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April 13, 2006

So What Happened On South Park?

I didn't see it, as I was off a'sedering, but there's an interesting discussion going on at Volokh.

Any of you folks see it?

Update: Welcome Volokh readers! So now we know:

Disgusting.


I'm not sure if it's been reported yet, but for what it's worth, I just got off the phone with a Comedy Central spokesman. I asked him about last night's episode of South Park in which, at a moment right before the prophet Mohammed was supposed to make a cameo, the words, "Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Mohammed on their network" appeared on the screen.

I asked him whether this truly was Comedy Central's decision or whether this was just another gag (with South Park, you never know). He said:

They reflected it accurately. That was a Comedy Central decision.

Just in case there was any confusion, that settles it. Comedy Central censored the image.

Where are you now, Jon Stewart? Oh sure, it's easy to be bold and brave when you are parodying Bush, Cheney, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, etc., because you know there are no consequences. Will you have the courage to stand up for freedom of speech now? Where is the Jon Stewart whose first post-September 11th monologue was one of the most moving things I've ever seen? Now is the time to step up to the plate.

ths UPDATE: That incredible Jon Stewart opening monologue of September 20th, 2001 ~ for those who want to tear up again. Hits me in the solar plexis everytime. As Bingley says, where is that guy now?

Michelle Malkin has a complete round up.

Update and Bumpity-bump: Wow, the cravenness Of Comedy Central knows no bounds:


Comedy Central Releases Brief Statement on Decision to Censor Mohammed.--

I just had an amusing off-the-record conversation with someone at Comedy Central. They have released a simple public statement on their decision to deny South Park the right to show a depiction of Mohammed in their Wednesday episode, Cartoon Wars--Part II:

"In light of recent world events, we feel we made the right decision."


Posted by Mr. Bingley at April 13, 2006 04:01 PM

Comments

What a peaceful picture.::sigh:: (But Jesus looks pooped...)

Posted by: tree hugging sister at April 13, 2006 03:30 PM

I just went out and bought Season 5 of South Park. I figure Comedy Central will censure that soon enough too.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at April 13, 2006 05:15 PM

Here's the uncensored scene (via Little Green Footballs)

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=20086_Mohammed_Uncensored&only

Posted by: Gunslinger at April 13, 2006 07:33 PM

Oops. I may have spoken too soon…

http://www.brendanloy.com/2006/04/see-the-banned-muhammad-clip.html

Posted by: Gunslinger at April 13, 2006 08:12 PM