the Jonas Brothers, Christians, or even young American girls.

It must horribly embarrassing to be a syndicated columnist and to suffer the indignity of having the writing of people you characterize as "perennial ninth graders" go sailing a mile over your head. Ironic karma at work?

I used to read Townhall regularly, but the longer one hangs around here the more one realizes that most of these writers are simply hired scribes and have very little insight or substantive knowledge. Now I stop by once per week at most, and I'm seldom impressed. If columnists like Bozell, Gingrich, and Kathleen Parker are the best the conservative movement can offer, then nobody should be surprised that Democrats are running the country.

Dreadnaught writes

"bravo, brento!
The cretinos are all out in force, barnyard's spilling forth! Lol!

They scratch themselves in the armpits and groins, aghast at meeting Bozell once more, touting decency and self-respect to the U.S.

All that crap they tout about freedom of speech is forgotten. They want to censor Bozell; he can't say those things!"

What?

bravo, brento!
The cretinos are all out in force, barnyard's spilling forth! Lol!

They scratch themselves in the armpits and groins, aghast at meeting Bozell once more, touting decency and self-respect to the U.S.

All that crap they tout about freedom of speech is forgotten. They want to censor Bozell; he can't say those things!

Mod Mark
When i was growing up in the '80's D&D was considered the devil...I played anyway, and enjoyed it. Now i am almost 40 and my game of choice is World of Warcraft. One of the best RPG's ever.

BTW ever see the World of Warcraft South Park Episode? Classic

Southpark and Jonas Brothers
It is a profane and disturbing show. It is not intended for, yet manages to offend everyone. It is also incredibly funny. This is the 13th season on Comedy Central, so Mssrs. Parker and Stone have a great deal of credibility and success in mocking American popular culture.
This story does a better job of explaning their erudite skewering of sacred cows.
http://justpressplay.net/movies/tv/5021-south-park-and-poes -law-nothin-funnier-than-the-truth.html
Mr. Bozell, I enjoy your writings, and have upon occasion agreed with you. Southpark Republicans are a real and important facet of the conservative voice. Your ignorance and shallow dismissal of them imperils the future of those ideas you champion to defend.

garageman writes
"A few years ago, Manhattan Institute Fellow Brian Anderson wrote a book called "South Park Conservatives." Was that a contradiction in terms? Not to this conservative."

Not this one either

Careful Mom of Many
"To delight in offensiveness and coarseness for its own sake reveals a mentality that never outgrew Junior High."

Passing judgment on other concerning their mentality is a tricky business.

I did read your post the other day concerning playing a game which involves highly detailed maps and tiny metal characters.

Are you a proud owner of a long sword with a +3 attack bonus? Sound like you are a avid Dungeons & Dragon player but I could be wrong since you were not clear on the exact game you play.

Are you concerned about your mentality being judged on the games you play?

No worries from me! D&D is a wonderful game which I have many found memories playing. It is a great game since it is social.

Nothing wrong with spending every Saturday with a group of friends night playing a highly imaginative game and unlike poker, nobody goes home broke.

However, ending your evening by having your cleric killed by a Mind flayer with an armor class 5 is a bummer.


No contradiction
A few years ago, Manhattan Institute Fellow Brian Anderson wrote a book called "South Park Conservatives." Was that a contradiction in terms? Not to this conservative.

Say, Brent, the whole point of satire is to mock and ridicule. Jeesh.

Bozell Missed It
These ninth graders managed to go over your head on this one. They are satarists. Watch the Scientology episode and you will better understand.

The Federal Reserve Banking
Corporation is the institution, inside America, that has enabled a criminal element to run the Federal Government.

It is blatantly unconstitutional and illegal

Raymondo said it better
"
Bozell didn't get it
They weren't making fun of the purity rings as much as they were skewering the hypocrisy of Disney. The Jonas Brothers are presented as sex symbols to their teen-bopper audience, and the Purity rings are like a "Get out of Jail Free Card". Much like many movies that will focus all humor on attacking one type (Fat,Gay etc.) but has the "meaningful speech" at the end that somehow exonerates.
South Park is a adult show for people with obviously different tastes and perspectives, if you don't like it, don't watch it."

This.

I thought the episode was right on point
It showed the hypocrisy of corporations that exploit children, in my opinion.

Bozell, get over yourself
The fact of the matter is that the producers of cartoon network WOULD BE CORRECT.

One of the brothers said, "a NICE Christian symbol can't be used for profit gain!"

I think that if Trey Parker and Matt Stone were really trying to mock the idea, they'd have the Jonas Brother's go into 'rockstar mode' and start having sex and doing drugs at the end of the episode.

The fact is that you are too blind and dumb to see that libertarians Parker and Stone have continuously made great points in their episodes. They make you nod your head while laughing at the same time. Get over yourself.

The Federal Reserve
Jusr "printed" ONE TRILLION DOLLARS for which there is no backing, no specie, and no inherent worth. The Obama administration is manufacturing crisis after crisis and to those who have the historical background to read tea leaves, we know where that can lead. (Hint: Fire. Reichstag. SS)

Your fortunes are going up in flames, this pernicious and evil government is about to hyperinflate the currency, hamstring the great American nation to the lie of "global warming," our enemies, sensing a weak and wet-behind-the-Dumbo-years president are on the move everywhere, and Brent Bozell and some of you are worred about a cartoon.

These are serious times, and require serious people to examine serious issues. This crap is fine for nattering biddies in their sewing circles, and that is, I suggest, the best place for this kind of conversation. Not here. Not now.

The DARE effect
To add to my previous comment, it's worth pointing out that when people like Brent proclaim things like South Park and promiscuity to be harmful it can have more harmful effects than good. That's because the naive individuals who actually listen to this fodder lose perspective. They forget that this is about a TV show that earns its reputation by being contoversial and funny. And by claiming it is causing so much harm sends the wrong message to youths by making them believe it's affecting them in ways it isn't.

It's similar to the effect DARE has had on kids. By telling them that drugs and alcohol are so dangerous and rampant, it gives the impression that they're more prevelant and tolerated than they really are. But that's not the case. Even so they end up doing it because they feel this prevelance is a kind of peer pressure and when many people feel this pressure, they are more likely to act on it. That is why moral panics like this never work out. They are not based in facts and they create fear in people that would otherwise be able to rationalize a situation. So Brent is doing a disservice to his cause by demonizing something he doesn't like. But if that doens't bother him and people like him, that's their problem.

Where do I begin?
Okay, right off the bat Mr. Bozell seriously hurts his credibility by using rockstar stereotypes to describe muscians. To say all rock stars are in it for raw hedonism is to greatly insult the spirit of music. Ever hear of a band called Stryfe? Look it up. You'll be surprised.

As for the Jonas brothers wearing purity rings, that's their choice. Blasting MTV for making jokes about that is just showing a profound immaturity for jokes. Just as often as they joke about the purity rings, MTV has also made plenty of jokes about promiscuity. They don't promote it anymore than they promote abstinence. But promiscuity is just more interesting to talk about because (and this is going to give you nightmares) it's more entertaining and fun.

Here's a news flash. People like fun and they like things that arouse their senses, sexual or otherwise. It's in our nature! To say it's corruptive is to lose complete perspective. Compared to the generations of the sixties and twenties, this generation is far less deviant and promiscuous. And claiming South Park is a damaging force is to just play the fearmongering card so many uptight conservatives love to play. But here's the problem, it never works. People mature and yelling about it only makes it worse.

John
", all things have limits. "

Then please elaborate on this comment.

How do we determine and enforce these limits?


As Kyle stated
in the Family Guy/Mohamed episode, "Either all of it is ok, or none of it is ok." Constitutionally, all is ok. 1st amendment Freedom of speech, or have we forgotten about that document?

Raymondo # 36
Well stated

Bozell didn't get it
They weren't making fun of the purity rings as much as they were skewering the hypocrisy of Disney. The Jonas Brothers are presented as sex symbols to their teen-bopper audience, and the Purity rings are like a "Get out of Jail Free Card". Much like many movies that will focus all humor on attacking one type (Fat,Gay etc.) but has the "meaningful speech" at the end that somehow exonerates.
South Park is a adult show for people with obviously different tastes and perspectives, if you don't like it, don't watch it.

Frog writes
"But as a Christian, I take offense to not only much of the inuendo, but the blatant attacks on my faith."

Do you take offense to the "blatant attacks" on gays, Jews, Muslims, liberals, Family Guy, Barbara Streisand, Issac Hayes, Scientology, Mel Gibson, Canadians, Saddam Hussein, the Devil, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, 24, and the Trapper Keeper?

Mother of 4 ...
Bless you!

Tod Kozeluh
Lexington, KY

South Park
Is a great cartoon, along with ATHF, Squidbillies, Robot Chicken(not exactly a cartoon but in the same genre),Family Guy, American Dad, Drawn Together, Moral Oral, and any thing on the Adult Swim (late night cartoon network) line up.

What do all of these programs have in common? They are ALL directed at MATURE audiences.

