"We find just as many things to rip on the left as we do on the right. People on the far-left and the far-right are the same exact person to us"

Trey Parker’s statement reflects an attitude of political skepticism and a refusal to adhere rigidly to any particular side of the political spectrum. By asserting that he and his creative partner, Matt Stone, find just as much material to criticize on the left as on the right, Parker underscores a commitment to satirizing ideological extremes wherever they appear. This approach is a hallmark of their work, particularly evident in the long-running animated series South Park, which is known for lampooning all sides of political and cultural debates with equal ferocity.

The assertion that people on the far-left and the far-right are “the same exact person” suggests a belief that ideological extremism, regardless of direction, often leads to similar behaviors, attitudes, and even dogmatism. Extremists on both ends may exhibit intolerance for opposing viewpoints, rigid thinking, and a tendency to demonize out-groups. For Parker, the particular content of an extremist’s beliefs matters less than the shared zeal with which they hold their convictions and how this can manifest in self-righteousness or hypocrisy.

By refusing to treat one side as categorically different from the other, Parker aligns with the tradition of satire as a tool to expose the absurdities inherent in all forms of ideological purity. The underlying message does not dismiss social or political issues, but it criticizes the ways in which individuals at the extremes can become closed-minded or obsessed with ideological purity to the detriment of rational discourse. In equating far-left and far-right ideologues, Parker also points to the often cyclical nature of human behavior and tribalism, regardless of which “team” a person happens to support.

Ultimately, Parker’s perspective challenges audiences to question their own assumptions and to approach debates with a level of humility, skepticism, and humor, refusing to grant any political “side” a monopoly on virtue or folly.