South Park, a show known best for crossing boundaries and making thousands of people angry across the globe for its crude jokes and odd humor. How does it handle a topic like the LGBT+ community better than some modern television shows?
First, before I start. I'm not going to be bringing up old LGBT characters such a Big Gay Al, as that was just a stereotypical gay character. I'm talking about the modern south park, ok. Let's get started.
MODERN MEDIA EXAMPLES
Example A. How to Get away with murder (2014)
How to get away with Murder had probably the most well-known gay couple, which was Connor and Oliver. After they break up, one of the men developed HIV after having unprotected sex, which falls into the stereotype that being gay and having sex leads to you getting Aids or some other disease. I haven't seen this in South Park, which is pretty surprising. I'm not saying HTGAWM is an awful show with this representation, as half of their main cast is some form of "not straight"
Example B, The Walking Dead (2010)
In the Walking Dead, Characters Denise and Tara had recently gotten together. Not even long after they got together, Denise is killed off. As I got from this one video I was watching while writing this, this is what is kinda called "Bury the Gays", which is basically killing off a character whose only personality trait is being gay for no fucking reason. South Park has actually never done this and has never killed off a gay character for no reason. Denise never even got a proper story arch, her only personality was being gay. And her story was rushed right before she was killed, too.
Example C. Onward (2020)
Onward was probably one of the most groundbreaking Pixar films to date, it had a rich storyline, lovable characters, and more. Right before the film was released, it was announced that a cyclops policewoman was lesbian, of course, this got everyone excited. But was she really in the film at all? No, not at all. This is just saying a character is gay just so you get people to watch your movie.
SOUTH PARK EXAMPLES
Example A. Cartman Sucks (2007)
Cartman sucks, probably a very iconic episode for that one scene, cartman's surprise to Butters. In this episode, we meet probably the most well-loved one-time character, Bradley. He and Butters were sent to a camp to "straighten them out", as for them being bisexual makes them confused and they don't know what they are. Near the end of the episode, Butter gives a very in-depth speech about how he is bicurious, and not confused. This is probably one of my favorite episodes, due to the very well representation with Butters, and brings awareness about concentration camps.
Example B. Tweek X Craig (2015)
Tweek x Craig was one of the most popular ships in south park, which got the attention of Matt and Trey and got themselves two episodes based on each other. One with the exact same name and one about Craig trying to calm Tweek down. What started out as a joke to make fun of shipping culture, turned out to be one of the most fleshed-out gay couples in south park. They aren't overly feminine and like to wear dresses, they're just regular elementary boys. Craig's dad even went through the same 'denial' that Stan did with sparky in the season one episode, "Big Gay Al's Big gay boat ride" I think it was called, (correct me if I'm wrong)
Example C. Follow That Egg! (2005)
Follow That Egg featured South Park's oldest gay characters to date, Big Gay Al and Mr. Slave, getting married. I know I said I wouldn't mention stereotype characters, but they need their own part in this.
What I like about these characters is that they're not just gay stereotypes. They're both fully fleshed out men. They both have their story, and that's what I find special about them. At first, Al was just there to make fun of gay people, now he really is just his own character. Mr. Slave was a joke character to have with Mr. Garrison, and now he is too his own character. They really are special characters and not just your average stereotype.
Now, at the end of this essay, it's where I ask, you, the reader. What do you think? Do you think South Park is good at representation, or do you think it's just one big joke like all the other things it does? How do you think modern media does it? Please, give me your feedback. I'd love to have a conversation about this.
Also, please try and be civil, it's kinda a dumb thing to fight about.
Some of my points are from this video, it's very good and I recommend you watch it!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1ix93_HR4c&t=936s&ab_channel=PrideBrary
