Judge slams 'vulgar' South Park for 'Kick a Ginger Day' attacks - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-11-2009, 08:01 PM

Two Calgary teenagers have been handed absolute discharges in an assault on a classmate on so-called 'Kick a Ginger Day.'

Judge Lynn Cook-Stanhope said on Friday she was satisfied the teenagers had taken responsibility for their actions, and she saved her scathing remarks for the animated television show South Park, which she called a "vulgar, socially irreverent program that contributes nothing to society."

Unfortunately, the writers and producers of the show will never be called to account for encouraging such action, the judge added.

The charges stemmed from an attack on a red-headed Grade 10 boy in the locker room of St. Francis High School after gym class.

The locker room assault happened on Nov. 20, which was promoted by a Facebook group as Kick a Ginger Day. The Facebook group urged members to kick people with red hair — referred to as ginger kids. The group was likely inspired by a South Park episode from 2005 focusing on one character's hateful attitude toward redheads.

At least three Calgary schools reported attacks that day on red-headed students.

At St. Francis High School, police were asked to investigate rumours of a locker-room swarming, and 13 students were suspended. Two 15-year-old boys were charged with one count each of assault and pleaded guilty in youth court. They can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

On Friday, Cook-Stanhope said that since the assault, one of the teenagers has done community service, while the other made a donation to a youth club. Both have written letters of apology to the victim, who she said is still dealing with the aftermath of the assault.

The two teenagers showed very little reaction to news of the discharge, but their parents whispered thank you and seemed very relieved. The victim's family left quickly without commenting to the media.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/sto...ck-ginger.html

Schmoopie · 05-12-2009, 02:55 AM

That's terrible! I don't like Southpark at all and it's horrible that these idiot kids are stupid enough to think that it's okay to carry out these ridiculous ideas. Sorry to post this on this board since it's a Southpark board and I know the show has fans. But when kids end up being traumatized and hurt becuase of a TV show and some idiot kids; something is very wrong. Not necesarily with the TV show but these kids parents shouldn't allow them to watch it any longer. It's obvious that the kids took this prank way too seriously.

JamesG · 05-12-2009, 06:45 AM

There is one thing that stands out here; these aren't babies we're dealing with but these are high school kids. Fifteen year olds should know way better than to pull stupid stunts like this.

Sounds like to me, without knowing the details of this case, that some people just wanted to have malicious fun for no reason than to cause trouble and probably were inspired by this South Park episode to start beat-downs on red-heads just for the hell of it.

I wouldn't say it's the fault of the show; just dumb teenagers with no regard for anybody that wanted to start crap.

If this incident was surrounding elementary school kids, like eight and nine year olds doing random beatings maybe the situation will be a bit different but for high-school kids there is no excuse for this.

browneyes106 · 05-17-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

There is one thing that stands out here; these aren't babies we're dealing with but these are high school kids. Fifteen year olds should know way better than to pull stupid stunts like this.

Sounds like to me, without knowing the details of this case, that some people just wanted to have malicious fun for no reason than to cause trouble and probably were inspired by this South Park episode to start beat-downs on red-heads just for the hell of it.

I wouldn't say it's the fault of the show; just dumb teenagers with no regard for anybody that wanted to start crap.

If this incident was surrounding elementary school kids, like eight and nine year olds doing random beatings maybe the situation will be a bit different but for high-school kids there is no excuse for this.

I totally agree it was stupid of teenagers to do a stunt like that. They are at a age that they shouldn't easily be influenced by tv shows.

05-11-2009, 08:01 PM	#1
Brian Damage Moderator Forum Legend I'm Rich Bitch Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 62,155	Judge slams 'vulgar' South Park for 'Kick a Ginger Day' attacks Two Calgary teenagers have been handed absolute discharges in an assault on a classmate on so-called 'Kick a Ginger Day.' Judge Lynn Cook-Stanhope said on Friday she was satisfied the teenagers had taken responsibility for their actions, and she saved her scathing remarks for the animated television show South Park, which she called a "vulgar, socially irreverent program that contributes nothing to society." Unfortunately, the writers and producers of the show will never be called to account for encouraging such action, the judge added. The charges stemmed from an attack on a red-headed Grade 10 boy in the locker room of St. Francis High School after gym class. The locker room assault happened on Nov. 20, which was promoted by a Facebook group as Kick a Ginger Day. The Facebook group urged members to kick people with red hair — referred to as ginger kids. The group was likely inspired by a South Park episode from 2005 focusing on one character's hateful attitude toward redheads. At least three Calgary schools reported attacks that day on red-headed students. At St. Francis High School, police were asked to investigate rumours of a locker-room swarming, and 13 students were suspended. Two 15-year-old boys were charged with one count each of assault and pleaded guilty in youth court. They can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. On Friday, Cook-Stanhope said that since the assault, one of the teenagers has done community service, while the other made a donation to a youth club. Both have written letters of apology to the victim, who she said is still dealing with the aftermath of the assault. The two teenagers showed very little reaction to news of the discharge, but their parents whispered thank you and seemed very relieved. The victim's family left quickly without commenting to the media. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/sto...ck-ginger.html __________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

05-12-2009, 02:55 AM	#2
Schmoopie Moderator Forum Veteran I adore David Hyde Pierce! Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Seattle-The home of Niles Crane, Cafe Nervosa and KACL 780AM Posts: 10,590	That's terrible! I don't like Southpark at all and it's horrible that these idiot kids are stupid enough to think that it's okay to carry out these ridiculous ideas. Sorry to post this on this board since it's a Southpark board and I know the show has fans. But when kids end up being traumatized and hurt becuase of a TV show and some idiot kids; something is very wrong. Not necesarily with the TV show but these kids parents shouldn't allow them to watch it any longer. It's obvious that the kids took this prank way too seriously. __________________ Daphne: I hope some day some man will feel that way about me. Niles: Oh, Daphne, don't worry. You are a very special person, and some day a man worthy of you will come along... just as soon as the gods create him. Daphne: I feel very close to you. Niles: I feel very close to you too Daphne. You know it's easy being someone you feel close to when you feel close to someone who's so close.

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05-12-2009, 06:45 AM	#3
JamesG Moderator Forum Veteran Freakshow Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 22,345	There is one thing that stands out here; these aren't babies we're dealing with but these are high school kids. Fifteen year olds should know way better than to pull stupid stunts like this. Sounds like to me, without knowing the details of this case, that some people just wanted to have malicious fun for no reason than to cause trouble and probably were inspired by this South Park episode to start beat-downs on red-heads just for the hell of it. I wouldn't say it's the fault of the show; just dumb teenagers with no regard for anybody that wanted to start crap. If this incident was surrounding elementary school kids, like eight and nine year olds doing random beatings maybe the situation will be a bit different but for high-school kids there is no excuse for this.