Response chapter 8

I extremely enjoyed this essay written by Simon Benlow. I had to read it a few times to really appreciate the point he was trying to make. And the more I read it the more I agreed with his view of the Simpsons. He first states that sitcoms consist of "cliche moralism, empty characters and adolescent dialogue." The Simpsons however takes a different approach compared to the mainstream sitcom. The Simpsons makes fun at almost everything that our American society embraces. The Simpsons is unique because it shows a family that is quite oblivious to the obvious atrocities that are going on in the government, schools and communities. However in Benlows mind the Simpsons goes much deeper. What it is, is an accurate depiction of the American people. Benlow says that we as Americans have been so programed to not question the atrocities that surround us that we ignore them just as The Simpsons portrays. Benlow also says that many may say that The Simpsons may not have any significant meaning. But he points out that in our society, TV has replaced books, history and philosophy, in where society receives its standards and morals. He says that The Simpsons is significant when it can poke fun at its own means of influence. I think that Benlow picks up on many important points The Simpsons brings out. It shows where our culture is at and it makes fun of the obvious absurdities that surround us.