The Simpsons and Politics: E Pluribus Springfield. Dr. Markus Hünemörder LMU München

Transcription

1 : E Pluribus Springfield Dr. Markus Hünemörder LMU München

2 The Simpsons as Political Satire 2

3 The Simpsons as a Political Satire The Simpsons looks like an animated sitcom, but is really a social, cultural and political satire Springfield, a fictional Middle American town is clearly meant as a metaphor for American society the show satirizes many aspects of American society and politics The Simpsons questions and subverts political authority by displaying the ludicrous side of political issues and institutions unlike some other aspects of the show, the political satire is often readily apparent The Flintstones, one of the ancestors of the Simpsons, had some satirical wit, but was mostly an animated sitcom. 3

4 Elements of Political Satire on The Simpsons satirical depiction of fictional and real life politicians and political parties political controversies come to Springfield elections (both real and fictional) in Springfield aspects of the political system (campaigns, ads, town hall democracy, Constitution, Bill of Rights) have an impact on Springfield most important technique: exaggeration political satire on The Simpsons most often contains a kernel of truth, then exaggerates to the point of ludicrousness 4

5 The Simpsons: a Leftwing, Liberal Show? The Simpsons is obviously not conservative, but is it liberal? during the early years, conservatives criticized the Simpsons as a bad influence on children progressives sometimes criticize the show for not attacking social wrongs more directly the show does not pursue a political agenda directly; instead, it typically satirizes all sides of an issue, exposing both conservative and liberal hypocrisy on the whole, the show does have a liberal bent, but it offers something for conservatives, as well Groundskeeper Willie coined the phrase cheeseeatin surrender monkeys as an insult to the French. The term became a catchphrase among American conservatives, esp. at the beginning of the Iraq War 5

6 Making Fun of Politicians 6

7 Politicians on The Simpsons making fun of politicians is one of the most obvious methods of political satire as a rule, real life politicians do not do their own voice acting on The Simpsons when they are satirized started when George H.W. Bush attacked the Simpsons in 1992 Bill Clinton also appeared frequently on the show George W. Bush and Barack Obama have not been directly satirized, but have been referred to on the show 7

8 Bush v. Simpsons The Simpsons, 1992, 4 th season (DVD bonus feature) This was a special re-run of 3 rd season episode Stark Raving Dad, aired shortly after president Bush said he wanted American families to be a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons. 8

9 Two Bad Neighbors The Simpsons, 1996, 7 th season George H.W. Bush moves in across the street from the Simpsons. They do not get along at all and start an epic neighborhood feud. In this clip, Bush finishes his memoirs a joke on his failed bid for re-election. 9

10 Bart Stops to Smell the Roosevelts The Simpsons, 2011, 23 rd season In this episode, Bart gets superintendent Chalmers as a personal tutor. When Chalmers finds out how little Bart knows about American presidents, he tries to motivate Bart by teaching him about Theodore Roosevelt. 10

11 Saddlesore Galactica The Simpsons, th season Lisa feels that her band lost unfairly at a contest. She keeps complaining, even to the president. Eventually, Clinton shows up and gives her the award. 11

12 E Pluribus Wiggum The Simpsons, th season It s the 2008 primary campaign and Bill Clinton supports his wife s bid for the presidency. However, he lacks enthusiasm 12

13 Stealing First Base The Simpsons, st season Michelle Obama visits Springfield elementary school. This very sympathetic depiction of the first lady (voiced by Angela Bassett) pokes mild fun at her famed upper arm strength. 13

14 Elementary School Musical The Simpsons, 22 nd season While Barack Obama does not appear in this episode, the joke is on him. He won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize without a visible achievement. In 2010, somebody even less likely wins the award 14

15 Episodes for Classroom Use: Two Bad Neighbors (7 th season, 1996) few episodes focus entirely on real-life politicians Two Bad Neighbors, however, is a classic, featuring George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Mikhail Gorbachev, and others George H.W. Bush moves in across the street and becomes Homer s enemy when he spanks Bart for destroying his memoirs reaction to Bush s attack on The Simpsons ( make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons ) Bush v. Simpsons is a mini documentary on the Bush-Simpsons feud. It s a bonus feature on the 4 th season DVDs, disc one 15

