While it's never won awards for being kinder and gentler entertainment (though it does have two Emmys) now South Park is on the run in Russia. Prosecutors are looking to ban the "extremist" cartoon after viewer complaints. Filing suit against the network showing the cartoon, the spokesman says, "South Park is just one of many cartoons that need to be banned from open broadcast . . . as it insults the feelings of religious believers and incites religious and national hatred."
The episode in question? The 1999 episode called "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" that shows the cast singing Christmas Carols. The spokesman goes on to say, "It's one thing if they are on cable TV and viewers pay money and make a conscious choice. But young children should not be able to turn on the TV after school and watch this. They need to be defended."
In 2006, Russia passed a law extending the definition of extremism to include "the abasement of national dignity" and "inciting religious and national hatred." Does South Park do this — or is it all in good fun?
S'Oliver
Urban Outfitters
Morgan
I pretty much die laughing every time I hear Eric Cartman sing "O Holy Night".
1I can see that South Park might not travel well.
2I would think more so in Canada than Russia...
3I'm sure Lord Xenu approves of the official Russian stance on South Park.
4I remember when Issac Hayes (chef) quit south Park saying that he was offended by a show where they made fun of his religion, Scientology. The creators, matt and trey, fired back and said that Isaac was fine for many years making fun of every other religion but couldnt handle a jab at his own, they killed chef off in a very bad way...funny but bad! the show isnt racist, or anti religious, its tongue in cheek humor and not for anyone with no sense of humor, especially about thier beliefs.
If the Russians dont want to watch Mr. hanky. It their loss
5South Park makes fun of EVERYTHING. It sets out to be funny, not target anyone. The early years were the best though.
6I don't know, I love South Park. I could see how its ideas would not travel well though. So much of it depends on a good understanding of US pop culture, so I could see how the jokes would fall flat and just seem offensive elsewhere. I tried watching Skins last night, and apparently I really don't get Brit humor, or at least that show, and it's super popular. Still, why ban it?
7That does it, I am not sending Russia any Chocolate Salty Balls this Christmas.
And I am surprised they would ban it, it is HUGELY popular in Europe anyway, every person I know here, regardless of country, likes it..but then again I am in with a sort of gamer crowd who really like stuff like Southpark, Dexter, etc.
8Dexter rocks! They'd just better not ban that show anywhere
9I think that the "abasement of national dignity" guideline is so broad as to be potentially used to ban anything the government doesn't like. Which, of course, would never be the Russian government's intention...
10I looooooove Dexter! Just got season 2 from netflix and I burned through two dvd's already
11Hehehe. Yeah I have to admit it is a damn clever show.
But as for Russia...sheesh, if their "national dignity" is torn down by a cartoon they've got more to worry about than Southpark.
12i think that it's funny to consider that some countries are really taht upset with the humor in SP when there are things on TV elsewhere that we would never air. i don't know - it's just a cartoon - you don't need to watch it if it's offensive right?
13The Christmas episode isn't even the most offensive South Park. Wait until they start getting some of the later seasons.
14The Britney episode
The Heavy Metal episode!
I wonder if they have seen the "Stupid Spoiled wh*re Playset" episode yet.
Hm, I think I should lay off the coffee.
/peers into mug
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