The Humorous Reproduction of Religious Prejudice: "Cults" and Religious Humour in The Simpsons, South Park, and King of the Hill

Abstract

Through an examination of how generic "cults" are presented in three specific episodes of The Simpsons, South Park , and King of the Hill , this article illustrates how humorous prejudice is reproduced through popular entertainment. It argues that a generic "cult" stereotype has developed over time in mass media and is reproduced in these programs for comedic effect. After demonstrating how specific correlations between historic fears about specific groups have found their way into these programs, it concludes with a discussion of the political significance of these programs' satire.