Readers' Reviews: South Park's 'Bloody Mary' 

Did you watch South Park? Tell us what you thought of the controversial 'Bloody Mary' episode that screened last evening.

In looking at ratings for last nights South Park show, it is sure proof that the power of the Church and the power of PR can have strong influence on our viewing habits. Last week, Southpark achieved a 1% channel share against 18-29 year olds, last night a whopping 41% channel share against the same audience.
- Dale Spencer

A good episode, although not Matt & Trey's very best work. As for the "blasphemous" part, it was a small part of the overall show (which is not really anything to do with catholicism) and they have shown far more nasty, blasphemous, graphic, libelous and obscene things on the show before now. Can we please get over it and move on now? Peace!
- Scott

I went out of my way to watch the South Park cartoon last night so I could make up my own mind if it was offensive. I thought it was amusing and if anyone could take offence I suggest it would be the avid twelve step believers/followers. We all have a choice to turn off our television sets if we are offended.
- Rosie

I can't believe they bumped the episode of South Park with New Zealand's own singing sensation, Wing.
- Jared

Catholicism in my mind is as much of a joke as any other religion. No one protests when Christians try to spread their particular views and philosophy to all and sundry, but they get so worked up when someone promotes an anti-Christian point of view view. People have the right to mock and ridicule the outlandish claims and practices of Catholics and the Vatican as much as any other institution. To me it seems that Alcoholics Anonymous was the organisation that really got a ribbing in last nights episode, but where is the uproar about that?
- Nick Reid

South Park is famous for poking fun at everything and everyone. One of the main characters is regularly harassed for being a Jew. It's pathetic that the Catholic Church is so up in arms over this, when they're happy to turn a blind eye when it's another religion that's being mocked. The Catholic Church wants respect for their religious icon? I'd like them to respect my choice to watch whatever I damn well please.
- Jess

South Park has done much worse in the past. As a society I think we have become desensitised by cartoons like these so I think that the creators are just trying to push the boundaries further as they have done so many times before. There will always be something that is offensive to someone but it's a matter of rising above it (or just not watching it) if you are upset by it.
- Lynette

Satire (noun) - Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity. South Park is a satire of small-town American life, and attacks the same targets as The Simpsons or The Family Guy, albeit is a much more caustic manner. These cartoons highlight the very real problems in life that live action shows are not able to touch with a 10-foot pole. Were Ross, Rachael or Joey ever in AA meetings, did Jerry or George ever deal with issues such as racism, or gay rights, and how many times have the cast of Desperate Housewives contemplated the effect of capitalistic greed on local and international poverty. All these taboo subjects, and many, many more, and being exposed by South Park to the generation that needs them the most - the youth. The words of wisdom and moral lessons that come via Stan's musings in these episodes are pure gold, and any censorship of this would truly be a crime against present and future humanity
- Jonathan

I am a Catholic, and no I didn't watch the episode last night; I do have to say though, that some people just don't "get it" as to the feeling that Catholics have for Mary and the Church. What if there was an overseas television programme that degraded and made fun of the brave Anzacs that died for our country? Would people try to have it stopped from being played? Of course they would; and no amount of "well just don't watch it then" would make any difference. An insult is an insult whether it's to your face or behind your back. Catholics feel the same way and have the same devotion to Mary and the Church as a New Zealander would have toward our brave Anzac heroes. Mary is admired and revered (though not "worshipped" as some other faiths think we do), in the same way.
- Joseph Francis

I did not watch South Park last night due to the fact that I was working, but I cannot for the life of me understand why the Catholics kicked up such a S*** storm over a cartoon while one of there brethren is in the court charged with sexual molestation of young boys. No ranting from them about how badly that has effected these young boys' lives, but O my God, watching a cartoon will certainly send you to the depths of hell ... time to "Send in the Lions" I say.
- Jonathan Phillips

I'm disappointed that there has been no sign of Wayne Mapp "Spokesman for Political Correctness Eradication". I expected he would be sticking up for Canwest and their right to air the 'Bloody Mary' episode.
- Gareth

Religious censorship? I don't think so. I do think C4 has the Catholic Church to thank for probably some of its biggest ratings in history and enough publicity to feed off for months.
- Dale

If our media are really bastions of free speech then they should publish/run both this South Park episode, and the Muslim cartoons, or neither. Taking the easy option by only playing South Park - while claiming grounds of sensitivity for not running the Muslim cartoons - just evidences their inability to truly defend free speech in the face of fear of reprisal.
- Jonathan

