I do not watch "Family Guy" for one simple reason: I'm not a fan of puking my guts out and, no doubt, the show would create that kind of reaction from me. I've seen enough previews to know that it is the kind of thing I simply would not find humorous. I've seen their mocking of Jesus, for example, and frankly, I don't give place to that in my home.
Therefore, had it not been the subject of many a blog and email yesterday, I would not have known about Sunday's episode that alludes to Governor Palin and her son, Trig.
In the episode, a feisty girl with Down Syndrome has a date with a teenage boy. Forgive me for not knowing the names of any of the show's characters. Like I said, I have an aversion to puking; thus, my ignorance of the culture of "Family Guy."
As I began watching the video clip yesterday, I was scratching my head, for if there is any appeal at all to the show, I am completely oblivious to it. No, let me be honest: there isn't any. What I found was something that both angered and saddened me.
Upon demanding that she be asked about her family, the special needs character identifies her mother as "the former governor of Alaska." Without the use of names, it is an obvious reference to the Palins, as Trig has Down Syndrome and Palin is the former Alaska governor.
Much has been discussed, and even more written, about this episode. Even leftists acknowledge that this is below the belt. You can see the clip for yourself by clicking here. Personally, I cannot figure out why the Palin reference is necessary. I cannot figure out how it adds to the storyline. It certainly doesn't contribute to any humor that a good archaeologist might manage to dig up somewhere in this show.
"Family Guy" has taken a shot at Palin before. During the 2008 campaign, Palin and McCain were portrayed as Nazis. As insulting as that was, there is a major difference between that piece of trash and this one. That one went after adults. Sunday's attack? That attack involved a child. That attack revealed, as Bristol Palin so wisely stated, "that they're heartless jerks."
As far as I'm concerned, personal attacks are just asinine. Nonetheless, we adults have learned to just plow through them. However, when people's children are placed on the chopping block, a line is crossed that simply cannot be tolerated.
Let me remind you: Barack Obama told the media early in his candidacy to leave his children alone. He was right to make such a request/demand--and everyone obeyed. Children of public figures should be off-limits. Governor Palin's children deserve the same respect President Obama's children have been given, which is the same respect every child deserves.
So in the name of decency, "Family Guy"--and everyone else who has declared a never-ending hunting season on her children: "Leave Governor Palin's children alone!"
But what does the show's creator have to say?
The Times asked "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane for an interview regarding the matter. But he opted to send a statement via his publicist: "From its inception, 'Family Guy' has used biting satire as the foundation of its humor. The show is an "equal-opportunity offender."
Really? Well, if he wants to be "an equal opportunity offender," then he deserves "an equal opportunity" response from the people. If this is his only means of getting laughs, perhaps the show needs to find some new people who understand that there's no comedy in demeaning a special needs boy and his mother.
I am calling on all of us to contact the sponsors of Sunday's show to tell them exactly how we feel about the disgusting, heartless sense of humor displayed on "Family Guy" Sunday night.
Governor Palin wrote in her Facebook note that this "felt like another kick in the gut." It's time we kick back. You are consumers; therefore, you are powerful. Use that power.
There will be those who will say contacting sponsors, boycotting companies, and making our voices heard are over the top. To those people I say look at the clip of "Family Guy" mocking Trig--an innocent, precious gift from God who means as much to his family as your children and loved ones mean to you. Now tell me it's over the top!
Here's the contact information (Be sure to contact Fox):
Fox News: Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO, News Corporation - 212-852-7000
Fox Broadcasting Company - 310-369-1000
YUM! Brands (Pizza Hut) - 502-874-8300
Red Bull North America Inc. - 310-393-4647
Mars, Inc. - 703-821-4900
Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. - 800-331-4331
Bally Total Fitness Holdings Corp. - 773-399-1300
Pfizer, Inc. - 212-573-2323
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company - 312-644-2121
Universal Pictures - 818-777-1000
(H/T thedesignconservative)
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