Monday, March 20, 2006

South Park


"So, Scientology, you may have won THIS battle, but the million-year war for earth has just begun!"
Thus declared South Park's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to the trade paper Variety, as part of their ongoing "battle" with the Scientology Church.
Thus far the "battle" has resulted in an American TV channel dropping a South Park episode which mocked Scientology and actor Tom Cruise (who is a follower of its church). It has been alleged that Cruise threatened to boycott promotion of his upcoming Paramount film, Mission: Impossible III unless a sister cable TV network withdrew the anti-Scientology episode of South Park. Furthermore, the offending episode will NOT be aired in the United Kingdom (for fear of litigation).
It has also led to the departure of Isaac Hayes (who played Chef), claiming the outspoken animated series was insensitive to "personal spiritual beliefs".
South Park 'battling' Scientology (details)

Well done South Park, for highlighting the absurdity of the Scientology church!
I'm saddened by Isaac Hayes though - I've been a fan of his musical work since the 1970's. But if the claims are true, then his departure reeks of hypocrisy. It's funny that Hayes (who was a regular on South Park since its US TV debut in 1997) has been silent about the treatment of Christianity and other religions on South Park - until they poked fun at Scientology, to which he belongs.
And as for the touchy Tom Cruise - if the allegations about his threats are true, then perhaps he should consider becoming a Muslim fundamentalist instead.

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