South Park and Steve Irwin

*Katie* · 10-27-2006, 09:38 AM

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The cartoon series South Park has never been shy of courting controversy, but its latest episode has caused outrage by featuring the recently deceased Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.

Swearing and random death and destruction are staples of the cartoon, which has been broadcast since 1997. Irwin, killed by a stingray's barb while snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef in September is the latest celebrity to be lampooned by the show.

The episode, aired in the U.S. earlier this week, shows Satan preparing to host a Halloween fancy dress party. Other guests include Princess Diana, Hitler and rapper Notorious B.I.G. Critics have been appalled by the Irwin character's depiction in a bloodstained shirt and with a stingray still attached to his chest.

John Beyer of UK TV watchdog Mediawatch said: "This is such bad taste and the makers of South Park should review their decision to show it. Steve's family are still grieving.

"To lampoon somebody's death like that is unacceptable and so soon after the event is grossly insensitive.''

South Park maker Comedy Central defended the episode. A spokesperson for the company said: "It has offended people in the past and probably will again. Regular watchers would not be shocked."

The show holds the record for the most swearword spoken in one program, and regularly takes pot-shots at celebrities and makes fun of politics and religion.

Some tamer examples include George Clooney, mocked for his politically-motivated Oscar acceptance speech, and lampooning Tom Cruise and John Travolta for their belief in Scientology. One episode with a depiction of a bleeding Virgin Mary so upset the Catholic Church that it was pulled from repeats of the series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I like South Park and this episode was really funny cause it was making fun of the MTV show "My Super Sweet 16"....but My jaw hit the floor when I saw this. Bad form guys. really bad form.

*iris* · 10-27-2006, 10:28 AM

South Park is still making news?

Meh.

Y'know, I have serious respect for Steve Irwin, but I don't really care about this. Pointless not-all-that-funny-but-referencing-something-in-the-news little stunts like this have made South Park lose the status it once had... but I guess you can't be "cutting edge" forever.

**Jo Dawn** · 10-27-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katie

I like South Park and this episode was really funny cause it was making fun of the MTV show "My Super Sweet 16"....but My jaw hit the floor when I saw this. Bad form guys. really bad form.

My thoughts exactly. It really killed the episode for me. It was really, really in bad taste. Especially when there's a child, like Bindi, and it's her father. (Not saying she watched it, but you get my point.) Her dad dies tragically and they make fun of it a month later.

Not that they warrented alot of it in the first place, but my respect level for them went way down.

Learn some couth and when limits, boys.

*gobo* · 10-27-2006, 01:02 PM

Was Schiavo's lampoon any less tasteless? This is why I despise South Park. It used to have a fair amount of worth in the beginning what with its social commentaries and nuggets of truth, but the message has become diluted by its constant, sadistic shock-value in recent years. But, if the show offends people so often, why do said people keep going back for more abuse? Making an issue of it only adds to the show's influential power.

*Mecha Cow* · 10-27-2006, 01:15 PM

Err, I haven't seen the episode in question and won't comment on the Irwin thing, but if you think South Park is just about shock value you haven't seen much of it.

It doesn't sound like they were making fun of it anyway, but again, I haven't seen it.

**Barkworm** · 10-27-2006, 01:19 PM

Not to defend this but this is South Park we're talking about. Isn't this expected?

愛 · 10-27-2006, 01:20 PM

Don't they know it takes at least a year for something tragic to become funny? Ugh, good job, guys.

*Anarky* · 10-27-2006, 01:28 PM

Hey, it works as long as people talk and complain about it. As soon as the "Oh, no, this is so disgusting and wrong"-people shut up, they'll change the concept so that people start talking about it once again. So the more you talk about it, the more to complain there will be.

Peanut · 10-27-2006, 01:32 PM

Hasn't South Park being doing this forever? I think it's to the point now where no one cares anymore. I mean...South Park was the thing like what...5..6 years ago? Maybe longer?

