Sep 8, 2008

Russia to Ban South Park


Oh, this is a fun one. Things to discuss:
1. Why does Russia want to ban South Park?
2. Which episodes offended Russians so much?
3. And why is it legal to ban South Park in Russia?

Answer to #1: Prosecutors in Russia want to ban the award-winning satirical U.S. cartoon "South Park," calling the series "extremist" after receiving viewer complaints. The Russian Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith had asked prosecutors to ban South Park after it said 20 experts had studied the show for its effect on young viewers. The group's leader, Konstantin Bendas, said "South Park is just one of many cartoons that need to be banned from open broadcast...as it insults the feelings of religious believers and incites religious and national hatred."

Answer to #2: Season 3 Episode 15: "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics", which first aired in December 1999. My guess is later seasons have not yet reached Russia? Because otherwise, is an episode from season 3 really the most offensive example they could point to?

Answer to #3: Russia passed a 2006 law widening the definition of extremism to include "the abasement of national dignity" and "inciting religious and national hatred," which backers say was needed to stem a wave of violence aimed at ethnic minorities (not including Georgians, obviously...and several others, I suggest reading information from the SOVA center, which operates in Russia).

4 comments:

Pirates(and)Diplomats said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pirates(and)Diplomats said...

This idea weighs 64 courics.

Anonymous said...

It looks like South Park characters could become symbols of liberty movement in Russia. The battle against ban on American cartoons, mostly on South Park, but concerning others, like The Simpsons and Family Guy, is encouraging common Russians to defend their rights. What is your opinion on this topic - will Russian powers ban the 'immoral' cartoon series, or South Park's crew will be able to spread its word all over Russia freely? Vote here - http://www.votetheday.com/tv-15/russia-bans-south-park-332

Unknown said...

south park is my favorite tv show. i watch south park every seson Kyle Broflovski is my favorite charcter.