California Conservative

“So, Scientology, you may have won THIS battle, but the million-year war for earth has just begun!”

Last month, it was Muslim outrage over cartoons in Denmark.

This month, it’s celebrity outrage over the popular television cartoon, South Park.

As Eric Cartman might observe, “Dudes, what the f***k?”

On Monday, the story first hit our radar when actor Isaac Hayes, the voice behind Chef, announced that he’s quiting the show.

The AP reports: “Isaac Hayes has quit ‘South Park,’ where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religion.”

Hayes, who has played the ladies’ man/school cook in the animated Comedy Central satire since 1997, said in a statement Monday that he feels a line has been crossed.

“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,” the 63-year-old soul singer and outspoken Scientologist said.

“Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored,” he continued. “As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices.”

But after many successful seasons of mocking other people and religions, is it really about tolerance?

Matt Stone, co-creator of the animated satire, responds:

“This is 100 percent having to do with his faith in Scientology…He has no problem and he’s cashed plenty of checks with our show making fun of Christians.”

Yesterday, we read the news that Tom Cruise helped “shut down” the network on Wednesday from airing the episode which makes fun of Church of Scientology.

AP reports:

Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of the animated satire, are digging in against the celebrity-endorsed religion after a controversial episode mocking outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise was yanked abruptly from the schedule Wednesday with an Internet report saying it was covert warfare by Cruise that led to its departure.

“So, Scientology, you may have won THIS battle, but the million-year war for earth has just begun!” the “South Park” creators said in a statement Friday in Daily Variety. “Temporarily anozinizing our episode will NOT stop us from keeping Thetans forever trapped in your pitiful man-bodies… You have obstructed us for now, but your feeble bid to save humanity will fail!”

The Internet blogger hollywoodinterrupted.com said Thursday that Cruise threatened to not promote “Mission: Impossible 3,” a surefire summer blockbuster, if the offending episode ran. Comedy Central is owned by Viacom, as is Paramount, which is putting out the film.

Ironically, not so widely reported is that the episode is not just about poking fun at Scientology. It’s about sexuality. In particular, allegedly that of Tom Cruise.

The “offending” episode already ran months ago. We saw it. As usual, it was funny.

However, Cruise may want the show off the air for another reason. Namely, because it’s suggesting that he’s a homosexual.

Aside from the jabs at Scientology, the show’s highlight gag features Cruise seeking the approval of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, but is rejected when Hubbard quips that “He’s no Leonardo DiCaprio.” This makes Tom run into a closet to weep, and prompts his Hollywood friends to show-up.

Among them, John Travolta, another Scientologist, stands outside, urging Cruise to “come out of the closet.” The implication is clear.

And so is the hypocrisy of Hollywood.

UPDATE: (4/6)
Michelle Malkin: “South Park and Cartoon Jihad”

UPDATE:
Former Van Halen frontman cum radio DJ, David Lee Roth has colorful perspectives on the story, and so do the callers.
Listen here (6-7am Mar 17)

Michelle Malkin: “South Park and Double Standards”
More from Doug TenNapel

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 18th, 2006 at 9:11 am and is filed under Hollywood, Liberals, Media, Religion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.