LET COMEDY CENTRAL KNOW --YOU SUPPORT CONSUMER CHOICE

[and-justice-for-all]

AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, OPPOSE RELIGIOUS MEDDLING!

AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT
http://www.atheists.org
June 19, 2010

The Comedy Central channel is planning a new series, "J.C." which
according to reports will take a lighthearted look at the Christian
messiah. (See: `"Outrage over Comedy Central's planned show depicting
modern-day Jesus in NYC Critics rip Christ cartoon " at
<http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view/20100604outrage_over_comedy_centrals_planned_show_depicting_modern-day_jesus_in_nyc_critics_rip_christ_cartoon/>

It pits a video-game obsessed father figure, "God," (described as
"powerful but apathetic") against his mostly-ignored son. The venue
is modern-day New York City.

Religious groups are furious about a program that ostensibly
ridicules or mocks Christianity.

Two months ago, episodes of South Park which airs on the Comedy
channel were "bleeped" for making references to the Islamic
prophet Muhammad. Some Christians protested. Now, Christian right
organizations and self-appointed media "watchdogs" have launched
a campaign to intimidate VIACOM, which operates the Comedy Central
program, and are demanding that the new project be canceled.

ATHEISTS, FREETHINKERS AND ANYONE ELSE CONCERNED
ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH NEED TO SPEAK OUT
AGAINST THIS FAITH-BASED INTIMIDATION!

It is hypocritical to protest Islamist censorship of our media,
but allow Christians, Jews or other sectarian groups to violate our
freedom of expression and freedom of choice in the entertainment
marketplace!

Religious groups have joined together in a media group known as
CARB --"Citizens Against Religious Bigotry"
<http://www.mrcaction.org/555/petition.asp?Ref_ID=3457&CID=555&RID=24550778>
They have launched an online petition directed at Viacom. Bill
Donahue, head of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights,
has openly boasted that this is just "one step" in a wider campaign
to eliminate any statement or programming that mocks, ridicules or
"insults" organized religion, especially Christianity. Prevented from
enlisting government to support their cause by the Bill of Rights
and the First Amendment, these groups are resorting to threats of
boycott, intimidation and other tactics to constrain free expression.

We haven't seen a script or pilot for "J.C."-- and neither has
CARB. You should have the right to decide for yourself what programs
are appropriate for you and your family.

We urge Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists, Secularists and
others to speak out on this issue. One step you can take is
to contact VIACOM through their web site and tell the company
that you support their right to air controversial material like
"South Park" and "J.C." You can visit their "contact us" form at
<http://www.viacom.com/contact/Pages/default.aspx> or send snail-mail
to: Viacom Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
[phone] begin_of_the_skype_highlighting [phone] end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Keep your remarks concise and to-the-point." Encourage the company
to continue production of "J.C." and other programming that reflects
a diverse audience. Ask for a response, and be sure to include
your full name and address.

OTHER TALKING POINTS

* Comedy,. like other narratives, serves many purposes including
provoking people to think and discuss controversial issues. Americans
especially should not sacrifice that in favor of "religious
correctness."

* If Christians, Muslims or other faith-groups do not like a
particular program, well, no one is compelling them to watch.

* Controversial expression can often lead to more dialogue. There is
a role for our many forms of expression and communication in being
"edgy," provocative and, yes, even "insulting." We often mock
politicians and government leaders -- that is an important part
of our democracy! Why should religion, or any other category,
enjoy some special immunity?

* After you have contacted VIACOM, visit blogs and newsgroups
to educate others about this important issue. We recommend Dave
Silverman's thought-provoking NoGodBlog (www.nogodblog.com). Share
copies of this Action Alert with others.

Thank you for supporting freedom of expression!

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement founded by Madalyn
Murray O'Hair that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for
the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of
First Amendment public policy.)

[annabanana]

1. done!. .I think this show has a better possibility of coming through

with the true spirit of the message than any of the sepia-colored, pious-istic, saccharine crap that is "fundie-approved"...

[annabanana]

2. Kicking... Maybe you should start a thread with a

more descriptive subject line..

"Comedy Central Jesus show being premptively crucified" (or something)

[Mimosa]

3. Leave Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna, etc alone!

Comedy central has so many lame shows anyway. If people don't like or appreciate the prophets, avatars or deities from religions, just show some basic tolerance and leave them alone. To exploit and mock the religions of *other* people is intolerance.

How did comedy ever exist before South Park (not all that funny) anyway?

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Britney too?

[Bluenorthwest]

4. Everybody should do so, faith or no faith

The fact is the gasbags doing this boycott of a show that does not yet exist are shooting their own faith in the foot. For so many reasons. First, calling out satirists and comics, even executives in such fields, and telling them to watch what they say is a sure fire path to getting far worse treatment. If these organizers are not careful, there will never be any depictions of faith or people of faith in the media save for endless jokes about clowns such as Bill Donohue.
It is also interesting to note that one of the boycott sponsors, Tony Perkins, is on the GOP witness list for the Kagan hearings. He's a potential 'expert' witness. And he's also....in the news.