South Park is wonderful because NOTHING is off limits. The election episode was outstanding. And who could forget Barbara Streisand as the succubus, or Chefs parents and the loch ness monster. I have never seen a bad episode to be honest.

If one cannot handle the satire, one does not need to complain, one should turn the channel.

As for the IQ remark in an earlier post. I graduated college (computer programming) with a 3.96 gpa. I would think one would need a higher IQ than 80 to achieve that gpa.

The cringe factor ...
I see it all around me, am I the only one? I see the left whine and complain about Ann Coulter. She can be harsh and down right brutal with the quip. While I agree with her politically, there has to be a better way to communicate your point then to be so mean.

The same goes with crap like South Park. I've watched it before, and while often juvenile, it can be clever and funny. But as a Christian, I take offense to not only much of the inuendo, but the blatant attacks on my faith.

Still, partisans appear to only be able to see how their side is unfairly attacked while they remain virtuous in how THEY deal with the opposition. Gimme a break!

Tod Kozeluh
Lexington, KY

good thing about Bozell
I enjoy Bozell's columns on Family Guy and South Park. I find those shows tiresome to watch. It is far preferable to get the best bits in the form they are most successful, which is to say as repeated by clueless exemplars of what they are satirizing.

South Park jokes are much funnier when repeated by irate people who don't get the jokes they are repeating.

That said, what kind of limited circles does Bozell travel in that he thinks popular culture makes fun of purity and not addiction. I would have no idea who Amy Winehouse was were she not the much more common butt of jokes for her addiction than the Jonas Brothers are for their purity. And Winehouse seems to have more talent.

Junior High Mentality,
To delight in offensiveness and coarseness for its own sake reveals a mentality that never outgrew Junior High.

True adults have higher standards and sufficient discernment to apply them.

I have no doubt that South Park's gutter slime is indeed one of the more intelligent things available in prime time (outside the documentary channels). That doesn't mean that gutter slime is worthy of adulation -- only that it beats raw sewage as an alternative.

If you aim for the mountaintops you may fail and fall into the gutter. But if you aim at the gutter to begin you've nowhere to go but the sewer.

Everybody
gets whacked on that show.Find the show on Scientology they did.It was so funny and TRUE that Issac Hayes,the cook,quit the show.Tom Cruise is just great in it.But they also have done one on a "crying statue" of Mary that hits a few nerves.The best in my opinion is the show where Blacks are offended by the South Park flag.It's all about diversity and people being offended at everything.It's great and I'm sure the writers caught hell from the naacp and every other 'rainbow diversity'clown out there.

More quotes
[checks on the kids in her class to see if their parenting skills went well]
Ms. Garrison: Now, how about our gay couples? Stan and Kyle?
Stan: [determined] Fine!
Ms. Garrison: What?
Stan: No problems at all!
Ms. Garrison: [angry] That's impossible!
[she snatches the egg from Stan's hand and looks it over carefully]
Ms. Garrison: Are you sure you didn't break it and switch eggs on me? Where's my signature?
Stan: It's right there, see?
[he leans toward Kyle in fear; Wendy looks away from the action]
Ms. Garrison: [shouts] Two boys can't possibly take care of an egg!
Kyle: Dude, it's totally fine.
Ms. Garrison: [shouts] It isn't fine! It has two daddies! It may be fine on the outside, but inside it's confused and embarrassed! Look at the freak egg! It has two daddies!
[taunts the egg directly]
Ms. Garrison: Two daddies! Two daddies! C'mon, class, let's rip on the freak egg! Two daddies! Two daddies!

South park quotes..
I hate hippies! I mean, the way they always talk about 'protectin' the earth' and then drive around in cars that get poor gas mileage and wear those stupid bracelets - I hate 'em! I wanna kick 'em in the nuts!
Eric Cartman

"Tolerant, but not stupid! Look, just because you have to tolerate something doesn't mean you have to approve of it! ..."Tolerate" means you're just putting up with it! You tolerate a crying child sitting next to you on the airplane or, or you tolerate a bad cold. It can still p!ss you off!" -- Mr. Garrison

John
"So, we are forbidden from criticizing your sacred "South Park" unless we have watched "a few episodes?"

That would be helpful, criticizes the actually contents of the show.

Here is a link for ya, PG rated of course..

http://books.google.com/books?id=AJbNJm2W1UgC&pg=PA145&lpg= PA145&dq=I+hate+environmentalist+kenny&source=bl&ots=FhhyhC 9iit&sig=V4FcoACac_bKXoJCymRRl311LX0&hl=en&ei=UZDDSbrnLtzJt geW4oXICg&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPA162,M1


Mod Mark
What is your problem with a difference of opinion? No one here has proposed banning your precious moronic programs.

