There comes a point at which comedy has to take a backseat to cultural sensitivity, and that point has officially been reached. Even though the interviewee claimed there was a distinction between “terrorize” and “kill,” Comedy Central was wise not to ignore that warning - and not only because their creative powerhouse was threatened. The dynamic duo have forged their way as two stoner geniuses who bulge the envelope like nobody’s business - but neither can continue happily offending old ladies and religious institutions with flamethrowers like these pointed their direction.Īfter episode “200,” CNN aired an interview with Yunus Muhammad, a member of Islamic fundamentalist group Revolution Muslim, who called upon all Muslims to “terrorize” Parker and Stone. Stone and Parker’s “everyone gets theirs” concept hinges on the demoralization of various groups in a humorous manner if more groups continue to demand special treatment, “South Park” won’t be the only show to sacrifice its anything-goes autonomy to a few pissed-off viewers.Īs a borderline obsessive “South Park” fan, I can recognize when creators Stone and Parker have pushed the boundaries past their best interests.
What’s most disturbing is not the religious upset but Comedy Central’s willingness to bow to lukewarm threats posted online. Islamic group Muslim Revolution’s overreaction to Muhammad’s appearance in the newer installments of the satire could be expected, but producers should have taken the high road that’s precisely the kind of controversial content that’s allowed their show to become so popular.
Similarly, Buddha and Jesus have run the “South Park” gauntlet and emerged uncensored. Followers of Islam couldn’t really have expected the show’s characters to spare them - especially since this is not Muhammad’s first guest appearance on “South Park.” South Park” creators Stone and Parker haven always, rather successfully, aimed to outrage a sizable portion of the population with every episode.
#SOUTH PARK EPISODE 201 UNCENCORED FREE#
Looks like network officials didn’t get the signature “South Park” hint: Free speech will always out-shout fear and intimidation. Censoring episode “201” in response to a threat is probably the most ironic thing Comedy Central could have done. Wednesday’s episode took it even further - but bottling offensive humor never made anyone stop laughing. In 2001’s “Super Best Friends,” Muhammad made his debut as a turban-clad Arab next to the founders of other religions, including Krishna and Joseph Smith. Episode “200” wasn’t even the first time the “South Park” producers have featured Muhammad on their show. When it premiered in 1997, “South Park” instantly became the show that went too far. What’s most surprising, though, is that nothing like this has gone down before in the show’s 13-year history. The censoring of references to the Muslim prophet has sparked a nationwide discussion centered around religious respect and free speech. Comedy Central censored the April 21 episode of “South Park” after a radical Muslim group threatened to kill show producers Trey Parker and Matt Stone for insulting Muhammad in the previous episode.
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