Cerne Abbas Giant... meet Homer Simpson

There has been a bit of fuss in the pagan community over the huge drawing of Homer Simpson next to the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset. Some are threatening to perform rain magic to hurry the flow that will wash away the soluble Homer, others are making noises of anger on internet forums, talking about disrespect of culture and religion, saying no one would have dared deface a mosque in such a manner... all I have to say to those people (some of whom are very good friends) is "Don't have a cow, man!"

Lighten up. It ain't that big of a deal, it'll be gone within a fortnight and it is pretty funny! I can just imagine where Homer would throw that doughnut. The Simpsons is well known to be a sharp and critical social commentary, though it disguises the serious aspect of itself well with brilliant humour, obviously so well that some people simply don't see the serious side at all. This advertising stunt is funny in itself but I think it also speaks to those of us who can see it. Taking a step back I think the people who came up with the idea are raising their eyebrows in a "see, we knew it would get this reaction" sort of way. I think they did it not only to advertise their film, not only because it's just funny, but also because they knew there would be a reaction and the act itself comments upon that reaction.

We shouldn't be so precious about religion, or cultural artefacts. Sometimes people need to take a step back and just laugh at these things, laugh at themselves.