An Act of Hatred
Some students literally followed the act of discrimination and hatred shown in an episode of South Park. An accurate account of what happened can be located here.Despite of the fact that disciplinary action was taken against the students, it is a disturbing trend to see that 10-11 year olds were allowed to watch South Park without adequate parental guidance. Even if the parents were present in the room, apparently, they did not do a good job of educating the young ones about the consequences about such discrimination.
Sign of the times
As a social anthropologist by hobby, I am concerned with these trends.
What would be the mindset of those young ones who skipped retribution for such heinous acts ? Especially, when they grow up, and let us take this further, occupy positions of power?
South Park must not be blamed fully. The show is made specifically for adults assuming that the legally defined adults have discretionary judgment. Though this provides publicity, the family-oriented networks must start considering whether they must buy re-runs of South Park. Parents with sound judgment might end up putting out the channels if they are conscientious enough.
There are varying degrees of discrimination and hatred. Though South Park doesn't induce extreme hatred amongst matured adults with sound judgment, it does sow the seeds for it. Sound judgment is not everyone's cup of tea. We have seen George Bush Jr. being elected not just once but twice ! This goes to say that it's easy to hijack power by forcing people to suspend their critical thinking. The society must arise to not let their critical thinking be suspended.
