South Park is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have managed to offend people from all walks of life. No one is safe from the satirical crosshairs of the show. Between attacks on Wal-Mart and hippies, however, it offers important intellectual messages for the taking. And the political leanings of the show remain a source of debate, as both conservatives and liberals seem to embrace the hit cartoon.
In 2005, Brian Anderson wrote South Park Conservatives, which described a new generation of conservatives who relate to the show perhaps differently than traditional Republicans. Many of these young conservatives care more about free speech and individualism than about abortion and stem cell research. Many of them relate to figures like comedian Dennis Miller, who considers himself a libertarian but usually sides with the Right. The same is true with South Park, which Anderson argues is “the most hostile to liberalism in television history.”
A 2008 book, Taking South Park Seriously, features a chapter by Matt Becker, who argues that Anderson’s assessment of the show was incorrect. He says that the show constantly “lampoons issues commonly associated with the Right, such as zealous gun owners, Ayn Rand followers and the religious right.” Becker clearly misunderstands Anderson’s point, however. The new brand of conservatism that Anderson discusses throughout the book is not the typical “Right-winger.” In fact, the show pokes fun at the Christian morality of Mel Gibson or the Terry Schiavo case. Therefore, it provides young conservatives an avenue to break from the typical stereotypes of Republicans.
While the show offends both sides, the attacks are often harsher (and more consistent) towards the Left. Paul A. Cantor, who contributed to the book South Park and Philosophy in 2007, states that while the show is “no friend to the right, South Park is more likely to go after leftwing causes.” It is safe to assume that the show makes fun of old conservatism but also harshly ridicules new liberalism. Many conservatives can relate to the material as they are redefining conservatism through a more libertarian lens. Cantor explains that the show most blatantly attacks political correctness associated with the Left, like “anti-hate crime legislation [Cartman’s Silly Hate Crime 2000], tolerance indoctrination in schools [The Death Camp of Tolerance], and Hollywood do gooding of all kinds [Butt out, Starvin’ Marvin].”
Former Vice President Al Gore is mocked for his global warming scare tactics and is seen speaking about a threat to all mankind, called MANBEARPIG (in an episode by the same name). He says the creature is “half man, half bear, and half pig.” When no one pays much attention, he has to validate himself by telling everyone he is “super duper serious.” This parallels Gore’s real life narrative when actual scientists question his claims.
The attack continues in Smug Alert, which makes fun of environmental elitism associated with people who ride around in hybrid cars. Kyle’s dad, Gerald, puts “awareness citations” on SUV’s for “failure to care about the environment.” The number of hybrid drivers grows in South Park and the city fills with dark smog. A local weatherman points out that it is not smog, but “smug” from all of the conceited hybrid owners.
South Park also mocked 9/11 conspiracy theorists (Mystery of the Urinal Deuce), the media spin over hurricane Katrina (Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow), as well as the liberal sensitivity towards Middle Eastern terrorist profiling (The Snuke). Other episodes show Al Gore with a superhero cape, making wind sounds as if he was flying like Superman.
Since South Park Conservatives, many have argued about the political leanings of the show. However, by looking at the last few seasons, it is easy to see that Anderson’s argument still holds. Season 13 continues with Margaritaville, which explores how the public alone can fix the economy while the government and current administration continue playing games. By continually stomping liberalism with the occasional punch towards old Republicans, South Park provides a voice of reason for young conservatives.
Thanks to Trey Parker and Matt Stone, we have a show that keeps everyone on their toes. In a country where the majority of entertainment comes from the Left, South Park regularly points out its inadequacies and double standards, which frustrate so many mainstream Americans. It also shows that entertainment does not have to be liberal to be wildly successful.
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