Course: Popular Culture

University: University of Wolverhampton

Academic Year: 2015

Description: This essay explores how the popular animated series South Park employs carnivalesque humour to critique societal norms and expose hypocrisies within various aspects of culture, politics, religion, and industry. By analysing key episodes and characters, the essay highlights the show's use of exaggerated and offensive humour as a tool for social commentary. It delves into the theoretical framework provided by Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of the carnivalesque and incorporates insights from Ethan Thompson’s editorial on the subject. The essay also examines the show's equal-opportunity offensiveness, arguing that its bold and unapologetic satire serves to challenge and disrupt official discourses, prompting viewers to reflect on the absurdities of contemporary society. Through detailed examples and scholarly references, this essay aims to demonstrate that South Park is more than mere entertainment; it is a powerful medium for social critique and reflection.

By Naomi-Natalie Brown

South Park stands out in popular culture for its unapologetically offensive humour and bold social commentary. The show's central characters—four male fourth graders—embody the essence of carnivalesque humour, a style that allows it to critique societal norms and expose hypocrisies with unrestrained audacity. In the first-ever aired episode, "Cartman Gets an Anal Probe," viewers are introduced to Kyle, Kenny, Stan, and Cartman, as well as to the defining characteristics of carnivalesque culture.

Ethan Thompson, in his 2008 editorial ‘Good Demo, Bad Taste: South Park as Carnivalesque Satire’, highlights Bakhtin’s description of the carnivalesque culture, which includes ‘Laughter, Bodily excess/scatological humour, Billingsgate (language “games” such as insults and cursing), and Inversions or reversals’ (Thompson, 2008). These elements are evident when Cartman, tied to a tree, farts, and an enormous satellite dish emerges from his posterior, and when the boys constantly hurl insults like “f*t a*s,” “J*w,” and “d*ldo” at each other (Thompson, 2008).

The creators of South Park use this carnivalesque framework to house satirical messages that expose hypocrisy in politics, religion, and industry. As Bedford (2012) notes, "The most respectable quality of South Park is in the boldness of its social satire. Matt and Trey will say anything, about anyone, regardless of race, creed, colour, or belief and without fear of repercussion. Either everything is funny, or nothing is."

South Park does not shy away from offending everyone equally. This approach ensures that no single group is unfairly targeted, making its satire a form of equal-opportunity offence. The show’s offensiveness is not without purpose; it works to challenge official discourses and societal norms. Thompson (2008) observes, “South Park’s ‘offensiveness’ works in episodes that deal more explicitly with controversial social issues. South Park articulates an alternative, unofficial, offensive language—a carnivalesque response to the official discourses that are brought under scrutiny as the sitcom’s necessary disrupting ‘situation’.”

For example, in the episode ‘You Have 0 Friends’, South Park critiques the superficial nature of social media relationships. Cartman treats his peers’ Facebook friends as commodities, reflecting how many people today view their own ‘Facebook friends’. The episode’s portrayal of everyone in South Park becoming fixated on Facebook, even the reluctant Stan, underscores the personal and social relevance of the show’s critique.

South Park effectively uses carnivalesque humour to provide sharp social commentary. Its blend of satire and offensiveness serves a greater purpose, challenging viewers to question societal norms and exposing the absurdities within. By making everyone and everything fair game for critique, South Park remains a powerful tool for social reflection and commentary.

References:

• Cartman Gets an Anal Probe (1997) Directed by Trey Parker [TV Show]. South Park, CO: Comedy Central.

• You Have 0 Friends (2010) Directed by Trey Parker [TV Show]. South Park, CO: Comedy Central.

• Thompson, E. (2008) ‘Good Demo, Bad Taste: South Park as Carnivalesque Satire’. Television & New Media, 9(4), pp. 251-269.

• Bedford, S. (2012) ‘10 Socially Relevant South Park Episodes’. Available at: http://whatculture.com/tv/10-socially-relevant-south-park-episodes.php (Accessed: 6 May 2015).