16 The Simpsons, the Constitution, and Patriotism 16

17 Real Political Issue: The Constitution and the Flag in US Political Culture as a country of many races, ethnicities, religions, and languages, national symbols and institutions play an important part in American identity the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, is the common ground for all Americans and guarantees important civil liberties like free speech in its own way, the Simpsons is very supportive of American democracy and patriotism it makes fun of the way some Americans admire the Constitution or the American flag, but the show would never disparage these symbols despite all the satire about American politics, the Simpsons essentially reaffirms the political system 17

18 Make Room for Lisa The Simpsons, th season The Simpsons visit an exhibition with props from old TV shows. Inexplicably, the exhibits also include a historical copy of the Bill of Rights. 18

19 Real Political Issue: Patriotism after 9/11 and the Iraq War after 9/11, displaying the American flag (e.g. as a lapel pin) became much more common, even the norm for politicians of both parties esp. after the start of the Iraq War, conservatives and the Bush administration equated criticism with unpatriotic behavior the politics of fear USA PATRIOT Act, Guantanamo, etc. undermined some civil liberties, leading to liberal protests The Simpsons satirized this false equation between criticizing the government and not loving the United States 19

20 Bart-Mangled Banner The Simpsons, th season When Bart accidentally insults the American flag, Springfield becomes the most hated town in America. To change that, the citizens rename it to Libertyville and adopt a culture of hyper-patriotism. This is a parody of the hyper-patriotism fostered by the Bush administration after 9/11 and the Iraq War. 20

21 Bart-Mangled Banner The Simpsons, th season When Lisa speaks out against the oppressive hyper-patriotism of Libertyville, the Simpsons are arrested. While they are incarcerated at a parody of Guantanamo, they notice they are not alone, and how easy it has become to end up on the wrong side of the debate about freedom and security. 21

22 Bart-Mangled Banner The Simpsons, th season Incarcerated at the parody of Guantanamo, Lisa has a hard time resisting the conservative brainwashing. 22

23 New Kids on the Blecch The Simpsons, th season Bart joins a boy-band formed to support recruitment for the US navy (with subliminal messages, as it turns out). It is a parody of the use of patriotic symbols in military recruitment. The episode was produced and aired before 9/11 and was shown abridged for several years afterward. Guest appearance by N Sync. 23

24 Real Political Issue: Flag-Burning the American flag is important to most Americans as a symbol of patriotism insulting, burning or desecrating it is intensely repugnant to most burning the American flag became a widely hated form of protest during the Vietnam War Congress passed several laws outlawing flag-burning all were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1989/90: flag-burning is a protected form of free political speech regular attempts to pass a constitutional amendment against flag desecration have failed 24

25 The Italian Bob The Simpsons, th season When the Simpsons travel to Italy, Lisa masquerades as a Canadian because Europeans are angry about the Iraq War. Homer, however, makes very clear where he is from and what he thinks about America and the rest of the world. 25

26 Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington The Simpsons, rd season Lisa and other Springfield kids compete in a contest on writing the most patriotic essay. Lisa eventually wins, but Nelson (the bully boy from a very poor, broken family) also wins many hearts with an essay against flag-burning. 26

27 The Day the Violence Died The Simpsons, th season When Itchy and Scratchy get cancelled, Krusty the Clown s show features educational cartoons instead. This is a parody of the 1970s Schoolhouse Rock educational cartoons. The topic is flag burning and the politics of amending the Constitution. 27

28 Episodes for Classroom Use: Bart-Mangled Banner (15 th season, 2004) Bart accidentally insults the American flag Springfield renames itself to Libertyville and goes hyperpatriotic The Simpsons are incarcerated at Guantanamo this is the best episode on the politics of fear under the Bush administration after the Iraq War critique of excessive patriotism undermining of civil rights Guantanamo critique of conservative media political asylum in France 28

29 Episodes for Classroom Use: Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington (3 rd season, 1991) Lisa wins a regional patriotic essay contest the Simpsons go to Washington for the national finals Lisa discovers a corruption scandal and becomes disenchanted with America s political system the corruption is cleaned up with miraculous speed, restoring Lisa s faith parody of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) patriotism and naïveté corruption and lobbyists Washington D.C. and its symbols U.S. political system and Congress 29

