No one would have thought South Park could become such a global phenomenon. The story of four 4th graders living in a small town Colorado has reached and attracted so many audiences from so many places.
For 16 seasons, it continues to challenge traditional thinking, sniff at pop culture, comment on social problems, and even disregard religions. People from outside of the U.S often see South Park as a representation of America’s alternative culture and modern liberalism.
The show includes (in a both funny and serious way) almost every stereotype you can ever imagine, from Chinese restaurant owner to Goths kids in school… not to mention the main characters:
Eric Cartman, an arrogant, self-centered and ill-tempered racist
Kyle Broflovski, a very intelligent Jewish kid with high moral standards
Stan Marsh, an ordinary boy more responsible and rational than his friends.
And Kenney the poor kid who speaks with a muffled voice and dies almost every episode.
The show isn’t about making a liberal statement, or any statement for that matter. The genius of South Park is, although it seems like it’s packed with strong political/cultural opinions, it never really takes a stand. At the end of each episode, there often is this ironic brainwashing session with one of the boys giving an “I’ve learned something today” speech. But in fact, if they have a consistent message for the show at all, it is most likely anti-brainwashing and anti-hypocrisy.
With the spirit of offending everyone and dismissing everything, South Park functions as a TV cartoon op-ed column that reflects on our culture, politics and society. The form of South Park – simple cutout animation – allows creators the freedom to include anything they want to say in the show.
Interestingly, even now South Park still has a low-fi and raw quality – as if it’s coming out of some cynical young adults living in his (not to offend female, but let’s be honest the show feels very big boyish) parents’ basement.
So what is it that they really want to say through South Park? Well, the answer is quite simple – using Eric Cartmen’s favorite line: “Screw you guys, I’m going home.“
JELS of our Global Politicking Prowess 