For over twenty years, The Simpsons has consistently been one of the top rated prime time shows that put the Fox network on the map. Its influence on pop culture has become immeasurable to the point where it has transcended the status of a mere television show or cultural product and has become a piece of Americana. Recently, Webster’s Dictionary recently officially added the word “D’oh” to the American vernacular. There are even courses at some schools that study the Simpsons and their influence on global popular culture. One specific issue that frequently arises is the use of stereotypes on the show.
This has been a common topic of controversy which is relatable to the Cullen reading that uses “All in the Family” and “I Love Lucy” as examples of television shows that are simultaneously socially progressive and conservative. In Springfield, Apu (a Hindu) owns the local convenience store, Luigi owns both the local pizza parlor and the most exaggerated Italian accent ever heard, Fat Tony (another Italian) runs the mob, and Akira (voiced by a heavily accented George Takei) teaches kung fu and works at the sushi restaurant. In spite of these examples, most of the humor regarding these characters is generally good natured and only mildly offensive. Very rarely is anyone sensitive enough to conclude that The Simpsons is a racist program.
Perhaps the best example of this mixed cultural message comes in the cleverly titled episode, “Homer’s Phobia”. In this episode, the family takes a liking to a flamboyant local shop owner named John (voiced by John Waters) who sells campy memorabilia. After Homer finally realizes that John is a homosexual he instantly dislikes him and disapproves of Bart being around him for fear of Bart “turning gay”. In the end, John saves the day and Homer learns a much needed lesson in tolerance.
This has been a common topic of controversy which is relatable to the Cullen reading that uses “All in the Family” and “I Love Lucy” as examples of television shows that are simultaneously socially progressive and conservative. In Springfield, Apu (a Hindu) owns the local convenience store, Luigi owns both the local pizza parlor and the most exaggerated Italian accent ever heard, Fat Tony (another Italian) runs the mob, and Akira (voiced by a heavily accented George Takei) teaches kung fu and works at the sushi restaurant. In spite of these examples, most of the humor regarding these characters is generally good natured and only mildly offensive. Very rarely is anyone sensitive enough to conclude that The Simpsons is a racist program.
Perhaps the best example of this mixed cultural message comes in the cleverly titled episode, “Homer’s Phobia”. In this episode, the family takes a liking to a flamboyant local shop owner named John (voiced by John Waters) who sells campy memorabilia. After Homer finally realizes that John is a homosexual he instantly dislikes him and disapproves of Bart being around him for fear of Bart “turning gay”. In the end, John saves the day and Homer learns a much needed lesson in tolerance.
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