The Simpsons as a Critique of Consumer Culture

Cartoonist Matt Groening created an animation TV show for Fox Network in 1989.  The show brought light on subjects such as critique of dominant American institutions, hypocrisy within the educational system, religious beliefs, American political structure, and capitalism all through a contradicting narrative about a middle class American family with traditional values. Figure out the show yet?  The Simpsons has been one of Fox Network hit shows since the beginning through their ability to use each character and show to showcase a lesson within the American culture which has flaws.  Groening made each character an idea; 'they are caricatures of the ideologies they represent.  Homer is often put down and is always governed by an urge for self-satisfaction. Marge is the modern housewife who is ignored by her husband and  not appreciated by her kids; she is the 'site of social injustice towards women'. Bart shows the failures of public school. Lisa is the voice of rationality and the character of Mr. Burns is capitalism. Overall, the text for The Simpsons challenges modern American society.  

Personally, I have never been a fan of The Simpsons because I thought it was a stupid cartoon that just made you dumper with each episode watched.  I did not know nor understanding the underlying message the show portrayed. After reading this article by Sam Tingleff, I feel that I have a new appreciation for what Groening is trying to do; inform the American public of the various flaws that lie within our culture. 

However, what I am trying to understand now, is how is it that almost twenty years have past and the same scenarios The Simpsons started off with in their first season still apply today. It is a scary thought that our society has not changed that most over the past two decades. What does that say for our future?  Hopefully, with the coming of a new political party change is on the rise but only time will tell. 

Some Questions to Think About...

1. Are there any other TV shows that poke fun at the American culture? If so, what are they?

2. What are your views on how The Simpsons portrays our society? Do you believe it to be accurate or no?

3. When do you believe change to come, if ever?