I have to thank my baby Gators for introducing me to South Park some time ago. I have to confess that I only look at it when it’s involved in some newsworthy event. And, boy, this one sure counts. I did manage to see part one of the Muhammad episode online and was looking forward to viewing part two. I found the Super Friends part to be hilarious, but I certainly understand why some people would find it insulting to their religion.
You can see a clip from part one here.
Should Comedy Central have “caved” and censored the show? I don’t think so. Here’s Comedy Central’s thinking on it:
The network may have felt it had no choice after revolutionmuslim.com, the website of a fringe group, delivered a grim warning about the previous week’s episode, which seemed to depict Muhammad dressed as a bear. “We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably windup like Theo Van Gogh for airing this show,” the posting said. A photo of Van Gogh’s body lying in the street was included with the posting. “This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them.”
Here’s a very brief account of what happened to Van Gogh (yes, he was related to that Van Gogh) in 2004.