GLAAD Not Glad with ‘South Park’ Episode

According to NY Times Arts Beat Blog:

Fans of “South Park” are well aware that Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of that Comedy Central animated series, are not exactly delicate about their language on the show: one notorious episode from 2001 used a familiar vulgarity 162 times — so often that it conjured up an angry, rampaging dragon on the show. (Hence the term curse words.)

But an episode of “South Park” broadcast on Wednesday that centered on a different offensive word has elicited a more sober reaction.

On this latest episode, called “The F-Word,” the children of “South Park” decide that they will change the meaning of the word “fag” so that it will be used as a slur against burly, inconsiderate motorcyclists who ride loud Harley-Davidson bikes instead of against gay people. The children’s casual and frequent use of the word, which was broadcast unbleeped, offends adults and several gay characters on the show. But after the town learns the etymology of the word “faggot” (which began use as a derisive term for old women) and gains the approval of a dictionary official, their new meaning for the word is accepted.

But the episode did not sit easy with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, an advocacy group that monitors issues of gender identity and sexual orientation in the media. In a news release issued on Thursday night, the group asks for Comedy Central and the “South Park” staff to apologize for what it calls a “slur-filled episode.”

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Bubba the Love Sponge Takes On the Gay Agenda

As I was driving towards my office this morning, I heard a popular radio personality, Bubba the Love Sponge, use the word “fag” while advertising an event.  Being an activist for equality, I recognize the dangers and harm that are caused by the use of this word, as it perpetuates hate and bigotry.  The use of such words, especially by someone who is listened to nationwide, also sends a message to others that it is OK to use the word.  I find the word to be a derogatory term, whether or not the intent was or not, especially since so many have been beaten and killed while being called this word.

I decided not to let this one slide, so I called to lodge a complaint with the program manager, and found myself live on the show.  Listen to what he had to say to my objection by clicking the play button below.

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What’s your opinion?

He even has a poll on his website asking if the word “fag” is offensive.  Check it out by clicking here.