Now THAT'S Insensitive
Isaac Hayes, the famous soul-singer, will be remembered by Generation Xers for something completely different. Since 1997, the deep-voiced smooth talker has voiced the “chef” character on the horrible irreverent television show “South Park.”
That is, until yesterday, when Hayes, 67, asked out of his contract and was granted his release. Why did he ask out? He was offended at a recent episode! (Please, take a moment and realize what was just said: “South Park” offends people.) Since the show’s inception, the creators have intentionally offended many different groups, including religious groups. They have made fun of religion in general, but have also taken shots at Judaism, Islam and, of course, Christianity. To put it simply, nothing is sacred to those who run this show.
Recently, however, an episode entitled “Trapped in the Closet” poked fun at Scientology and made reference to some of the more famous proponents of that belief, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Isaac Hayes is an adherent of Scientology. He was offended that they would make fun of the religion of which he is a part.
There are a couple of sad things here. One is simply that religion is made fun of. While I may not agree with those who do not follow the New Testament, I have no right to make fun of their faith. Religion is a deeply personal issue. I can argue. I can fight for the truth. I can debate. I can try to change someone’s mind. But I should never be driven to make fun of someone else’s belief system.
But, another lesson comes from Hayes himself. Isn’t he representative of so many of us? How many of us don’t mind poking fun at others all the time (even about personal issues, such as religion), but, as soon as the barrel is turned the other way, we can’t take it? Hayes has made crude jokes and been party to so many other terrible things on this show for years. Now, however, the first time his belief system is questioned, it’s offensive to him. Let’s be careful and make sure we are not the same way.
Oh yeah, and, just in case you needed reminding, let’s not watch the trash that is “South Park.”
