Chefs Hat

In 1997, I was a junior in college. That was also the year that millions of college students nationwide sat, mouth agape, and watched this new show, South Park. A simple cartoon about a bunch of kids with dirty mouths. South Park is probably responsible for more laughs per minute than any other show in the last decade. One reason I like it is because nothing, NOTHING is sacred – everything is made fun of. Religion, race, politics, sex, scandal, every group and sub-group known to mankind is fair game when it comes to South Park’s humor. Well, now we find that it has offended Isaac Hayes, a.k.a., the character of Chef. Apparently, he’s been cool with making fun of Jews, Christians, Muslims and every other religion on earth, but they stepped on his toes when they picked on his religion, Scientology. Here’s his quote on the day he quit the show:

“There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins. Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices.”

Pardon? You can’t accept a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices? But you’re fine doing a show where Jesus and Satan get in a boxing match? Or a show that shows a convention of pedophile priests discussing how they can get away with their evil? And, dear Isaac, you’re okay with Cartman making fun of Stan’s Jewish heritage on every show? Yeah, that makes sense.

Look, any fool who’s ever watched an episode knows the true genius of South Park is that no one is safe, everyone is in their crosshairs and, believe it or not, the things they make fun of are legitimate social phenomena. Don’t go getting your boxers all in a wad, Mr. Hayes, because now they targeted your belief. That’s just hypocritical.

If you can’t do what you say, and say what you do, then basically you should just shut up. So, Mr. Hayes, stick that in your Chef’s hat and smoke it