Weinstock writes about cultural importance of South Park cartoon

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“South Park’s” Kyle, Kenny, Stan and Cartman will not hesitate to spit
racial slurs and make fun of each other’s mothers.

While many people might find it repulsive, Jeffrey Weinstock,
assistant English professor, said he is intrigued.

Weinstock is compiling a collection of essays tying the adult themes
of the Comedy Central animated show with American culture.

“It surprises me how they manage to keep shocking people,” he said.
“It’s uncanny how quickly they can put together a show that deals with
a contemporary political issue.”

The essays include topics such as the obscenity, anti-Semitism and
race relations seen in “South Park”.

Weinstock said what inspired him to write about “South Park” was how
little attention the academic community has paid to a show that
attracts so many viewers.

He said anything that has such a large number of viewers each week
is an important part of American culture.

“South Park”, created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, is in its 9th
season.

The essay topics were selected based on proposals submitted by
professors around the world, although they have not been written yet.

Weinstock said the book is intended for the academic community and
those who have an analytical interest in South Park, but not for an
average fan of the show.

“All of the contributors are fans of the show, but not all the
essays are (going to be) glowing reviews,” he said.

Ari Berk, associate English professor, has worked with Weinstock and
is familiar with selections of his writing.

“He’s a fine example of what a modern scholar can be doing,” Berk
said.

Weinstock has a number of books available dealing with American
popular culture, including a similar book in progress about The
Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

The main reason he felt “South Park” is worth writing about is
because the show has not received much attention in the academic
community.

“My presumption is that programs like “South Park” and others like
it have not been given much attention, but are part of pop culture,” he
said.