The Simpsons Essay Research Paper The definition

The Simpsons Essay, Research Paper

The definition of the “typical” American family has changed considerably over time. Ever since the age of television dawned on American culture, situation comedies have tried to portray the typical American family in an attempt to reach as many viewers as possible. In the 1950s, there was “Leave It to Beaver” which represented a generic view of the American family during its time. There was a father whose responsibility was to financially support the family and be a role model for his children. There was a mother whose job was that of a typical housewife, taking care of the home and caring for the children. And there were the children who had no responsibilities, except to respect their parents and listen to their advice when anything went wrong. Most early sitcoms centered on this generally accepted idea of the typical family.

Things changed as America became more liberal, and in the 1970s, “All in the Family,” which lacked a typical white collar father and focused on the internal spats of the what would today be called a dysfunctional family, was revered by many and hated by others. “All in the Family” made a dent in the American view of the typical family, but many were still reluctant to acknowledge the notion that not all households were as happy as that of “The Brady Bunch” (which was unique in its portrayal of second marriages, but that wasn.t the true focus of the show). In the 1980s “typical family” television programming continued to dominate. Sitcoms such as “Family Ties” and “The Cosby Show” are still considered American classics, but the dysfunctional trend returned in the late .80s with the popularity of the raucous “Married With Children.” However, no non-traditional American family sitcom has been as well as received and critically acclaimed “The Simpsons” in the 1990s.

“The Simpsons” was not a hit from the start. It was criticized for its supposed negative influence on children, which may or may not have actually occurred, although its viewership in the beginning was, in fact, primarily under the age of 18. The show was all but ignored by the older viewing public, who discounted it as a trashy cartoon. The “consumption” (duGay, p.3) of the program and its messages by the American public when the show first aired regularly was drastically different than what it is now and what the writers of the show intended. On face value alone, “The Simpsons” is not much more than a cartoon about a middle-class family and their ridiculous escapades. But when examined more closely and with a more objective eye . “consumed” as the show.s writers would intend . one can see that “The Simpsons” is truly a comment on American society.

“The Simpsons” basis . a father, a mother, and three kids . is far from unusual. The .typical. American is a blue-collar worker not unlike the father, Homer, who works a mindless job at the local nuclear power plant in the Simpsons. hometown of Springfield which is basically Anytown, USA. Marge, the mother, is a fairly typical housewife besides her large blue beehive hairdo. Bart, is the rebellious older son; Lisa, the under-appreciated middle child; and Maggie, the adorable baby. The Simpsons don.t live in luxury, but they are a generally happy family that encounters the problems of everyday, and not-so-everyday, life . something that millions can relate to. But there is something that sets “The Simpsons” apart from the traditional family sitcom of the “Family Ties” and “Full House” era.

The show.s constant satirical exaggerations, allusions and spoofs involving this .typical. family help demonstrate that “The Simpsons” is no simple sitcom. There is something deeper here that many people missed in the beginning of the show.s run. “The Simpsons” instead represents the need for Americans to laugh at themselves and because of that becomes a true parody of American life. When more people began to realize the intelligence of this humor, in a sense consuming it “correctly,” the show caught on. But it took awhile before Americans chose to acknowledge “The Simpsons” for what it is, and not just a primetime cartoon.

Over ten years ago, on December 17, 1989, “The Simpsons,” which originally began in 1997 as short segments on “The Tracey Ullman Show,” aired its first full-length show, the Christmas special, .Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire.. In the episode, Bart gets a tattoo, much to his mother.s dismay. Marge spends the money the family had set aside for Christmas on laser removal of Bart.s tattoo. Though the idea of a child getting a tattoo may seem a bit outrageous, it is this exaggeration of everyday problems (tattoos and body piercing are a common topic for parents and teens) that gives “The Simpsons” its satirical strength.

In the same episode, Homer, while still on his morning coffee break at 4:00 p.m., learns that he won.t be receiving a Christmas bonus. After finding out that Marge is depending on the money for Christmas, he decides to do the Christmas shopping for the family. He buys panty hose for Marge, paper for Bart, crayons for Lisa, and a dog toy for Maggie. When he realizes that his gifts will be disappointing, he takes a job as a mall Santa for extra money. He steals a Christmas tree on the way home from work. The exaggeration here lies with the length of time it takes Homer to discover that his gifts are no good. This also parodies the cliche notion tha