They do stuff like this to get attention. That's just the way it is. They're like 15 year old kids. It'll never change. Unlike the show, which has come to the point where I can't even watch it without being bored to tears. I was a huge SP fan for the first maybe 2 seasons. It all just blends together for me now.

*Dr. Doom* · 10-27-2006, 01:37 PM

This may have happened only a few days ago, but it's old news. It was old news when it happened. Anyone who's so outraged by this hasn't been paying attention for the past 9 years. It's just a TV show, it doesn't matter. And as far as Peanut's comments, I feel like the show has only gotten better with age, though this season has started out kinda slow. I really enjoyed the episode last week with Ike and his teacher, though.

*gobo* · 10-27-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkworm

Not to defend this but this is South Park we're talking about. Isn't this expected?

Expected but not appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecha Cow

if you think South Park is just about shock value you haven't seen much of it.

I made sure to avoid using those words. I said that "the message has become diluted by its constant, sadistic shock-value in recent years". The show still retains the social commentary and pearls of wisdom it started with, but the shock-value belittles those messages. It's just not as balanced a show as it once was. A truth of society is that you can't constantly offend people and not expect your opinions to be ignored. Matt & Trey would do good to learn that. However, it was only a year ago that I still forced myself through this show so I wouldn't be lost when my friends were discussing it. I'm sure it hasn't changed that much in a year.

*Cure* · 10-27-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gobo

Expected but not appreciated.I made sure to avoid using those words. I said that "the message has become diluted by its constant, sadistic shock-value in recent years". The show still retains the social commentary and pearls of wisdom it started with, but the shock-value belittles those messages. It's just not as balanced a show as it once was. A truth of society is that you can't constantly offend people and not expect your opinions to be ignored. Matt & Trey would do good to learn that. However, it was only a year ago that I still forced myself through this show so I wouldn't be lost when my friends were discussing it. I'm sure it hasn't changed that much in a year.

Yeah, when was the last time Stan or Kyle did one of their "I learned something today" speeches? Quite a while, I think.

But anyway, I saw this episode and wasn't shocked at all. I guess that's just me........

*Mecha Cow* · 10-27-2006, 02:10 PM

Well, I personally don't experience it as shocking. I don't think they mean to be that offensive or controversial at all. Crude, maybe. Whatever.

And yeah, the show has only gotten better in recent years. It's one thing to not care anymore, but the quality has gone up a lot.

*Katie* · 10-27-2006, 02:10 PM

I wouldn't have been shocked if it had been, say, six months or a year after the fact. To me, that was kind of like rubbing salt in a raw wound. It is just too early to be making fun of that.

*iris* · 10-27-2006, 02:26 PM

The following program contains coarse language and due to its content it should not be viewed by anyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peanut

Hasn't South Park being doing this forever? I think it's to the point now where no one cares anymore. I mean...South Park was the thing like what...5..6 years ago? Maybe longer?

They do stuff like this to get attention. That's just the way it is. They're like 15 year old kids. It'll never change. Unlike the show, which has come to the point where I can't even watch it without being bored to tears. I was a huge SP fan for the first maybe 2 seasons. It all just blends together for me now.

This is me too. Now I think of SP and my eyes just kind of glaze over. Maybe it's just too topical.

The show is still pretty good, from what I've heard. I just stopped caring. lol

Jo269976 · 10-27-2006, 05:03 PM

I saw the episode and also wasn't shocked, I don't really think it was a really big joke about him, he was in it for about 8-10 seconds tops, even Satan the guy/demon who's talking to him says it's way too soon to be joking about it. Also Trey & Matt (creators) have done far worse things than this, (think Cartman idoling Hitler or scientology episode), it was even front page on one of the newspapers over here when the episode won't air for about 2 months! I agree with the fact that it was probably way too soon, but I don't think it should be something for it to be taken off the air or have a whole, "let's not watch this ever again!" thing, in about a week this will be old news and people will find something else to complain about.