Second hand smoke...?
Now who's sounding like a liberal masquerading as a conservative.
Egad man-you sound confused.

I recommend you read Richard J. Maybury's "Uncle Eric" books.
Especially, "Are you Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?"
Ages 12 and up...

Got children? They should read them too.
A whole series of really good stuff.


John
"Parker, The7Sticks, Cavell, etc, all things have limits. "

Really now, are you the one to draw that line in the sand to determine limits?

Here is my line, I want to watch Ralphie May on the Comedy Channel without every other word bleep out.

Don't like, they learn how to use the 'bleep'ing V-chip in your 'bleep'ing TV!

" You defend smutty satires like a mad Islamofascist. "

I see Islamofascist is the demon of the day to make your point.

Those 'bleep'ing Islamic nutters are the ones who are issuing death sentences for a simple cartoon satire of Muhammad.

And you are the one who is criticizing South Park for their satires.

"South Park" vs. Purity ? I keep my 'bleep'ing freedom of speech thank you.


Thomas
It's a quality of life issue. Sure, we can turn the TV off, just like we can avoid the Smoking section in a restaurant. But, like secondhand smoke, this stuff denigrates the atmosphere.

So, I guess I will laugh off BHO's joke about retarded bowlers, too. I don't want you to think me humorless.

John...
You can criticize South Park all you want. I just think you sound ignorant when you do. Especially when you admit you don't watch it. Just like when you call me a liberal. You don't know my political views; You only think you do. Therefore, you speak out of ignorance. I am hardly liberal or progressive. Far from it.

South Park is hardly comparable to stepping in crap. Just because it satirizes and parodies things which some people 'feel' are off-limits doesn't mean it should be ignored entirely. However, feel free to watch whatever you want.

The show is entirely satire and parody. Although I sometimes wonder how you parody some things. It clearly attempts to be unbiased in its approach and is non-discriminatory in its choice of subjects.

The show is unforgiving and provides a great platform for an unrelenting attack against the stupidity of politically correct social engineering.

Al Gore chasing Man-Bear-Pig. Come on- it just doesn't get funnier.

TIM- The problem with Conservatism
Thank you tim,
South park is a COMEDY! It pokes fun at a lot of mainstream topics. I am as conservative as anyone and I LOVE sitting back and laughing! Its that simple. We need to focus on the REAL problems such as this disaterous administration and thier policies.

Mr Voice from the U.K.
Obviously the "enlightened" state of consciousness that so many Europeans and North American Liberals possess has lifted them to such highly evolved state that they lack the moral and intellectual aptitude to percieve Family Guy, South Park and the rest of the assorted bilge of the genre for the moral and intellectual drivel that they really are.

Idopas
That's your opinion. Or maybe your religion. You defend smutty satires like a mad Islamofascist.

John
"Targets", what the hell are you talking about?

Family Guy and other shows produced by your country are smart satires. The fact that you cannot see it is no surprise, because its you who are the "targets".

We know what its jokes refer to, unfortunately you don't. I'd stick with I Love Lucy if I were you.

Mr. Voice from the UK
Rather, Idopas, Family Guy targets sanctimonious liberals who are easily brainwashed. Looks like it works in the UK.

Liberal Reaction
Parker, The7Sticks, Cavell, etc, all things have limits. Your response is typically liberal - full of insults, condescension and hackneyed rebuttals.

So, we are forbidden from criticizing your sacred "South Park" unless we have watched "a few episodes? I know that once I have stepped in crap, I don't need to eat it and bathe in it to know it's crap.
















dwick
Of course shows like Family Guy are lost on serious right wing religious anal retentives, because of course that is their target. They amusingly point out the hypocrisy, over-piousness and things that your types do that make others live difficult.

Oh brother...
Come on Brent, South Park is political, cultural and religious satire.
Nothing is safe from the writers on staff.
If it can be parodied it will be.
Anyone who is afraid or refuses to allow a critical or cynical look at the goofy things they, their friends and associates do, (Isaac Hayes) is apparently not humble, teachable, or open to critical self-examination.

Get a sense of humor.

To those who have never seen more than a promo for the show, or a few episodes, don't criticize things you know nothing about.
It's really bad form. And-
it makes you sound really ignorant.

You are what you eat
For the longest time I marveled at the success of cartoons such as South Park and Family Guy. I had a hard time understanding how they even maintained an audience, much less enormous popularity.

