The episode portrayed a great story touching on environmental issues. It depicted varied points of view that reflects real time situation in issues relating to environmental management and protection. There are various themes portrayed in Schmain forest South Park. Environmental protection or conservation of “mother” nature is presented by the role Miss Stevens plays. She is so passionate about the environment and nature that she wants to teach everybody including the natives Costa Ricans the wonder and joy that she derives from the rain forest. This subject matter is presented also by her courage and role in leading the choir group on nature tour. Another theme of environmental destruction is presented where by Cartman, who happens to be naughty and uncoordinated meets construction workers who were cutting down trees. The rebels also camping in the rain forest are part of those destroying the wonderful natural rain forest (“South Park” Rainforest, 2009).
At the end part, when Stevens finally managed to get out of the forest, it is evident that she had experienced a rough time in the forest that she appears to have changed her mind about the forest. This I find it understandable simply because the frustrations that she faced did not result from the forest, but rather from people who were inside the forest making destruction. Initially, she had appositive attitude towards nature, and maybe she developed this from her country because of the peace that exist in her country. In this tour in a foreign land, where peace was compromised and a country that was not stable by then (South Park Season 3, 2010). Another important matter presented from the theme, is how external factors are making it difficult for countries especially in third world countries to engage themselves constructively in issues of environmental protection. From the case, we can see loggers are cutting down trees from the forest, rebels habiting in the forest, government troops already there making us create a picture in our minds of a possible war in the forest. From the scenario created, it shows how part of “mother” nature is being destroyed in all dimensions. Wild animals are also destructed from natural habitat by the increased activities within the forest.
What is depicted at South Park, paints a clear picture of what happens in most parts of the world, in relation to environmental protection and conservation. People have encroached natural forests, bringing conflict with natural wild animals and plants. As man goes for resources and materials in the forests, such as trees as has been depicted in the story, and do not replace it, it only worsens the situation and threatens the existence of our wild animals, and the threats caused by environmental destruction and pollution such a climate change and global warming that in turn cause disasters that destroy life and property. From the above presentation, my position is I totally disagree with South Park depiction of issues. The destruction of the natural forest is totally against environmental ethics and principles (Rain Forests, 2011). Our future as humanity and that of the planet are dependent on how well we will protect the environment.
Environment protection and conservation are the responsibility of all of us. Forests whether natural or manmade and parks among other natural features that constitute nature has to be protected by all. Forests and trees in general play a great part in eliminating increased greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, and this is beneficial to all; therefore environment has to be protected.
References
“South Park” Rainforest Shmainforest (TV Episode 2009). Accessed on. 13 Nov. 2013. Retrieved from:< http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705955/html >.
Rain Forests: incubators of life. (2011). National Geographic. Get Facts. Accessed 13 Nov. 2013. Retrieved from :< http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/html.>
South Park Season 3 Episode 1:9 (2010) “Rainforest Schmainforest” Quotes. Getting Gay with Kids is here! Accessed on 13, Nov. 2013. Retrieved from: <http://www.tvfanatic.com>shows>south park> south park season 3 Episode 1.html>.
