Fox News Manufactures Outrage Over Fox Network Show

NY Times:

A Sunday night episode of the Fox animated series "Family Guy" stirred up trouble by suggesting­ rather directly that Nazi officers would have supported the McCain-Palin ticket. And it was another arm of the News Corp. conglomerate, Fox News Channel, that first reported on the episode.

Fox (the broadcast network) aired the episode in which Stewie, the obnoxious baby character at the center of the series, and Brian, a talking dog, traveled back in time to Poland during the 1939 German invasion. The characters ambush Nazi soldiers in an alley and steal their uniforms so they can travel without drawing attention. Putting on an overcoat, Stewie notices a McCain-Palin campaign button affixed to the lapel. "Huh, that's weird," Stewie remarks.

"Family Guy" has never been known for its taste level. One recent episode depicted Jesus binge drinking, and the hit show once got in trouble with the Federal Communications Commission for showing a partially nude cartoon character. The series' creator, Seth MacFarlane, is a prominent supporter of Barack Obama's presidential bid. So fans of the program seemed to take the scene in stride: by mid-day Monday, the vast majority of blog mentions of the episode were favorable.

Read the whole story: NY Times

Comments

[MamandesFilles]

I don't know about you, but I always get my political advice from talking dogs and egomaniacal infants. They really talk to the inner me.... and don't get me started on Scooby Doo!

[Retrofuturistic]

If you're looking for fascism in American, you don't have to look too far: The Republican Party, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, John Hagee, James Dobson, Sarah Palin.... It's a long list.

People just don't call it by its real name. They have some kind of taboo about saying the term "Christian fascism". Nevertheless, it does exist and it is rampant in this country.

[TheMirror566]

I'm sure you're the leading expert on "Christian Fascism" in the United States. Nice try. FAIL

[bobbyperu]

No he may not be an expert, but he is speaking the truth. The truth is a lost concept for you Cons.

[UncleJimbo]

If you don't think Christians can be Facists,my general studies and two History Degrees tell me otherwise! See: Germany,Italy,Spain and Argentina for starters!

[honeydiva]

hahahah...­.nice jokie.

[Josiwe]

Outraged people have missed the fact that this was a slam on BOTH sides of the partisan divide.

1) Obvious: McCain/Palin have been campaigning on a platform of demonizing minorities and using fear, stifling of dissent, and warmongering to gain political power and wealth. There are some obvious similarities both to Nazi Germany and a host of other political movements throughout history that have appealed to the baser, more selfish and xenophobic parts of human nature.

2) Subtle: Liberals who constantly call republican fascists and nazis are morons. The atrocious, heinous evil committed by that regime far overshadows the petty moral compromises of McCain/Palin. Also, (youbetcha), note that immediately preceding the obvious joke, Stewie asks the soldiers "Hey, you guys want a caricature?" Calling McCain/Palin Nazis is a hyperbolic caricature, typical of the angry left.

Finally, to conservatives: please remember that we angry liberals are angry at the GOP, not small town America or conservative Americans. We feel the GOP has betrayed both you and us.

[TheMirror566]

Wow that's a reasonable gesture to show your support for a candidate. Equating a republican candidate with a party that systematically killed millions of innocent people. Maybe they can balance it out and put Obama/Biden stickers on the dumpsters that hold dead fetuses from abortions.

Actually, considering his proposed legislature and voting record, that would not be too far fetched.

[UncleJimbo]

Mirror! The Bush Regime IS responsible for 100's of thousands of deaths,perhaps a million! So while they are lagging behind Der Furher they are ballparkin' it as far as recent History!

[Retrofuturistic]

The Catholic Church killed nine million people during the Albigensian Crusade. That trumps Hitler.

[L3ftofC3nter]

Seriously it's "Family Guy" and Stewie is a little a**, but he's funny.

So they can call Obama a terrorist and all the like, but then a cartoon links them to Nazis and they're outraged? Oh well......­..........­...

[Msohio]

Would I love to see that one in an ad.

[Retrofuturistic]

We need to acknowledge that the Republican Party had become fascist, and we also need to accept that Christianity has become fascist.

[andys0391]

Even as an Obama supporter, I find that to be in bad taste. Then again, it's Family Guy, so not much should be expected in terms of taste level.

[emily00011]

Real bummer being equated with political extremists. They can dish it out, but can't take it.

[MountPanic]

If the shiny black boot fits...

But if you don't like the fit, may I suggest some Birkenstocks?

[veggiequeenmo]

hahahahaha­hahahahaha­hahahahaha­hahahahaha­hahahahaha­........cr­ybabies! they can dish it out but they can't take it!

[piul05]

And don't forget, as Brian says, Stewie is a "pompous little Antic*rist"!

[DeanThoreau]

Wonder if Fox News would have hollered foul if it was the implication of Obama as a terrorist?

I know the answer, I jsut needed to say it.....
"Programs my television to come on for Family guy to help the ratings boost!"

[sever]

My husband and I saw this episode the other night. When Stewie flashed the McCain/Palin button, our jaws dropped. Then we laughed hysterically.

Even Fox hates Fox.

[L3ftofC3nter]

Yeah it was pretty funny.

[Martee]

Truth wins out!