Compiled South Park Greed Perhaps One of the Things That South Park
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Compiled South Park Greed Perhaps one of the things that South Park makes the most fun of is the greed element of many of its primary characters. Cartman is perhaps the worst offender, frequently becoming excited by the idea of stealing or receiving gifts. For example, in episode 4, season 9, Cartman is seen making up a story about Kenny, stating he did not want to be fed by a feeding tube in order to get Kenny’s belongings after his death. He is even seen licking his fingers. The children, while perhaps not particularly greedy, tend to be a little self- absorbed. For example, in episode 5 it is noted that the children do not play basketball for themselves, and instead do so only because of their parents and that they would rather lose their games so that the season ends earlier so they can play video games. Self-loathing While not overtly stated – many characters do not admit they hate who or what they are – but there are cases where characters look at their prior selves and discover they would have hated who they have become, or that they hate how they were. For example, in episode 2, the Marshes (the parents) reminisce how they were when they were hippies in the 70s, and how proud they were. But then they discover how much they hate hippies. The most obvious example of self-loathing occurs in episode 1, season 9, when it explores the feelings of three characters who feel as if they should be something different than how they appear. For example, Kyle hates “being small and Jewish,” Mr. Garrison hates being a man and Mr. Broflovski (Kyle’s father) wants to be a dolphin. Hypocrisy What is interesting about South Park is not just the remarks it makes on general sins, but also the remarks it makes on society, generally presenting society as doing irrational things. For example, a large crowd gathers in episode 4, season 9, that argues that Kenny, while on life support, should be kept alive through feeding tubes because God would want those measures to be taken. This runs counter to the idea that God decides the fate of life and death, not medical equipment. Another group portrayed as being hypocritical are the hippies presented in episode 2, season 9. The hippies, who protest against the government and corporations, take a great deal of drugs. The episode portrays hippies as zombies, people who mindlessly follow an agenda (despite their statements that they are fighting the agenda). Many individual characters also go against what they believe – for example, archangel Michael in episode 4, does drugs (sniffing markers) while talking about condemning the devil’s army. Mr. Brovloski (Kyle’s father) speaks openly about how teachers (Ms./Mr. Garrison) should not be doing “different” things, such as having a sex change, however, when he discovers that the plastic surgeon can operate on him and turn him into a dolphin, he immediately goes for it. Ignorance Ignorance in South Park is frequently apart of susceptibility to ideas. For example, in episode 4, season 9, after Cartman convinces everyone he is Kenny’s best friend with a planted “BFF necklace,” the necklaces become an obsession – displaying the fact that the market is easily persuaded by the ideas or lives of others. Another (more obvious) example comes in the same episode when the Republican leader repeats what the gremlin tells him to say in his ear, word for word. However, perhaps just as frequently, people misconstrue what is said, or what the reality is about what they are advocating or fighting for. For example, in episode 4, season 9, the crowd that argues that Kenny should be kept on life support argues for, “Tomato Kenny,” which refers to the comment by the doctor, who stated that Kenny would live his life like a tomato after being revived two days after death. Perhaps one of the greater markers of ignorance in South Park is the immaturity of the characters. For example, in episode 4, season 9, we see the archangel Michael talk in a more immature fashion, using slang (“Only this time its for reals”) and even sniffing markers (episode 4; 6:00) while talking about military strategy. South Park’s ignorance might also be partially rooted in violence. For example, during Cartman’s speech promoting violence against a group is rooted in discriminatory stereotypes in episode 2, season 9. This speech is designed to help get his way to eradicate the group – and in the background is music that could be found in any action film. Not only does this represent the ignorance of Cartman, but also the group that ends up following Cartman’s crazy plan to attack relatively peaceful people. The other brand of ignorance stems from perceived kindness. Generally the characters who can be the kindest, or most giving, are seen as being ignorant of the ways of the world (naivety) or even stupid. For example, Cartman’s mom is frequently seen being manipulated by Cartman so he can get what he wants. Or an old woman in episode 2, season 9, has an infestation of hippies in her home. She states that she did not see why it was so harmful at first. Additional Observations: Episode 5 – South Park (8:20 – 8:27) – Randy tries trash talking the Spanish-speaking little league team from the Hispanic town by poorly reading words out of a Spanish-English dictionary to insult them (0:36 – 1:12) - Randy can’t comprehend going to a little league game without getting into a fight. He constantly drinks beer and picks fights with other dads in a formulaic manner at every single game. Race portrayals Blacks There are only a handful of blacks in South Park, including Chef (who is also in charge of public safety and the elementary school’s chef), and Token and his family. What is interesting is that while Chef, who has a very strong Ebonics accent (as evident in episode 2, season 9), he tends to have a great deal of cultural knowledge. Chef is frequently the man the kids turn to for help. Token, on the other hand, while he is the “token” black kid on the show, comes from a rich family has none of the problems stereotypical black people on the show seem to have when race is discussed. Chef frequently has the power of common sense, and it becomes particularly obvious in episode 2, season 9, that Chef does not agree with the white leaders of the city, but he always ends up following the plan and orders. Chef is not without faults, after becoming a town hero in episode 2, Chef is seen with two prostitutes. This isn’t the only time that blacks are seen as highly sexualized. For example, in episode 6, a black plumber asks for sex from Cartman’s mom as payment. The writers make a comment on how frequently black characters are scarified by having Cartman say about their mission in episode 2 that they need a team of “a scientist, an engineer and, of course, a black person who can sacrifice himself in case something goes wrong.” This immediately means Chef goes onto the mission – despite not really wanting to do it. There are frequently generalizations made about blacks, such as blacks are the only good players of basketball, which is such a strong belief in all of the characters that Kyle ends up having a “negroplasty” in order to become black. However, athleticism isn’t the only talents blacks seem to have in South Park, Cartman also notes that Token can sing because he is black (“Of course he sings, he is black.”) Whites While South Park seems more likely to talk about political or religious affiliations over race, there are some noticeable, silent portrayals of race roles. For example, most of the people in South Park are white (which is why it is ironic that one of the children is called “Token” because he is the token black character). Whites dominate the students, town leaders, the media, and even the hippies and rednecks. Also, the white and pure heaven that is presented in episode 4, season 9 is purely populated by white people. There appears to be a dichotomy for the white people – the smart and ignorant. For example, Kenny’s white-trash family frequently yell and swear at each other, as well as making overgeneralizations (indicating ignorance), by saying things like, “Just like your father!” (episode 4, Season 9). There is also a distinct difference in the environment, such as the house being dirty and rundown, with open wine bottles on the counter. The family has thick country accents, and frequently are dirty or have bruises. And the McCormicks do not appear to be alone in this classification, the sports announcer in episode 5, season 9, indicates that the residents of South Park are hicks, “Scrappy-redneck dads up here.” Another example is the political divide – for example in episode 4 we see the Republicans as the devils playthings – all of whom are white – and repeats verbatim what the gremlin tells him to say. Perceived Benevolence As noted earlier, in episode 2, Chef was involuntarily elected to join the mission because the mission needed a black man who would “sacrifice” himself if something went wrong. When something does indeed go wrong, Cartman, despite Chef not volunteering, states, “No, Chef! I am not going to let you go out there!” This perhaps insinuates that the writers were insinuating that while whites see the blacks as sacrificial, they try to appear to be benevolent.