I am not a Catholic, however I believe this issue isn't about Catholicism. This episode offended me as a member of modern society, because of the disrespect it showed to women. All women, not just Mary. I would have been just as offended if the statue was the Venus de Milo. If South Park, and C4, are happy to degrade & insult women, fine, I just won't watch. However, given the recent events with Danish cartoons, and the reactions to this, it amazes me that C4 would be stupid enough to attack a religious icon in a cartoon! The world agreed with the Muslims that the cartoon of Muhammad was inappropriate, but to attack a Catholic deity, fine, no problem? Just because Catholics are less likely to get violent, it's OK to insult them?
- Steve

I have no affinity to any church or religion, but I do get upset when I see a woman on TV ads taking a pill for "thrush", or learning how easy it is to fit a "tampon", or being advised how absorbant "panty liners" are. Aren't these just as distasteful? When did these so-called wonderful religious people complaining about the "Bloody Mary" complain to the TV bosses about these disgusting things, and did they protest down the streets, complain bitterly, get the media in a frenzy, I think not, so for goodness sake, get over it, get a life, live up to your beliefs, forget about it, there is always going to be something out there that upset you.
- Jane Pierce

The comments I have read pro the screening of South Park last night are largely predictable and what one comes to expect from the liberal society that we seem to over-embrace at every opportunity. This event for me was not about freedom of speech but the need to have to provide such grubby graphics in the name of entertainment. And the comments I have read about how the church should be spending more efforts on other more important issues such as child abuse & poverty etc really shows the level of ignorance that is out there. If even a small per cent of the good work that was done by the church was shown on TV then that would make for good viewing. Oh, I forgot, good news isn't intersting anymore, is it.
- Michael Stride

I am a non-practising Catholic and watched the episode. I did not think it was offensive at all and believe that if people are comfortable within themselves with their own religion then it should not matter what outsiders think, say, or do. South Park is infamous for its satirical and crass humour and should not be taken seriously. At the end of the day, you can't be offended by something if you have not seen it, and I wonder how many of the Catholic protestors, or spokespeople for the Church actually watched the episode before they made comment.
- Anna

I've watched South Park for many years. Some things they've done have been offensive to me personally. I've either laughed at it because I can see the funny side, or not watched the episode. South Park makes fun of everyone and everything in the most childish and disgusting way possible. A lot of people find it to be an outlet for the more 'twisted' part of themselves. To the insulted Catholics out there - where were you when South Park was making terrible fun of homosexuals, anti-war protesters, hermaphrodites, black people etc? Or is that other stuff 'ok' by your standards, hence not worth your outrage? I cannot believe every single Catholic person insulted by this show has been unaware of the existence of South Park (and it's content) until now. I'm not willing to take a step back to when religion and politics where the same thing.
- Zenith

[Did] not watched this episode but I read about the particular scene in question and am not impressed. It is both degrading to Women and offensive to a wide range of religious people. However to all those radical Muslims (and I emphasise radical) take note how the rest of civilised human beings behave when their religious icons are attacked. There are no calls from the Pope for the death of the people responsible here. Interesting to compare our own Government's response to the cartoon incident and this one don't you think? Free speech must always be moderated with respect for others. Conversely those offended should moderate their actions, peaceful protest is appropriate. If God is offended is he not big enough to take of things himself?
- Chris

There is all this objection to the Bloody Mary episode of South Park but why? Where were the complaints from the christian sector of society with the Islamic cartoons. It is pretty obvious the underlying theme of this episode is that of self determinism. Miracles aren't needed for some things, the power of choice is ours, to be alcoholic or not, to watch South Park or not, to get upset over a cartoon or not,
- Philip

I watched, lightning bolts did not rain down upon me. I was not offended, but could understand how some could be. South Park humour is crude at the best of times, but that's why some people like it. The episode had very little to do with religion itself, it dealt with human beings' inability to determine their own path by satirising the twelve-step method employed by A.A. and suchlike. The statue of Mary was ancillary to this. I'm not overly religious and don't subscribe to organised religion for my own personal reasons which will remain just that. But I can think of better things to do on a wednesday night than stand outside a building telling people what to think and how to express that. Still, at least they're not calling for people to be executed.
- Reece Palmer

I saw the episode, yes its pretty rough, but then I've seen a lot worse on TV in the past 28 years of my life, and nobody really causes a fuss. Take "some" Hip Hop and Rap videos for an example, is that good for our kids? I'm rather frustrated at the way people pick on sideline issues, rather than looking at the big picture. It says to me, that it's OK for some people, but not for others, kinda sad really. The episode for me runs in line with the Muhammad caricature. All these views are saying, is that faiths - no matter what they are - can be taken so seriously that they can promote harm on the fellow human being. This has come clearer in our day and age as we see hate crimes carried out by religious extremists. Grow some thick skin people. There's a lot worse happening in this world. Hhave we really got a clear view of the what's going on today and why it happens? Until we all figure it out, change the channel!
- Bjorn