30 The Simpsons, Political Parties, and Elections 30

31 Real Political Issue: The US Party System no parties in the Constitution Democrats v. Republicans since 1854 both parties are not ideologically cohesive; they have diverse and often competing wings no formal membership, only voter registration candidates selected through primary elections, not party institutions third parties make no sense in a plurality-based election system the elephant and donkey were established as symbols for the Republican and Democratic Parties by the cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1870s-1880s 31

32 Real Political Issue: The US Party System Democrats: are strong in the Northeast, on the West Coast, the upper Midwest, and in cities pursue liberal politics: a strong federal government should use its fiscal and regulatory power to pursue social justice and civil rights are supported by a majority of women, African- Americans, Hispanics, immigrants, and labor unions Republicans: are strong in the South, the non-coastal West, in suburbs and rural areas pursue conservative politics: low taxes, a small federal government, little regulation of business, and a strong military are supported by a majority of men, white voters, evangelical Protestants, social conservatives, and business owners 32

33 Political Parties in Springfield Springfield has both the Republican and the Democratic Party the Springfield Republicans: rich people meeting at a vampire s castle the Springfield Democrats: women, gay people and immigrants meeting at a salad bar both are common clichés about the parties: Republicans as scheming, heartless capitalists, Democrats as an out-of-touch, disorganized collection of minorities neither cliché is true, but there is enough (exaggerated) truth to them to be satirically funny 33

34 E Pluribus Wiggum The Simpsons, th season Springfield holds the first presidential primary in the nation. Because so many Springfieldians are fed up with established politicians, they support Ralph Wiggum, the mentally challenged son of the chief of police. Consequently, both the Republican and Democratic parties want Ralph as their candidate. 34

35 E Pluribus Wiggum The Simpsons, th season Springfield holds the first presidential primary in the nation. Because so many Springfieldians are fed up with established politicians, they support Ralph Wiggum, the mentally challenged son of the chief of police. Consequently, both the Republican and Democratic parties want Ralph as their candidate. 35

36 Sideshow Bob Roberts The Simpsons, th season The portrayal of the Republican Party on The Simpsons is very consistent. Here, the Republicans are shown as a Freemason-style conspiracy, nominating attempted murderer Sideshow Bob for mayor of Springfield. 36

37 Politically Inept, with Homer Simpson The Simpsons, rd season Homer becomes a successful conservative talk show host and launches the gravy boat movement a parody of the Tea Party (and also the Occupy) Movement. He is then asked by the Republican Party to pick their presidential candidate, and makes a surprising choice. Guest appearance by Ted Nugent. 37

38 Pygmoelian The Simpsons, th season By and large, the Democratic Party is the political home of the gay rights movement. Gays in the Republican Party have a harder time defining themselves, as is jokingly shown here. 38

39 Sideshow Bob Roberts The Simpsons, th season One important influence on the Republican party is conservative talk radio, with hosts like Rush Limbaugh. Springfield s Birch Barlow is a parody of Limbaugh, and is also a leader of the Republican Party. The scene also includes some jokes at the expense of the Democratic Party. 39

40 Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington The Simpsons, th season Fox News is another important supporter of the Republican Party. Here, the Simpsons satirize the Fox News slogan Fair & Balanced when Krusty the Clown runs for Congress as a Republican. 40

41 Real Political Issue: Elections in the United States there are over elected officials in the US: frequent elections on the federal, state, and local level primary elections select the candidates for each party elections in the US are much more personalized than in Germany: you vote for a person more than a party election are media-driven; esp. TV ads play an important role election campaigns are expensive; most candidates rely on donations and/or their own fortunes for funding surprising candidates and extreme campaigns: elections are prime material for satire 41

42 Elections in Springfield Springfieldians running for office: Montgomery Burns (for governor, unsuccessful) Sideshow Bob (for mayor, succeeds through fraud) Mayor Quimby (for mayor, loses to Sideshow Bob) Krusty the Clown (for Congress, wins) Homer Simpson (in a recall election for mayor, loses) Ralph Wiggum (for president in 2008, no results shown) most of these elections are parodies of real elections or specific aspects of the American election system 42

43 Sideshow Bob Roberts The Simpsons, th season Democrat Mayor Quimby tries to win re-election against Republican sideshow Bob. After six terms in office, his campaigning skills and ads are of low quality. 43

