The lines have been drawn for years, and there are more than enough who either support or oppose it. It is seen by millions in dozens of countries, yet South Park has only just now received the reaction it has so longed for. The recent episode which depicted the prophet and founder of Islam, Muhammad, has been attacked by Islamic groups. Their issue lies in his representation, and the belief that Muhammad should not be represented visual in any shape or form.
A Prophet In His Own Land:
It is stated in Islamic law that no-one may create an image of the Prophet. Such an act is forbidden and punishable by death. However, are the people who are creating this fervor truly correct in their actions. It is hard to image that in a 'Christian' country such as the United Kingdom that iconography referring the Jesus Christ would be banned and in turn all existing imagery removed. Here we are accustomed to learning and remembering how Jesus appeared at different stages of his life. There is no threat of death or physical chastising of those who draw him. Why then is it so terrible to draw an individual who could be compared to Christianity's saviour? In Islamic art, any picture which contains Muhammad will purely be an ambiguous figure with no discernible features. It says in the Hadith that no Muslim may create a visual representation of Muhammad, and they understand this as including non-Muslims as well. However, it may see unfair to say the least to expect those of other faiths and inclinations to respect this. If others are to do this, then perhaps in turn Muslims should refrain from saying rash statements such as 'behead the infidel'. There may need to be a dialogue on the issue to establish the place and rights of other outwith Islam. They say 'No prophet is accepted in his own contry', and it appears to also be the case that he is not accepted else where.
The Magic Box
In an age where most who reside in Western nations own a television, it is hard to keep anything out of its reach. The advent of the television meant that different ideas and opinions could be easily distributed to those who wanted to hear them. This in turn led to a wider acceptance that risky topics were the norm to be broadcast. It therefore may be misplaced to damn a programme which is only towing the line. Many different channels offer use content which has a greater potential to offend and disgust. There is no possibility of vindicating one without vindicating them all. If you support or oppose the actions of South Park, then it is only 'fair' that all other programming which offended receive equal support or contempt. Equal opportunity and equal discrimination go hand in hand in this respect. Perhaps the only option which many of us choose to take it the 'grin and bare it' approach, which by and large is successful. Never the less, when a prominent group of political/cultural/religious importance takes offence, then the world takes notice. Then groups work together to make their feelings known it establishes a united front against a common enemy, in this case it was Islamic groups versus South Park.
Super-Best Friends:
The nature of South Park from the very beginning been to push the boundaries of televised decency.It has make light of politicians, celebrities, and religious figures with equal measures of insult and attack. Does it then deserve to be attacked solely for its most recent 'piss take'? Though it is nothing new when you look at its track record, it is perhaps about time that a voice rose up to oppose their representations.The creators of South Park fail to seek approval from those whom they portray. Bitter-sweet justice may be in Comedy Central's censoring of the episode in question, by removing the image of Muhammad and any reference to it. Such a move shows that television is not a media for all expression when it goes beyond its usually prescribed limits.
State of Play:
The alliance referred to in the title comes from the today's (28th April) revelation that the creators of The Simpsons have come out in defence of South Park. This move could further exacerbate the situation as this is a formation of a 'camp' in opposition to the complaint of the Islamic group.It also opens the doors to other programmes expressing their support and so giving South Park the excuse of not having to apologise. Their creators have already expressed their views that they were not in the wrong and had no intention of apologising. There appears to be no fear of the threats placed against them. It just may be that this controversial cartoon has gotten away with something others have been killed for doing. Yet the final cry could still be: "You killed standards, you b*****d!!!"
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