There are a lot of things on TV that people don't like. If you don't like it, don't watch it. On Sunday mornings they have a religious programme. I don't complain and I don't watch it. So maybe some people need to respect that we are not all religious and respect other peoples' views.
- Jodie

I don't usually watch South Park but had heard about it from my teenage son. Last night I watched the Bloody Mary episode and couldn't help contrasting the respect the makers have for their audience with the indoctrination I received during a so-called education at Catholic schools. Free speech is the foundation of freedom. We must resist attempts from an organisation that for hundreds of years sought to control people's minds. The inquisition is over - it's now time for the Catholic church and other religious organisations to respect the views and rights of those who wish to think for themselves.
- John Lawrey

I normally do not watch South Park but due to the hype surrounding this episode I wanted to see what the fuss was about, and to be honest, I found it no more offensive than any other episode. What I find most repugnant, is the effort and protest these people went to over a cartoon, when there are far more important issues in New Zealand and abroad worth protesting about, like child abuse and poverty, human rights issues, and the freedom to choose how we want to live. If only these people would put in half as much effort where it really matters, the world would be a better place, and perhaps religious organisations would be a bit more relevant to a modern free society. I fully support CanWest for preserving my right to freedom of choice, and not yielding to these hypersensitive zealots.
- Anthony Heard

Personally, I think the church should grow up and get with the times - also maybe learn to take the p**s out of themselves (Insert Tui advert). Nothing is safe anymore, rarely is anything "PC". I'm sure that if the church put out a cartoon with atheists bleeding all over the place no one would complain or blink an eye.
- Gavin

I watched South Park last night which I do not normally do. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I watched about half the programme then decided it was boring and I was tired. I do however respect CanWest's decision to let ME decide if I wanted to watch this programme. I get mighty sick and tired of the government, the rights groups, the religious groups and more telling me what I can and cannot say, do, how to raise my kids...the list goes on and on. I will not be boycotting TV3 or C4, I applaud them giving me the right to choose.
- Erin

I am not a South Park fan but I did watch the particular scene in question. And even though I'm not a Catholic I can understand the offence taken by Catholics. However, I would say that as a woman I found it rather offensive and distasteful. But then, that IS the sort of gutter humour I would expect from South Park hence I make the choice not to watch the show. Others are also free to choose to change channels - or better yet, just turn the TV off!
- Lisa

I did not watch it BECAUSE I have watched South Park before and found this brand of humour boring. Why should I go out of my way now- just because of trumped up publicity? Get a Life Everyone!
- Brigitte

Message from CanWest boardroom: Thanks for the ratings! I don't have any data but I'll bet the C4 ratings went through the roof last night. Last night's South Park episode was a little edgier than others maybe, but it's South Park! A cartoon made famous by its over simplification and cynical look at everything. If you don't want to watch it, change the channel. If you don't agree that strongly, don't watch the station. Just don't take away a good old laugh that the rest of us don't take seriously. It's not for kids, it's for adults who can think for themselves, or so we hope, and if they can't that is no fault of CanWest's.
- Ben M

It was satire. It could arguably have caused just as much offence to Alcoholics Anonymous. It made fun of 'magical thinking' and had a pretty decent moral at the end. The attack on belief in miracles was savage only because of the over-the-top depiction of blood/menstruation which had a strong element of typical South Park toilet humour. In the context of the whole episode, I don't think there was any put-down of the Catholic Church - only of what the writers might have seen as a gullible fringe of it. The message of the ep - that blind religious belief is no substitute for self-discipline - is thought-provoking enough to make up for the rather shocking blood images!
- Celia Kerr

I am not a Catholic myself and generally enjoy watching southpark, I even have Shares in Canwest, however, degrading millions of peoples 'Holy' Icon in the most disgusting way possible has taken liberilism too far. Sure we can have freedom of speech, but that is not a license to insult everyone just because we can. Come on CanWest, stand for something or you will fall for anything.
- Matt

The actions of CanWest puzzle me. They did in essence have more to gain in choosing not to show the 'Bloody Mary' episode than in broadcasting it. In being sympathetic to the views of the Christian community they stood to gain additional positive marketing from their willingness to take into account the emotions and beliefs of many of its viewers. It would take an absolute diehard South Park [fan] to be up in arms protesting outside their offices over the cancellation. Given the demographic CanWest hopes to entertain with South Park, they would only need to put on a replacement episode and the viewers would no doubt be content. So it begs the question, why the deliberate programming change that turned offence and debate into anger and contempt against itself? Is CanWest demonstrating its right to freedom of expression or is it displaying Anti-Christian sentiment, held by individuals of the company who know through media experience how to manipulate the term 'right' as a plausible excuse. It is like the excuse of the school bully in front of the principal, enough to free themselves of punishment, however all parties secretly knowing the truth.
- Phil Lewis