The Simpsons Archive

Summary-  The five or so pages of text by Sam Tingleff lay out various ways that the popular television show The Simpsons has clearly displayed their views of our capitalist society.  Through many episodes and variety hours, the man behind the Simpsons, Matt Groening, displays various one-sided views of how our society has become greedy, mindless drones.  Tingleff points out, through a few particular episodes, that middle-class life reflects more upon our nation than we initially think.  Family values are at question within the Simpsons, but when put in perspective, the show was now designed to challenge family structure but rather to question the morals of our government and political systems alike.  Many of the episodes have a warm family sense to them in the end, but throughout the episodes are little subtle hints at the control the capitalist society has on us, unfortunately some people only see the humor in the Simpsons rather than seeing Groening's true thoughts. 

Reaction-  I thought that Tingleff made a great deal of good points, many of which I have contemplated myself as I watched the seasons of the Simpsons air on the FOX network.  My mom used to always tell me that the reason she could watch cartoons such as The Simpsons, but not cartoons like Digimon, because shows like The Simpsons carry more meaning and have a place for both adults and children to enjoy.  This always made me curious to see whether I, as a child, could pick up on both the hilarious comedy before me, and also the deeper notions of our society on a capitalist leash.  I could occasionally pick up hints of more mature topics that I could relate to and make sense of through past conversations I may have eavesdropped into.  All in all I would say that I thought TIngleff's views are entirely true and of sound thought, but these hints of deeper meaning can be seen in nearly every cartoon and most t.v shows aired today.

Reflection-  I think that society should reconsider their viewpoints when they watch The Simpsons.  If I was able to pick up on random subtle jabs at society in the show when I was still in the age range of single digits, then I find it hard to believe that more mature individuals aren't making the connections I have.  If I am incorrect, and they have indeed picked up on these views of sexuality, middle-class life and of our society and environment, would it be safe to say that they have now incorporated Groening's views into their own?  And if so, what has that brought us today?  We still follow the same two-party system that we have for hundreds of years and our views of sexuality in media are still very skewed.  However, I would like to think that shows like The Simpsons have served as eye-opening experiences to many.  I feel as though people should know that they are more than just a viewer to a network, and they should know that the comical phrases by Homer and Bart are more than just stabs at an educational system or at our nation's companies harsh treatment of the environment, but rather they are symbolically representing our society in crisis.

Q-Do these types of shows, with underlying meaning and close relation to most of the country, help/hurt societies will to stand up for what themselves and speak their mind?

Q-If The Simpsons were to eliminate all underlying views of a capitalist society, leaving just mindless humor and displays of family oddity, would anyone still watch?

Q-Sinse Groening made such an effort to put his views into his work, what was his intention for doing so, and so often?