South Park: The New Frontier

The use of satire questions the “status quo,” which is defined as the current state of existing affairs. Power is deeply rooted in the status quo; perhaps, satire is criticized for this very reason. In other words, the people in power prefer to preserve the current state of being, because they have control over society. Consequently, these authoritative beings lash out when others attempt to defy the status quo, as their power is threatened. I argue that the performance of satire is a way to challenge the existing condition, bring about social change, and question those in power.

Performing satire is a way to communicate the need for transformation. It is a critical intervention that seeks to alter society. While written satire is an effective catalyst for change, I believe that the performance of this genre is more persuasive in that it catches our attention. When we read discourse, it may be more difficult to grasp the severity and importance of the agenda the source is pushing for. A performance can be more influential, as a visual stimulus has more of an intense and lasting impact. Likewise, when a person can actually experience reenactments of the status quo through satirical means, he or she is forced to face our cultural inadequacies. Today, animated shows such as South Park, Family Guy, and The Simpsons challenge hierarchy and cultural defectiveness.

South Park in particular, is one of the most satirical and controversial shows to ever air. The cartoon utilizes irony, sarcasm, and outrage in order to point out problems within pop culture. In my opinion, the show is an intervention that invites you to be a part of a group, which means that you are “in” on the hidden meaning behind the obvious plot. As a result, people begin to discuss the show and its objective, which at least aides in the recognition of social problems. Change begins with discussion; thus, South Park is influential for this reason. I have included a link to a South Park YouTube clip below, which satirizes the obsession with Facebook and the website’s consequences. I also have included a link that demonstrates how much the South Park creators despise the “status quo.” To say the least, they authenticate how much society reifies the existing condition. For me, this show is an effective catalyst for change, because it is the children not the adults who defy and point out the problems with the existing condition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqCOFcOZBNA

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/210218/?searchterm=dance

Furthermore, with the creation of mass media, performers of satire have a golden opportunity to aide in social change by reaching a large number of people. From the development of television, to the vast number of websites that stream video, critics of mainstream society have the liberty to subvert in a subliminal manner. Attacking social issues and power through the manipulation of facts unmasks the hypocrisy and self-serving notions of reality imposed by dominant cultures. Thus, it is through satirical subversive methods, that one may experience a shock of recognition. A shocking revelation can spike discussion, analysis, criticism, strong feelings, and action. Perhaps, the more atrocious the satire appears to be, the more people will discuss, which ultimately leads to social change.