The Simpsons on Television

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The Simpsons How does a television series keep going in this time of ever changing network schedules and shows that grow stale after twelve weeks?
The Simpsons have not only lasted, but it has also become a staple of
American life. Many tribute this longevity to the witty and hilarious satire that is present in every episode. By using incongruity, sarcasm, exaggeration, and other comedic techniques, The Simpsons satirizes most aspects of ordinary life, from family, to TV, to religion, achieving the true essence of satire.
Homer Simpson is the captivating and hilarious satire of today's "Everyman."
With each passing season, Homer has emerged more and more as the central character in the series. In one episode, a previously unenforced 200-year-old prohibition law is found on the Springfield books. Liquor then becomes outlawed and Homer becomes the city's "Beer Baron." At the end of the episode, the law is simply done away with and Homer toasts the townspeople who have gathered in the park: To alcohol! The cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems!" This statement is a very ironic social commentary from the writers of The Simpsons. Much of life's problems can be blamed on the excessive consumption of alcohol, but the bigger picture is gluttony in general. Too much money, or food, or power, or alcohol can leave one with an empty happiness. If a person is ignorant, they might try to remedy their problems with more false fulfillment. This quote is also comedic because it shows Homer's stupidity. Though the writers are attempting to prove a point, the character of Homer is totally sincere. Homer Simpson is, at once, the best and worst of American dadness. Another episode of The
Simpsons satirizes parents who push their children to succeed in athletics at the expense of good sportsmanship. Bart is the star player on a youth hockey team that has advanced to the league championship. His sister, Lisa, is the star goalie on the opposing team. This sparks a vicious sibling rivalry and
Marge, the mother and sole proprietor of good sportsmanship in the town, tries to soften the competitive edge by saying," We love you both! You're not in competition with each other! Repeat: You are not in competition with each other"! Just then, Homer comes rushing into the room shouting," Hey! Your coach just called. This Friday Lisa's te...

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...ything that is different (as in Allegory of the Cave). The writers are using Homer's crude and up-front mentality as a persona to display this form of bigotry. This unwillingness to accept anything different does not only apply to religion. The writers have also satirized society's problems regarding ethnicity and sexuality. It is also ironic that Homer would criticize a religion considering he had just started his own that served more as an excuse to get out of church than anything else. The Simpsons has made a mark on television and social history that is ever-growing in distinction, and may never fade. Through very intelligent writing, the series not only makes the viewer laugh, but also makes them think. The Simpsons will always appeal to a young audience because of its ever-present pratfalls and stupidity that is, at times, nothing short of brilliant; but, it appeals even more to young adults, or adults who are young at heart, who can laugh at the low comedy, yet understand the biting satire that truly drives the series. By poking fun at family, television, religion, and basically the American lifestyle, The Simpsons is a satire that may not grow old for a long time to come.

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