I have come to terms with it now. I realize and accept that some of God's creatures like to eat disgusting brown stuff. This is true of flies, a few disturbed canines and lots and lots of ignoramuses.

South Park ROCKS!
Did anyone see the ending? The character that wore the promise ring, then took it off to be with his girlfriend DIED from a STD. His friends warned him, but he didn't listen that a condom does not guarantee safety.

Please watch the whole show before jumping to ridiculous conclusions.

Thanks to Trey & Matt for the best show on TV today!

Patriot - I have seen your comments
before and agreed with much of what you wrote, but you are wrong on this one.

South Park may not appeal to everyone. I will not even ask others to watch it. But, it is one of the FEW things on tv that I consider WORTH watching. It does poke fun at everything, everyone and all the news that is fit to be abused.

But, then again, I don't call people names that I disagree with.

I watched that episode
And my take on it was far different than your, Mr Bozell. I really do think they was EXPOSING DISNEY for what they are.

There are times I see the hypocrisy of Christians - as long as you wear the 'Purity ring' - everything is okay. Where, in reality, the rings themselves are not the solution - it is the VOW behind the rings that is important.

And let's be honest about Disney - it has become a cesspool of filth for a while now. Yet, they continue to 'get away with it' BECAUSE they ARE DISNEY.

Bozell! Stop Talking!
South Park is some of the more intelligent humor on the television right now, and has tremendous appeal to young conservatives. Why?

Because South Park's central theme is showcasing the bizarre dystopia that arises when liberal ideologies are promoted/supported. When South Park ridicules conservatives, they are generally poking fun at conservative tendencies to lose battles where they are in the right because of stupidity, oversimplification, or underestimating the liberal bizarreness.

In this case, Christians, instead of taking an active role in governing the messages their kids receive, are lulled by the silly "promise ring" ploy into letting Disney market sexuality to their kids. The VILLAIN of the epic mocks them.

If you think this is an unfair characterization of Disney, you should pay attention to how they've been marketing sexually suggestive Tinkerbell images for the past decade.

Way to open fire on the wrong side, Brent.

This is the problem with Conservatism
If anyone actually watched South Park or pretened to even try to compete for the youth vote would realize that Trey Parker and Matt Stone are Libertarians. They are commenting on the fact that Disney hypes up the use of purity rings as a way to sell sex to little kids. This is true. If the Republican party is going to win today, we need the big tent of social conservatives as well as Libertarians and the youth vote. These bailouts and other follies of the Obama admin. give us a gold mine of 18-24 year old males who hate liberals and political correctness aka the South park Conservative a relatively new but powerful voting bloc

Cavell said it
So true. And so sad.

"Listen up! The answers is mormons. Now the rest of you, come into hell." South Park

7 Sticks & Clavell
Nowhere does Bozell mention public policy in the article. Nowhere does he mention that the writers of South Park don't have the write to say what they want to say. This isn't a freedom of speech or separation of church/state issue.

Rather, Bozell's appealing to people's decency to not stand for such displays while pointing out just how ridiculous the culture of media has become: mock those who wait to have sex before marriage (a benefit to themselves, their future spouses and society) and praise - or at the very least be sympathetic towards - someone whose dad took him to brothels as a teenager (actions harmful to Brand, others and society writ large.)

No one is arguing that they can't say whatever they want and no one has said that the US should become a theocracy or that public policy should be entirely guided by the Bible. No one is advocating government mandates to keep the Sabbath holy. Having a Judeo-Christian moral standard is not the same as inserting the Bible into public policy. It's a worldview, the one upon which all of Western Civilization has been based. Do you complain when the Left attempts to insert its worldview - secular humanism - into public policy?

As a democratic society, we can and should discuss what we define as beneficial to ourselves and to our communities. The idea that "you can do whatever you want so long as it doesn't invade on my rights" is impossible (in the absolute) in a world where we share the same streets, the same schools and the same air. Society, then, must discuss and decide what it believes is most beneficial and/or tolerable to the community in which it wants to live. In the opinion of Bozell, South Park's mockery of those who desire to save themselves for marriage (again, a benefit to themselves and society as a whole) is destructive.

You know, you lib clowns
Might like little kids smoking weed and watching Mommy's breasts and sleeping with the elementary teacher on your TVs every night but for the grown ups and parents that's a gawd awful country to live in. And believe it or not there are a whole lotta under 30 parents in churches. So I wouldn't get so excited by the schmoozing, snake oil salesman's Nov scam. I think he and dumb b-tch yall voted for have been exposed for the dim watts they are. Oh and lest we forget Bwowhard Fwank and Chris Dud.
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