As a proud native of the great state of New Jersey, I was happy as a clam watching last night’s episode of South Park. Any time my home state gets some attention, I swell up with pride, even when it’s negative.
Sure, South Park skewered the annoying Real Housewives of New Jersey (right down to the infamous table flip and use of the phrase “prostitution whore”). And yes, the appearance of the Snooki as a hideously deformed creature was a brutal commentary on her disgusting and improbably rise to fame. But that’s not why I was happy.
It’s a Jersey Thing
Tags: SOUTH
PARKRandy Marsh,Eric Cartman,more…
The episode worked because it represented the Jersey attitude. After more than 24 years in the Garden State, I moved to Seattle and the differences in the people are shocking. People on the West Coast are relaxed and pleasant, something I’m still not used to. New Jersey residents are scrappy and abrasive, stemming from years of being disrespected as New York’s armpit.
As such, it really is a Jersey thing. Like Rodney Dangerfield, we get no respect, and if you don’t get it, we don’t care. South Park beautifully captured the spirit of New Jersey, and for that, I’m grateful.
It’s a Jersey Thing
Tags: SOUTH
PARKRandy Marsh,Eric Cartman,more…
Did South Park Go Too Far?
However, the episode wasn’t without one major flaw. I’ve never been offended by the show despite the fact that they’ve done some pretty brutal things. But as far as I’m concerned, South Park may have finally gone too far.
After Randy Marsh called Osama bin Laden to ask for al Qaeda’s help in defeating the New Jersey menace, the terrorists arrive flying airplanes and crashing them into the crowds of Jerseyans.
It’s a Jersey Thing
Tags: SOUTH
PARKRandy Marsh,Eric Cartman,more…
Watching terrorists use planes as weapons was shocking and quite offensive. I realize nothing is sacred on South Park, but there has to be a line, and for me, using the 9/11 attacks as a punchline crosses it.
The show has used the events of 9/11 as fodder for comedy in the past, but the jokes are almost always aimed at the reaction to the tragedy. It’s OK to make fun of faux patriotism and songs meant to capitalize on the tragedy, but the actual events that transpired on that Tuesday morning should be off limits.
It’s a shame that my wonderful state (home to the country’s most awesome governor, Chris Christie) had to be associated with such an offensive joke. Because if South Park stuck to prostitution whores and Snooki’s smush-quest, it would’ve been enough.
(Image and videos courtesy of Comedy Central)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.
