Inside Look @ The Simpsons

FAST LOOK:

The prime-time cartoon, The Simpsons, is the longest-running sitcom currently on television. It follows the comical exploits of a humorously dysfunctional family in the mythical town of Springfield.

INSIDE SCOOP:

When The Simpsons first premiered as a weekly series in 1990, no one could have predicted the cartoon’s eventual success. It was an offbeat, often-slapstick comedy of errors centered on two bumbling parents (Homer and Marge Simpson) and their mischievous children, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie. Controversial and funny, it quickly caught on with TV audiences.

Now, a nearly two decades years later, it’s become a cultural phenomenon, boasting a weekly viewership (inlcuding reruns) of 60 million people in more than 70 countries and inspiring a billion-dollar Simpsons merchandise industry. Time magazine called it the best show of the 20^th Century, and a recent survey of 10- to 17-year-olds revealed that 91% knew the names of the Simpsons’ family members—more than could identify the Vice-President of the United States.

The questions Christians raise about The Simpsons aren’t whether or not it’s funny, or if it consistently reaches a level of artistic expression and technical production (numerous Emmy Awards and a Peabody award indicate that it does). Rather, it’s an issue of The Simpsons as role models. Folks are divided as to whether or not Bart, Lisa, and the rest are positive or negative examples for our children.

There are three main views popular today:

View #1) The Simpsons are a negative influence on America, promoting amoral attitudes and stereotypes. Supporters of this view point primarily to Homer and Bart Simpson for examples. Homer is a drinker and a glutton, perilously lazy at work, irresponsible and completely self-centered at home, and generally stupid to boot. Bart (whose name is an anagram for “brat”) takes after his father, except for the stupidity. He exhibits a devious intelligence, greedy irreverence, and an abiding disrespect for authority. Many Christian parents fear their children will follow Bart and Homer’s negative examples. For this group, The Simpsons is inappropriate viewing for family members.

View #2) The Simpsons are a positive influence on America, using humor and satire to underscore important themes like family, honesty, and faith. Fans of this opinion point to characters like Marge, Lisa, and Ned Flanders (the evangelical Christian who lives next door). These characters all have flaws (for instance, Marge is a gambling addict and Ned is eternally nerdy), but they always sincerely try to do what’s right. Ned and Marge also profess to be Christians, and (surprisingly) try to live accordingly—even when they are the brunt of Homer and/or Bart’s antics. Additionally, supporters say, all the characters (Homer included) regularly acknowledge God and reaffirm their commitment to the family, despite repeated temptations to do otherwise. For this group, The Simpsons is acceptable—and enjoyable—TV viewing for the whole family.

3) The Simpsons aren’t meant to be role models; they’re simply a funny, escapist fantasy. This view seeks to blend the ideals of both previous viewpoints while making a distinction between reality and entertainment fantasy. Proponents of this opinion say that there are both good and bad elements in The Simpsons—so what? They say that thinking Christian families shouldn’t be taking moral cues from situation comedies anyway. Rather, families can look to The Simpsons to provide a good laugh and potential discussion-starting sparks with children and neighbors.

Regardless of where you stand on The Simpsons, one thing is true: this fictional, dysfunctional family simply can't be ignored. So take time to think through your impressions of the show, and to discuss it with your kids. Talk over things like the maturity level of the viewer, the messages of the show, and the show's ability both to entertain and influence - and what that means for people in your family.

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LOOKING INSIDE…:      

Use these questions to spark family discussion about The Simpsons:

---What would you say are the best and worst things about The Simpsons?

---What influence do you think The Simpsons has had on American culture? On our family? Support your answer.

---Do you think it’s OK for members of our family to watch The Simpsons? Why or why not?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SIMPSONS

 “The Simpsons is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Barbara Bush, former First Lady

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“For all of The Simpsons’ darker strains of satire, ultimately it’s a celebration of America and the American family in its exuberance and absurdity.”

—Matt Groening, The Simpsons creator

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 “ [The Simpsons] portrays Christians as being out of touch with reality. It makes anyone who follows God look like a fool.”

—Reverend Francis Chan, California pastor

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“[The Simpsons] is life, it’s hilarious, and it’s so insightful into the culture.”

—Reverend Clark Whitten

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“I consider myself someone who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ, but who is not a huge fan of organized religion.”

—Al Jean, executive producer of The Simpsons

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“The Simpsons is one of the most important common experiences in the American home.”

—Stewart Hoover, religion and media scholar  

[SIDEBAR]

If members of your family like The Simpsons then you may want to check out:

---3-2-1 Penguins video series (Big Idea Productions).

This animated fantasy series (from the creators of VeggieTales) features offbeat humor with zany characters and situations, all used to underscore a Christian principle for children. Each video follows the hilarious adventures of a group of space-ranger penguins and their children companions. These videos will especially appeal to families with children ages eight and younger.

---The Gospel According to The Simpsons by Mark I. Pinsky (Westminster John Knox Press).

The near-complete guide to religion as its portrayed within The Simpsons universe. Although a bit too scholarly for children, parents will find this book fascinating, informative, and a practical tool for Simpsons-related decision-making. First-rate reading.

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Note: All show-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective movie and television studios.