Freedom of Speech Taken Too Far??

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Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/21/south.park.religion/index.html?iref=allsearch



Constitutional Connection: First Amendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."


Analysis of Connection: The show South Park has always been controversial and has exercised their right to freedom of speech to the fullest. The show has talked about all religions and all types of people. But on April 14 they aired a show about religious superheros and showed Mohammed the Muslim Prophet in a bear suit. Of course, the Muslim community was upset about this. And they basically posted death threats against the creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker. "We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo van Gogh for airing this show," the group said on its website. "This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality that will likely happen to them." Refering to the Dutch director who was killed by an Islam extremist, he made a video called "Submission" about the abuse of women in Islam. I believe that both have taken their rights of  freedom of speech too far. I sometimes watch South Park, but I kind of dislike the show because of their low blows to different religions and races. I know to some it may be entertaining, but it does cross the line sometimes. I can understand how the Muslim community could and should be upset, for a part of their religion was made fun of. But they also seemed to overdo their freedom of speech. Making statements that someone could end up like a dead person is out of bounds. But everything that the website has said has been protected by the First Amendment. I the end both parties are wrong, and I remain neutral in this issue. South Park should not have went that far in making fun of a religion, but they do it all of the time, this is not the first time they have made fun of Mohammed. At the same time I believe that the website, Revolution Muslim should have not made death threats over a cartoon, I understand that they may feel disrespected but people make fun of Muslims and other religions all of the time.

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