UPDATE to my post of April 15 - I finally saw the South Park episode that generated so much sound and fury among the conservative blogosphere. After viewing it, I can only conclude that WE'VE BEEN HAD. It was obvious to me that the screen that "censored" the image of Mohammed in the South Park episode was all part of the joke....and the point the authors were trying to make.
The entire show was all about networks and cartoon programs caving into the Muslims by refusing to show an image of Mohammed. So Kyle finally talks the TV network showing "The Family Guy" cartoon to go ahead with its broadcast of an episode with Mohammed. When they do, a black screen pops up and says that "Comedy Central has refused to show an image of Mohammed on their Network." In so doing, the whole point of the episode was demonstrated more effectively. If Mohammed had been shown, the episode would not have been nearly as effective.
This wasn't self-censorship, it was parody and was done on purpose. I am surprised that so many people didn't get the joke...or the point.
Comedy Central aren't cowards, just devilishly clever.
