In the early seasons of South Park Matt Stone and Trey Parker were much less liberal with their use of metaphor and symbolism, and most of their stories and images represented themselves directly. In later seasons Parker and Stone began to use these two narrative devices to advance South Park beyond a silly, foul mouthed cartoon, and into a brilliant satire of American culture. For instance, in the season eight episode "Douche and Turd", the elementary school is required to vote for a new mascot, and due to Cartman's interference, the choice is between and giant douche and turd sandwich. Taken at face value this is a simple story, but when considered in context of the 2004 presidential election Stone and Parker have created a complex metaphor. As Wells says "metaphors make the literal interpretation of images ambiguous and sometimes contradictory because they invite an engagement with the symbolic over and above the self-evident" (Wells, 84). This episode presents more than just the literal interpretation of a grade school mascot election, asking the viewer to look beyond the literal images and into the symbolism they have used to vocalize their disappointment in the choices of the 2004 presidential election.
Stone and Parker have continued this tradition of metaphors through their animation with many episodes which are metaphors for contemporary conditions in America. This is another aspect of their work which is significant. The quick production schedule of their shows allows them to comment on current events within a week of the event. They are able to create symbolism and metaphors which the common viewer should be able to determine due to their connection with contemporary events.
Speaking of South Park's growth towards more political satire and metaphor, it's always struck me odd that people seriously dislike this new narrative style over the old one. Why is it that people hate metaphor and satire?
ReplyDeleteIf anything, I would think people would grow to like more complex narratives than the simple stories the show used to have. Back then, it was all potty humor anyway. Not that it was a bad thing, but I think the new South Park is much better.
I actually like the new episodes more. I didn't watch a lot of south park in the beginning because it was all ridiculous potty humor that never strike me as hilarious. I liked the occasional morals ( I don't know if that is the new or old or both) that sort've wrapped up the story. It seems as though Simpsons is going the same route with symbolizing the American culture and current events. I think with these types of metaphors in animation, it helps the culture connect in a different circumstances, like you said. Maybe no one likes watching the news anymore and would prefer such satire than a reporter telling the story. Maybe it even clarifies things with the younger audience so they can put things together in that perspective.
ReplyDeleteThat why I always liked South Park. They were more subtle in the humor and refrences. When you look at a show like Family Guy they outright say names and make tacky jokes. South Park makes pop culture refrences without being too in your face.
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