*gobo* · 10-27-2006, 05:18 PM

Absolutely! Complaining is more American than baseball and apple pie. ^_^

*ZariusTwo* · 10-27-2006, 08:33 PM

"Oh my godz, SP pulled off a bleeding Virgin Mary statue stunt to mild fan outrage, now they..mock Steve Irwin's death, BLASPHEMY"

Good show guys. Really good show. Doing what you do every week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iris

South Park is still making news?

Meh.

Y'know, I have serious respect for Steve Irwin, but I don't really care about this. Pointless not-all-that-funny-but-referencing-something-in-the-news little stunts like this have made South Park lose the status it once had... but I guess you can't be "cutting edge" forever.

I really don't know where you're getting that from, the majortiy consensus agrees this is one of their strongest seasons to date. Some people like to assume shows like this can't run past five to six years because their own interest has wained in the series, but in all objective honesty, this is still much better than American Dad, King of the Hill, and Family Guy

Peanut · 10-27-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iris

This is me too. Now I think of SP and my eyes just kind of glaze over. Maybe it's just too topical.

The show is still pretty good, from what I've heard. I just stopped caring. lol

Yeah. See it's not that I think the show is bad, or even unfunny. I just don't really care about it anymore.

*Spitfire* · 10-27-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iris

South Park is still making news?

Meh.

Y'know, I have serious respect for Steve Irwin, but I don't really care about this. Pointless not-all-that-funny-but-referencing-something-in-the-news little stunts like this have made South Park lose the status it once had... but I guess you can't be "cutting edge" forever.

Really because I find crap like that to be funny. When they spoof something or take something serious and pull out what is stupid about it and make fun of it, it's great. That's what the show is about.

But yeah I don't watch it either, I just randomly see episodes and their usually funny.

10-27-2006, 09:38 AM	#1
Katie Just...way too serious. Join Date: May 2005 Location: purgatory Posts: 3,519	South Park and Steve Irwin LONDON, England (CNN) -- The cartoon series South Park has never been shy of courting controversy, but its latest episode has caused outrage by featuring the recently deceased Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Swearing and random death and destruction are staples of the cartoon, which has been broadcast since 1997. Irwin, killed by a stingray's barb while snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef in September is the latest celebrity to be lampooned by the show. The episode, aired in the U.S. earlier this week, shows Satan preparing to host a Halloween fancy dress party. Other guests include Princess Diana, Hitler and rapper Notorious B.I.G. Critics have been appalled by the Irwin character's depiction in a bloodstained shirt and with a stingray still attached to his chest. John Beyer of UK TV watchdog Mediawatch said: "This is such bad taste and the makers of South Park should review their decision to show it. Steve's family are still grieving. "To lampoon somebody's death like that is unacceptable and so soon after the event is grossly insensitive.'' South Park maker Comedy Central defended the episode. A spokesperson for the company said: "It has offended people in the past and probably will again. Regular watchers would not be shocked." The show holds the record for the most swearword spoken in one program, and regularly takes pot-shots at celebrities and makes fun of politics and religion. Some tamer examples include George Clooney, mocked for his politically-motivated Oscar acceptance speech, and lampooning Tom Cruise and John Travolta for their belief in Scientology. One episode with a depiction of a bleeding Virgin Mary so upset the Catholic Church that it was pulled from repeats of the series. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I like South Park and this episode was really funny cause it was making fun of the MTV show "My Super Sweet 16"....but My jaw hit the floor when I saw this. Bad form guys. really bad form. __________________ THE WORLD IS JUST AWESOME

10-27-2006, 10:28 AM	#2
iris moddy mod mod Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: finally escaped the lab Posts: 1,886	South Park is still making news? Meh. Y'know, I have serious respect for Steve Irwin, but I don't really care about this. Pointless not-all-that-funny-but-referencing-something-in-the-news little stunts like this have made South Park lose the status it once had... but I guess you can't be "cutting edge" forever. Last edited by iris; 10-27-2006 at 10:40 AM.

