I cannot imagine a louder testament to the intimidating power of Islam than the acknowledgment by Comedy Central of its decision to censor "South Park" out of fear of Muslim anger.
NEW YORK -- Banned by Comedy Central from showing an image of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, the creators of "South Park" skewered their own network for hypocrisy in the cartoon's most recent episode.The comedy _ in an episode aired during Holy Week for Christians _ instead featured an image of Jesus Christ defecating on President Bush and the American flag.
[...]
Parker and Stone were angered when told by Comedy Central several weeks ago that they could not run an image of Muhammad, according to a person close to the show who didn't want to be identified because of the issue's sensitivity.As disgraceful as this is for Comedy Central - which should nevertheless be applauded for not hiding behind ridiculous puffery about "respect for Islam", this is not a victory for Muslims by any stretch of the imagination, as what the network has basically conceded is that Muslims are violent savages unable to tolerate the sort of lampooning Christians take in their stride - the odds of any Christian taking to the streets to make death threats against South Park's creators because of a depiction of Jesus defecating on a flag is essentially zero, but the ramifications of merely depicting Mohammed saying "jihad" and then leaving are now so frightening that even American TV executives won't dare do it.The network's decision was made over concerns for public safety, the person said.
Comedy Central said in a statement issued Thursday: "In light of recent world events, we feel we made the right decision." Its executives would not comment further.
Dear eternally irate Muslims of the world, congratulate yourselves on your singular accomplishment: by your penchant for fatwas, riots, kidnappings and the like even over mere cartoons, you've managed to show up the hollowness of the "Islamophobia" charge more thoroughly than any Western talking heads ever could. Yes, many people all over the world are afraid of Islam, but there's absolutely nothing "irrational" about their fears - Islam is a violent and intolerant religion, rightly to be feared.
Great minds think alike. I am not a happy camper.
Posted by: Matt | April 14, 2006 at 03:18 PM
I don't know if you're a fan of South Park, but that show ran up (and lost) against Comedy Central censors, when they attempted to depict Mohammed in this week's episode.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/13/AR2006041302212.html
Posted by: KXB | April 14, 2006 at 04:09 PM
My mistake - I had two browser windows open, and posted my comment on the wrong blog. It's still early in the morning in Chicago.
Posted by: KXB | April 14, 2006 at 04:10 PM
That this could happen on Comedy Central - one of the more resilient bastions of Free Speech in America - is chilling news indeed. That it affected *South Park* is terrifying. Insanity wins: And I think we can expect more idiocy of this sort in the future.
Posted by: Chuckles | April 14, 2006 at 07:09 PM
Of course, as Muslim demographics continue their bullish trajectory, we have no reason to assume this sort of thing won't become much worse later on.
Posted by: Steve Edwards | April 14, 2006 at 08:56 PM
And what exactly is bullish about Muslim demographics?
Muslim fertility rates are falling and may be expected to converge with those of the West by mid century.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/GK01Aa01.html
http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.13917,filter.all/pub_detail.asp
Posted by: Chuckles | April 14, 2006 at 09:59 PM
Yes, but "demographic momentum" suggests that the Muslim share of world population would surge for the next few decades at the least.
Posted by: Steve Edwards | April 14, 2006 at 10:40 PM
Didn't they already show Mohammed in the 'Super Friends' episode?
Posted by: radek | April 14, 2006 at 11:40 PM
[...Didn't they already show Mohammed in the 'Super Friends' episode?...]
They got knocked for this. Prolly dont want it to happen again.
Posted by: Chuckles | April 15, 2006 at 01:19 AM