When does satire go too far?
It’s interesting that Isaac Hayes has decided he can’t be part of South Park anymore after the show skewered something a little too close to home for him: Scientology. He was criticized for not taking a stand for religious intolerance sooner since the show has bashed just about every other religion up till now. That bit of logic and sensibility comes from the show’s creators and I have to say that I agree with them, at least on that front. I’m glad that he’s following his convictions, but it seems a little late to me.
Speaking of satire, I’ve always laughed about the Christianizing of everyday items like breath mints and sandals but I don’t know how to respond to the video I watched today. It was done by a Christian who is going overboard to make a point. He’s designed this to be funny, but I’m finding it pretty offensive. Yeah, I can see how some Christian marketing can make you want to wretch and I can see where it would push you to take a stand for things that are holy, but this seems to go a little too far.
Perhaps it’s good that it makes me uncomfortable, but I think these jokes are as exploitive as the marketing of which it’s making light.
I think if we ever get to the point that we can’t laugh at ourselves or life, then it’s a sad place to be. However, I think standards, character and respect should trump having a good time any day and some things will never be funny.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Watch the video and post a comment if you have a minute.
[POST SCRIPT] I should link to the article that appeared in an email this morning that got me thinking about this. Here it is.
technorati tags: satire, southpark, isaachayes, mcpassion, God
Popularity: 10% [?]
