“South Park” and the high price of free speech

It’s been amply established that “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are maestros of phallic humor. No subject is too lofty for a joke related to male genitalia, even if the punchline amounts to little more than a penis’ presence.

What makes these moments count isn’t the exposure but who’s getting pantsed. In 2023’s “South Park (Not Suitable for Children),” Stan Marsh’s father Randy makes balls-out OnlyFans videos as part of a plot satirizing influencer culture. Rewinding to 2016, its “Wieners Out” episode is named for an incel movement that “Butters” Stotch launches by Winnie-the-Poohing it at school.

All this glee misses the real measuring contest that’s going on, which is about who has enough wealth and will to fend off this administration’s efforts to muzzle criticism.