South Park never changes – unless it’s for the bit
Jordan Jones - Assistant Voice Editor
Graphic by Gabriella Vinson
There’s something almost poetic about “South Park” changing its name to “South America.”
After nearly three decades of mocking presidents, celebrities and just about anyone unlucky enough to become even remotely famous, the show has found another way to make Donald Trump the punchline.
For its 29th season, “South Park” temporarily became “South America,” turning its own title into another jab at Trump and his efforts to rename American landmarks.
It’s exactly what “South Park” does best – it’s ridiculous and, honestly, funny, regardless of how controversial it is.
The move came after Trump pushed to rename geographic landmarks, including Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” Apple and Google quietly changed the name on their apps for U.S. users; “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone responded by announcing they were changing the show’s name to “South America,” sarcastically mocking Apple, Google and, of course, our president.
The joke is simple, but the message behind it is something “South Park” has delivered since its debut: powerful figures are not immune to jokes or ridicule.
They might just be the easiest targets.
The show has repeatedly turned Trump into a cartoon version of himself, mocking his image, political behavior and personal life. But Trump is hardly the first political figure to become “worthy” enough for a joke.
Parker and Stone have been going after politicians and political situations for a while, and that’s what makes the show more interesting than a show that just “makes fun of Trump.”
It does not treat powerful people like they are untouchable.
Instead, it takes celebrities, politicians and figures who normally dominate television screens, and it turns them into the same ridiculous characters as everyone else.
Of course, that does not mean every joke works. If you get it, you get it. And if you don’t, maybe the show isn’t for you.
“South Park” can be offensive simply because it wants to. Sometimes, the joke is clever; other times, rude. Sometimes, it’s just on point.
A president can stand behind a podium and deliver a serious speech, yet “South Park” will put him in a ridiculous cartoon situation a week later. That’s what makes the show work.
The “South America” rebrand will not change a law, reverse a policy or suddenly change anyone’s political beliefs.
It really is just a joke.
But “South Park” has never needed its jokes to change the world. It’s enough to remind the people running it that if they keep making headlines, they can still become the punchline. It’s part of the territory, and they deserve it.
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South Park never changes – unless it’s for the bit
There’s something almost poetic about “South Park” changing its name to “South America.”
After nearly three decades of mocking presidents, celebrities and just about anyone unlucky enough to become even remotely famous, the show has found another way to make Donald Trump the punchline.
For its 29th season, “South Park” temporarily became “South America,” turning its own title into another jab at Trump and his efforts to rename American landmarks.
It’s exactly what “South Park” does best – it’s ridiculous and, honestly, funny, regardless of how controversial it is.
The move came after Trump pushed to rename geographic landmarks, including Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” Apple and Google quietly changed the name on their apps for U.S. users; “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone responded by announcing they were changing the show’s name to “South America,” sarcastically mocking Apple, Google and, of course, our president.
The joke is simple, but the message behind it is something “South Park” has delivered since its debut: powerful figures are not immune to jokes or ridicule.
They might just be the easiest targets.
The show has repeatedly turned Trump into a cartoon version of himself, mocking his image, political behavior and personal life. But Trump is hardly the first political figure to become “worthy” enough for a joke.
Parker and Stone have been going after politicians and political situations for a while, and that’s what makes the show more interesting than a show that just “makes fun of Trump.”
It does not treat powerful people like they are untouchable.
Instead, it takes celebrities, politicians and figures who normally dominate television screens, and it turns them into the same ridiculous characters as everyone else.
Of course, that does not mean every joke works. If you get it, you get it. And if you don’t, maybe the show isn’t for you.
“South Park” can be offensive simply because it wants to. Sometimes, the joke is clever; other times, rude. Sometimes, it’s just on point.
A president can stand behind a podium and deliver a serious speech, yet “South Park” will put him in a ridiculous cartoon situation a week later. That’s what makes the show work.
The “South America” rebrand will not change a law, reverse a policy or suddenly change anyone’s political beliefs.
It really is just a joke.
But “South Park” has never needed its jokes to change the world. It’s enough to remind the people running it that if they keep making headlines, they can still become the punchline. It’s part of the territory, and they deserve it.