I am grateful to Andrew Sullivan for calling to my attention a blog entry in defense of South Park, from a site titled "Sorry Baby, But Nobody Rules The Tom Monster." Blogger Tom Meyer rebuts Brent Bozzell (whom I generally admire) for his somewhat unfair attack on South Park.

I stipulate that SP is crude and vulgar, as would anyone anchored in reality. But SP also stands up for some very positive values, in a way that is both attractive and accessible to people in college, or a few years after it or before it. The phrase "South Park Republicans" has already come into wide usage, and it reflects an exceedingly important youth trend that we need to reinforce: conservatism is hip because it doesn't tolerate BS.

The specific SP episode in question was a hilarious, over the top attack on Paris Hilton. Ultimately, the episode was a plea for sexual modesty. But it made its argument in terms which would definitely not pass muster at most church youth groups: exaggeration, ridicule, and sheer gross imagery. As such, it is far likelier to reach those most "at risk" of becoming sluts, whores, or whatever terminology you prefer,such as the more politically correct term "girls with low self—esteem." And the character making the most eloquent plea was a gay bondage freak named "Mr. Slave" (who, incidentally, often says very sensible things, as do a number of other gay characters, like "Big gay Al").

Along with Tom Meyer and Andrew Sullivan, I hold the creators of South Park in high regard. They have matured considerably, gotten funnier and more pointed, and clearly are comic geniuses. Not all of their episodes work for me, but sometimes, as in the Paris Hilton trashing, they are hilarious and effective.

They are also invaluable allies in the struggle for the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Thomas Lifson   1 10 05