No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveTourism Minister Calls ‘South Park’ Episode ‘Trash’

Tourism Minister Calls ‘South Park’ Episode ‘Trash’

An episode of the animated TV show “SouthPark” that mocks Costa Rica as a dirty third-world country has ruffled the feathers of Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides.

In the show’s characteristically rash, politically incorrect humor, the SouthPark kids are forced by their teacher Mr. Mackey to join the “Getting Gay with Kids” choir, according to the show’s official Web site. The choir then takes a trip to Costa Rica to help save the rain forest – hence the episode’s name, “Rainforest Schmainforest.”

On a bus ride through San José, the group ogles the prostitutes, trash and shantytowns they observe out the windows while complaining of an offensive smell. Mr.Mackey then explains that Costa Rica is a third-world country, and these are the ugly things that come along with it.

Benavides last week told Channel 7 TV News that the show should be considered “trash” created for people with little education and bad manners.

The episode originally aired in 1999, but was apparently brought to Benavides’ attention recently. He said he is not worried that the episode has hurt tourism in Costa Rica, since the show is not directed at people who would visit the country anyway.

 

Trending Now

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Costa Rica Pushes USA to the Brink but Falls in Penalty Heartbreak

If you just caught the end of the USA vs. Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal, you probably feel like you need another cup of...

Why Costa Rica Feels Like a Safe Haven for This Longtime Expat

If someone asked me to sum up why I live in Costa Rica in 5 words or less, my answer could well be: “It...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica