Essay 470

Extra! Extra! South Park has gone too far!

At least that’s the contention of Isaac Hayes, the voice of Chef. Hayes has resigned, arguing he disagrees with the show’s jabs at religion. “There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins,” Hayes realized. “Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored… As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices.” Co-creator Trey Parker shot back, “[We] never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until we [spoofed Hayes’ Scientology religion]. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin.”

God help us all when religious debates are inspired by South Park.