the simpsons
“The Simpsons” has been an icon of American television for over twelve years. The show has enjoyed such extended success because it continuously changes its focus. “The Simpsons” is not, as Ben McCorkle claims, “A mirror of society,” it is an extreme sampling of dysfunctional society. The show draws on the aspects of life that are common to most people, but does so in an exaggerated way. “The Simpsons” shows that society in general takes itself too seriously. Nothing on the show is sacred. None of the characters are portrayed as infallible. Any topic, be it ethical, social, or religious is fair game. It shows the shortcomings of society by using humorously exaggerated situations and a cast that cannot be taken seriously. “The Simpsons” shows that extremists, in any form, are too serious, and are something to be laughed at. In the third episode of the eleventh season, titled “Brother’s Little Helper” Bart is diagnosed by Principal Skinner as having attention deficit disorder. After a string of stunts with the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department’s equipment, Homer and Marge are told that Bart is going to be expelled if he doesn’
In order to show that society takes itself too seriously the writers and producers make the show the butt of most of the jokes. In the opening credits the family runs to sit down on the couch. This changes every episode, and in this they are numbered drawings that are colored in by Asian cartoonists. The show makes fun of the fact that it had recently moved its drawing production to Asia. This also shows that people who are concerned about industry moving overseas are too paranoid. This episode deals with the different relationships that a child has with their father and mother. When Homer first receives the medication, he tries to shoot it into Bart’s mouth with a rubber band. When this doesn’t work, he tries to convince Bart that all the movie stars take drugs. Finally he tries to hide in some candy and give it to Bart. When all this fails, Marge explains that they are just trying to help him do well in school. This shows the inability for Homer to sit down and talk to his son. It also shows a special bond between mother and son. “The Simpsons” also takes on Major League Baseball. That year, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire were in a home run race. Both set records, and got a great deal of media attention when they hit a
Some common words found in the essay are:
Mark McGuire, Ben McCorkle, Democrats Spaniards, Gulf War, Skinner Vietnam, Homer Marge, , America Burns, Principal Skinner, League Baseball, “the simpsons”, mark mcguire, makes fun, society takes seriously, home run, spying town, extreme sampling, league baseball, principal skinner, society takes, exaggerated situations, major league baseball,
Approximate Word count = 855
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