10-27-2006, 01:02 PM	#4
gobo Wacky Action Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: on Earth Posts: 12,784	Was Schiavo's lampoon any less tasteless? This is why I despise South Park. It used to have a fair amount of worth in the beginning what with its social commentaries and nuggets of truth, but the message has become diluted by its constant, sadistic shock-value in recent years. But, if the show offends people so often, why do said people keep going back for more abuse? Making an issue of it only adds to the show's influential power. __________________ Live and let live... or go to hell.

10-27-2006, 01:15 PM	#5
Mecha Cow Gorgeous and modest too Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 3,699	Err, I haven't seen the episode in question and won't comment on the Irwin thing, but if you think South Park is just about shock value you haven't seen much of it. It doesn't sound like they were making fun of it anyway, but again, I haven't seen it. __________________

10-27-2006, 01:19 PM	#6
Barkworm Draconian leftist ruler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 6,758	Not to defend this but this is South Park we're talking about. Isn't this expected? __________________ Make ****, not kill!

10-27-2006, 01:20 PM	#7
愛 Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 7,449	Don't they know it takes at least a year for something tragic to become funny? Ugh, good job, guys.

10-27-2006, 01:28 PM	#8
Anarky Outlaw Hero Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tannhauser Gate Posts: 4,867	Hey, it works as long as people talk and complain about it. As soon as the "Oh, no, this is so disgusting and wrong"-people shut up, they'll change the concept so that people start talking about it once again. So the more you talk about it, the more to complain there will be. __________________ Because it's... I dunno... brutal.

10-27-2006, 01:32 PM	#9
Peanut Second Gear Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The New World Posts: 15,422	Hasn't South Park being doing this forever? I think it's to the point now where no one cares anymore. I mean...South Park was the thing like what...5..6 years ago? Maybe longer? They do stuff like this to get attention. That's just the way it is. They're like 15 year old kids. It'll never change. Unlike the show, which has come to the point where I can't even watch it without being bored to tears. I was a huge SP fan for the first maybe 2 seasons. It all just blends together for me now.

10-27-2006, 01:37 PM	#10
Dr. Doom Allons-y! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Castle Doom Posts: 4,535	This may have happened only a few days ago, but it's old news. It was old news when it happened. Anyone who's so outraged by this hasn't been paying attention for the past 9 years. It's just a TV show, it doesn't matter. And as far as Peanut's comments, I feel like the show has only gotten better with age, though this season has started out kinda slow. I really enjoyed the episode last week with Ike and his teacher, though. __________________ I love you, Pickle.

10-27-2006, 02:10 PM	#13
Mecha Cow Gorgeous and modest too Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 3,699	Well, I personally don't experience it as shocking. I don't think they mean to be that offensive or controversial at all. Crude, maybe. Whatever. And yeah, the show has only gotten better in recent years. It's one thing to not care anymore, but the quality has gone up a lot. __________________

10-27-2006, 05:03 PM	#16
Jo269976 Stone Warrior Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 592	I saw the episode and also wasn't shocked, I don't really think it was a really big joke about him, he was in it for about 8-10 seconds tops, even Satan the guy/demon who's talking to him says it's way too soon to be joking about it. Also Trey & Matt (creators) have done far worse things than this, (think Cartman idoling Hitler or scientology episode), it was even front page on one of the newspapers over here when the episode won't air for about 2 months! I agree with the fact that it was probably way too soon, but I don't think it should be something for it to be taken off the air or have a whole, "let's not watch this ever again!" thing, in about a week this will be old news and people will find something else to complain about. __________________

10-27-2006, 05:18 PM	#17
gobo Wacky Action Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: on Earth Posts: 12,784	Absolutely! Complaining is more American than baseball and apple pie. ^_^ __________________ Live and let live... or go to hell.

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