How Did Mormons React to the South Park Episode About Them?
It is not uncommon to hear about the frequent mockery faced by the Mormons from popular media and entertainment. The 2015 South Park episode titled “…And Suddenly, the Mitchums Are Destroyed” was one such instance where Mormons were the subject of humor.
Personal Reflections on the Impact of Mockery
Personal Reflections on the Impact of Mockery
As a member of the Mormon Church for 75 years, I appreciate the entertainment from the The Book of Mormon musical. The show often pokes fun at our beliefs, but I find their satire mostly accurate. The language used, however, can be harsh and displeasing at times. Despite some distaste for the language, I do not find the historical mockery from South Park particularly offensive, and thus, I do not hold it in as high regard.
Similar to the mockery from South Park, the LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has been subject to mockery by many. The mockery directed towards LDS is lessened when compared to the mockery levied against other religions. In a previous episode, South Park even humorously depicted the idea that living according to LDS beliefs was the right path, which reflects a kinder view of the Mormons compared to other religions.
The Community’s Response and Resilience
Resilience and Community Response
Instead of finding offense in these portrayals, the Mormon community has remained resilient. As one witness to the mockery, I can attest that there was no significant backlash or reaction. This is in part due to our community's understanding and acceptance of the nature of such satire and media parodies. We do not see mockery as a personal assault or a reflection of the character of our beliefs, but rather, as a part of a larger cultural tapestry.
Mormons tend to maintain a sense of humor and perspective in the face of mockery. Yes, we are not considered cool, nor were we ever. Being able to laugh at ourselves, and not take the mockery personally, has helped us maintain our composure and focus on our communities and families. We often jest that we are“fInTheFace”, or faced with criticism and mockery, but we choose to be good friends, good neighbors, and good co-workers, rather than engaging in fruitless arguments.
The Impact on Personal and Community Perceptions
Impact on Personal and Community Perceptions
The episode does end on a positive note, with Stan learning from Mormon culture, specifically his friend's family. Despite finding their doctrines ridiculous at first, Stan unfolds after his friend’s family shows him a strong familial bond, which serves as a stark contrast to his own dysfunctional family. The episode highlights how perspective can change through personal experience rather than through academic arguments or debates.
This mockery serves a dual purpose: it both reflects broader societal indifference and often unintentionally negates the very points it attempts to make. The mockery brought about by South Park is an example of this paradox. People who perceive the episode as anti-Mormon are often clueless, as the episode does not ultimately portray the Mormon community in a negative light. In fact, such portrayals can lead to increased understanding and even acceptance, as seen with Stan's growth in the episode.
Conclusion
Despite the mockery and persecution, the Mormon community remains strong and resilient. Rather than feeling compelled to refute every accusation, we choose to focus on creating meaningful connections within our communities. The episode in South Park serves as a reminder of the importance of individual perception, and the positive impact of firsthand experiences in changing one’s views on a community or religion.
Understanding and accepting different communities, even in the face of mockery, can lead to greater mutual respect and understanding, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.