South Park To Tackle Colin Kaepernick Controversy In Season Premiere [VIDEO]
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- No matter which side of a hot-button issue or controversial topic you fall on, you can always rely on South Park to address such stories by hilariously eviscerating everyone involved and everything about it. San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick looks to be the latest to feel the wrath of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's ruthless, uncompromising brand of social commentary.
A preview clip from Wednesday's 20th season premiere shows Stan and Kyle at a sporting event with their dads, among others, as they sing the "National Anthem" with new lyrics. The "alternate" anthem aims to poke fun at the controversy of Kaepernick's anthem protests, which have begun to spread around the NFL, even to the Patriots. Watch the preview in the video above.
Based on the new lyrics added to the anthem, Parker and Stone are taking clear shots at Kaepernick for generalizing all police as bad people - whether he meant to or not, that's how his protests have been viewed by those who supported law enforcement in response. Parker and Stone appear to be pointing out how easy it is to contradict yourself when you consider all police "pigs," yet call them first if your stuff gets stolen. The clip also takes aim at anyone who even listens to Kaepernick, who's "not even any good," in the first place.
If you think South Park might be just turning a blind eye to the issue of police brutality that Kaepernick is protesting against, think again - they covered that 12 years ago, and again just last season. Their ire will likely aim more at the general idea of taking someone like Kaepernick seriously, rather than the issue being overblown or nonexistent.
When you generalize an entire group or class of people, South Park tends to take notice. Kaepernick will get his first taste of that on Wednesday - and knowing the history of South Park, they'll probably find a way to take some shots at Tom Brady too.
South Park's 20th season premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
