The Simpsons: Social commentary for the uninformed, ignorant and oblivious
I am proud to say that I have never watched a full episode of the Simpsons. I've taken a lot of abuse for this over the years but I don't find it that funny, nor do I find it particularly insightful. However, everyone always tells me that it's great satirical social commentary. I have always suspected that it's the type of social commentary that appeals to people who don't read ... much like how Job Stewart's "fake news" is really the "real news" for the Entertainment Tonight crowd.
Whatever screwball elitist theories I may hold, a new survey reveals some troubling figures about the average American. Of 1,000 people surveyed, only one could name all five freedoms as guaranteed by the US Constitution. However, 220 of those surveyed could name all five members of the Simpson family. Furthermore, only a quarter of those surveyed could even name one of the five freedoms (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances), but more than half could name at least two members of the Simpsons.
What kind of social commentary appeals to people who can't even name a few of their legal rights as guaranteed by the law of the land?
See here.
posted by Road Hammer @ 4:14 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I completely agree. The "subtle social commentary" excuse that Simpsons fans fall back on is garbage. It's a cartoon.
David - what do you mean by "excuse"? Excuse for what?
I can't speak for Dave, but I would think that what he's referring to is the excuse adults use to justify watching cartoons chronicling the adventures of a smart-aleck, know-it-all brat.
Everybody if you can, do the Bartman.
The subtle social commentary excuse as you call it means that a lot of the jokes (especially one liners) would only be funny and make sense to adults who have some knowledge of current affairs and social values.
Adults shouldn't watch cartoons. And we know that this blogger's appreciation of Stewie Griffan comes only from reading the show's transcripts!
I have nothing against cartoons in general. Just admit that you're indulging the 8-year-old in you instead of trying to make it out to be something it's not. Biting social commentary is Dennis Miller, not Bart and Lisa Simpson.
I enjoy fart jokes, ergo, I enjoy Stewie Griffin. It's nothing more than that.
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