Cowards, Critics, and Catholics

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, South Park and the Politics of Religious Humor in the United States

Authors

  • David Feltmate Auburn University at Montgomery

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/bsor.v42i3.2

Keywords:

religion, humor, Catholic, Catholic League, South Park, blasphemy

Abstract

Throughout its history South Park has had a contentious relationship with Catholicism, frequently using Catholic doctrine, rituals, and popular practices as a foil for humor. This article examines the way that a Catholic parachurch organization, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, has criticized South Park and its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone as cowardly and not the satirical mavericks they are frequently portrayed as in popular media. Using the sociologies of religion, humor, and culture, this article demonstrates that this conflict reflects deeper conflicts over the limits of free speech, the place of Catholics in American culture, and the importance of humor in criticizing and controlling religious traditions in the United States.

Author Biography

  • David Feltmate, Auburn University at Montgomery

    Dr. David Feltmate, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Auburn University at Montgomery in Montgomery, AL. He is a specialist in the sociologies of religion, humor, and popular culture.

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Episodes Referenced:

“Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boatride.” Episode 1.4. Originally aired 3 September 1997. Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Damien.” Episode 1.10. Originally aired 4 February 1998. Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Do the Handicapped Go To Hell?” Episode 4.9. Originally aired 19 July 2000. Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Probably.” Episode 4.10. Originally aired 26 July 2000. Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Red Hot Catholic Love.” Episode 6.08. Originally aired 3 July 2002. Written by Trey Parker. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Bloody Mary.” Episode 9.14. Originally aired 7 December 2005. Written by Trey Parker. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Cartoon Wars.” Episode 10.3. Originally aired 5 April 2006. Written by Trey Parker. Directed by Trey Parker.

“Cartoon Wars: Part 2.” Episode 10.4. Originally aired 12 April 2006. Written by Trey Parker. Directed by Trey Parker.

Published

2013-09-27

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Feltmate, D. (2013). Cowards, Critics, and Catholics: The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, South Park and the Politics of Religious Humor in the United States. Bulletin for the Study of Religion, 42(3), 2-11. https://doi.org/10.1558/bsor.v42i3.2