South Park

South Park may not be the best symbol that America should emulate, but I do consider their point of view (Trey Stone and Matt Parker), to be a realistic and sensible way to calm the quarrels of the religiously sensitive. The video is an interview referencing the episode where the climax was supposed to be the revealing of the prophet Mohammed. Although there were originally planning on airing the scene, Comedy Central eventually folded and ordered them not to show his face.

But look at how Matt and Trey treat all the other entities they ridicule and satirize, Jesus is a somewhat important character who appears often in episodes, and rarely as a saint-like son of God. The devil also plays a decent sized role, and special guests have been Saddam and the leaders of the Church of Scientology. There seems to be no limit on whom they poke fun of, and even through all the criticism they receive, the show remains incredibly popular. I just find it hypocritical that exceptions have to be made in fear of retaliation, when they is no doubt that Muslim cartoonists and columnist also make jokes at the ideas and philosophies that they find radical and obscure.

America needs to take a page of Stone and Parker’s book, and learn to take things less seriously, especially when it is something that is harmless, something as child-like as a cartoon. I know certain things needs to be taking seriously and respectfully, and I understand that a major concern is the ignorance that can stem from false truths about a religion based on stereotypes, but ultimately we can learn from things like this by asking questions and doing the research ourselves.