Monday, July 14, 2008

South Park Influence

South Park is a television show that is viewed by all different types of people, although they all share one similar interest: comedy. This show’s humor revolves around political controversy and race, constantly mocking political figures and situations. Although South Park may seem like reckless humor, society’s opinion has to ability to be swayed through simple mass media. As “Examining Ethics” states, “Such programs and practices on TV shows raise serious ethical questions. Complicating any discussion of ethics, however, are the competing values that govern how talk and reality shows handle topics and guests” (pg 21). There is controversy revolving around South Park, due to their mockery of serious issues in society. Comedy Central includes multiple different topics in their shows, ranging from movie stars to singers to race to politics. South Park continually taunts the terrorist attack of September 11th, 2001 as well as race and religion. These subjects are extremely serious issues and portraying them as humorous can affect the viewer’s opinion on stereotypes.
The affect of immediate coverage regarding any serious situation also plays an important role in society. As well as immediate coverage, loss of verbal communication also plays an important role, because many people form their own opinions based on their personal experiences. A pattern that has emerged from many episodes in South Park is the mockery of stereotypes and political situations. For example, South Park plays an image from September 11th, and circulates the message that the attack was thoroughly planned by the United States government. The messages that South Park relays regarding the government has the ability to influence viewers to question the motive of the United States. Not only does South Park deride the government, it constantly mocks and stereotypes religions such as Judaism, Catholicism, Christianity and Islam. Many ask, “why mock so many serious topics?” The use of humor is South Park’s method to portray opinion and humor is a way to draw attention to possible viewers. Since humor is a popular motive for people to watch a show, it is a convenient way to present opinion.
South Park’s expression of opinion and mockery of many controversial subjects has a negative affect through mass media. Unfavorable thoughts involving different types of people are depicted as funny, which can affect viewers without even being aware of it. Although South Park is a tendentious television show, there are benefits to its personal perspective. The ability to participate in conversation and debate arises from the expression of personal opinion. South Park’s use of public advocacy through humor and mockery is not a method that is fair to the subject. Although the content is believed to be amusing, it is re-enforcing to the viewer’s that stereotyping people is acceptable, as well as comical.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Also South Park makes peope think that people with Aids,Gingers, and Jews are the funniest people alive. What is so funny about a hair color?

Unknown said...

First of all, south park does not say 9/11 was caused by the US government. If you finish the episode it very clearly states that Muslim terrorists caused it. Secondly south park holds a mirror to the face of society, which some people cant handle. Sure they overdo the flaw, but the basic message is the same. If you are offended by south park you clearly can not laugh at yourself. IT MAKES FUN OF EVERYONE. Not just you ginger people. Matter of fact, they had ONE episode where they made fun of gingers, just one.