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The Simpsons and Society

pfred
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Posted 04/05/04 - 07:43 AM:	#1
The Simpsons and Society The Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society by Steven Keslowitz NY Daily News [Keslowitz] realized [they] were touching on important social and philosophical issues, many of which he addresses in the book... About the Author Steven Keslowitz is a University Scholar in the CUNY Honors College at Brooklyn College. He is currently employed as a writing tutor and a Classics tutor in the Brooklyn College Learning Center. He also writes for the Brooklyn College Newspaper, The Excelsior. He was named a winner in two national essay contests (Kaplun 2000, 2002 contests). Book Description A recent internet poll of "most admired Americans" placed the comic everyman Homer Simpson at the top of the heap, outdistancing such patriotic figures as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. What does that say about the United States of America? What would Immanuel Kant say about Homer's approach to parenting? What would Neil Postman say about Homer's excessive television watching? How does The Simpsons portray Descartes' Evil Genius argument? In what ways does Homer represent the industrialized employee? In The Simpsons and Society, Steven Keslowitz explores the world of The Simpsons as it relates to contemporary society. Inside, readers will find discussions of whether Homer is a good father, whether Bart is truly America's "bad boy", whether Maggie should remain quiet, and whether Lisa is truly a "Simpson." Additionally, Keslowitz addresses the age old question of whether money invariably creates happiness, as he analyzes the actions and mindset of the rich capitalist, C. Montgomery Burns. And, just for fun, Keslowitz also analyzes the importance of Marge’s hair. Keslowitz has also included essays pertaining to medical malpractice (Dr. Nick), media culture, American Exceptionalism, how The Simpsons matches up against other TV sitcoms (specifically focusing on how Homer’s parenting techniques compare with those utilized by Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show), Simpsonian news and views, Descartes' Evil Genius argument, American Industrialization, and more. Each essay relates some aspect of American culture to Simpsonian life. Full of quotes, jokes, and insight, this book is for every Simpsons fan! As Homer would say ... mmm ... bookalicious. "The Simpsons and Society" takes on the big topics, with a tone that's alternately serious and slapstick: - Is Homer a good father? Keslowitz invokes philosopher Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative before quoting Mr. Simpson himself: "I'd rather drink a beer than be father of the year." - C. Montgomery Burns and the pursuit of true happiness: "Burns' insatiability is psychological, rather than physiological," Keslowitz writes. Exxx-cellent diagnosis. - The medical community of Springfield. Dr. Julius Hibbert, the Simpson family doctor, is best known for his inappropriate chuckle - his remedy for stress. ("I'm afraid your husband is dead. CHUCKLE. Just kidding.") "It was very interesting how many issues were addressed in there," said Josh Belkin, who teaches the Tufts class on the Simpsons. "It's a quick, fun read."

pfred
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Posted 04/05/04 - 01:05 PM:	#2
Gee, nobody want to respond. Oh well. In the words of Homer Simpson, "Television! Teacher, mother, secret lover."

SpamDog
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Posted 04/05/04 - 08:03 PM:	#3
the worlds most patriotic figures including Reagan? at least homer was a realist, he would have never ok'ed the star wars program

timothy0
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Posted 04/07/04 - 01:19 PM:	#4
The Simpsons reflects society rather than influences it, apart from influencing millions to sit around the box and watch it.

thecutterofcloth
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Posted 04/11/04 - 10:05 PM:	#5
I'll have to get that book. It looks good.
"I wish that everyone was grey. Then we could hate each other for our personalities." - my friend

Rudyard
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Posted 04/12/04 - 04:16 AM:	#6
I remember reading "The Philosophy of the Simpsons" and thinking it was little more than a glorification of the show. Not that I don't love the show, but it bothered me when the book tried to pass on such morals as, "if you don't like the Simpsons it's because you don't get it, it's too deep, too rich in culture for you."

Dedalus
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Posted 04/18/04 - 01:51 AM:	#7
I also read the Simpsons and Philosophy, and though the function of allusion was emphasized, I didn't get any sort of elitist tone from it. The Simpsons does rely heavily on allusion, and I've found that most people who don't like it (aside from laughing at the slapstick episodes reminiscent of the violence Itchy and Scratchy satirizes) are laregly oblivoius to its references.

dave2319
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Posted 04/18/04 - 02:35 PM:	#8
Difficult to say what the book's like without reading it, but it sounds like an interesting idea. I certainly think there's plenty to discuss about its style and influence, but how deeply these things are addressed given the intended audience I wouldn't be too sure! Still, there's plenty to say - and I think it definitely influences society as well as reflects it. There's a lot more to The Simpsons than might first meet the eye Dave.

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