Pushing the Envelope

We seem to be in a creative period where "pushing the envelope" is only about how far we can stretch the borders of good taste. I wonder if good taste even exists anymore with all the train-wreck reality shows, the deceit in our society, and our acceptance of it all. I do remember when "Pushing the Envelope" meant trying to create a new style, animation technique, or even an inventive gag. It was about trying to inspire, and create something that "raised the bar" of animation, comedy, and art. IT was about being clever. Not that "being wrong" can't be funny, it surely can, but what happened to inspiration? Is that just too corny? Am I sounding like some Bible Belt Republican? Am I uncool if I don't believe we need another character made of shit? I remember a story that the guys from South Park and John K were fighting over their characters of excrement. Something about who created the first "shit" character, and when. I can't remember many of the details, thankfully. But I think arguing over "shit" characters is probably not what we should be doing as animators and artists. Just know what is good and what is cheap, that's all I am asking.