44 Sideshow Bob Roberts The Simpsons, th season Republican Sideshow Bob s campaign ad is much more aggressive, accusing Quimby of releasing dangerous criminals, like Sideshow Bob! This is a parody of a 1988 George H.W. Bush ad against Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis in 1988, criticizing Dukakis for being soft on prisoners. 44

45 Revolving Door George H.W. Bush campaign, 1988 This is the original ad being parodied in Sideshow Bob Roberts. 45

46 E Pluribus Wiggum The Simpsons, th season Springfield holds the first presidential primary in the nation. Because so many Springfieldians are fed up with established politicians, they support Ralph Wiggum, the mentally challenged son of the chief of police. In the end, Ralph is nominated by both parties 46

47 Sideshow Bob Roberts The Simpsons, th season When voters go the polls, ideally they compare their positions with that of candidates and make an informed choice. This process is satirized in this segment on the election between Mayor Quimby and Sideshow Bob. Later on, it is reveled that Bob s victory was based on fraud. 47

48 Episodes for Classroom Use: Sideshow Bob Roberts (6 th season, 1994) Bart s mortal enemy, Sideshow Bob, is released from prison he runs against Mayor Quimby as a Republican and wins eventually, his victory is revealed to be a fraud Republican Party candidate debates TV campaigns ads Watergate scandal presidential elections, esp Bush v. Dukakis title is based on the satirical mockumentary Bob Roberts (1992) 48

49 Episodes for Classroom Use: E Pluribus Wiggum (19 th season, 2008) Springfield s presidential primary becomes the first in the nation the news media and politicians turn the town into a political circus in protest, Springfieldians rally behind 8-year-old Ralph Wiggum as the most ridiculous candidate Democrats and Republicans nominate the special needs boy Republican and Democratic parties primary elections political commercials Hillary and Bill Clinton news media 49

50 Episodes for Classroom Use: Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington (14 th season, 2003) when Springfield s congressional representative dies, Bart persuades Krusty to run Krusty wins, but is frustrated with his lack of influence in Congress eventually, Walter Mondale (who works as a janitor) teaches Krusty how to really get things done in Washington: with dirty tricks congressional campaigns the House of Representatives Fox News and its support for Republicans Republican Party the legislative process yet another parody of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 50

51 Springfield s Town Hall Democracy 51

52 Real Political Issue: Direct Democracy in the United States direct democracy plays an important role in the US, except on the federal level initiative, referendum, and recall elections in many states, esp. California in some towns, esp. in New England, there is no city council. Instead, the citizens meet to make local decisions directly: town meeting school systems are also typically run by locally elected school boards topics range from the trivial to highly volatile social and political issues town meetings go back to Puritan New England, where they were the dominant form of local government 52

53 Direct Democracy in Springfield Springfield typically calls a town meeting or referendum when the city is broke, partly destroyed, or both sometimes, the issues are local; in other cases, they go way beyond a town s authority to decide issues decided by direct democracy in Springfield: borrow money to rebuild a street, legalize gay marriage, build a monorail, deport illegal immigrants, kick the Simpsons out of town direct democracy is usually depicted in a likeable, if crazy, manner. However, some drawbacks of direct democracy, like the power of demagogues, are also satirized 53

54 E Pluribus Wiggum The Simpsons, th season When Homer accidentally destroys Fast Food Boulevard, Springfield decides to issue bongs (borrow money) to rebuild it. 54

55 There s Something About Marrying The Simpsons, th season Bart insults an influential travel guide author, effectively killing tourism to Springfield. The town meeting discusses how to attract tourists back to their city. 55

56 Marge vs. the Monorail The Simpsons, th season When Mr. Burns has to pay a fine for environmental violations, Springfield unexpectedly receives $3 million dollars. The town meeting discusses what to do with the money. A con man, Lyle Lanley, persuades people to spend the money on building a monorail, which turns out to be a faulty disaster. 56

57 Episodes for Classroom Use: Marge vs. the Monorail (4 th season, 1993) few episodes focus on direct democracy, but this one takes a close look at town hall decisions it s also considered one of the funniest Simpsons episodes when Mr. Burns has to pay a fine for environmental violations, Springfield unexpectedly receives $3 million dollars a con man persuades people to spend the money on building a monorail, which turns out to be a faulty disaster town hall democracy mob mentality local issues like roads, schools, etc. public transport Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek references 57

58 Political Issues on The Simpsons 58

59 Real Political Issue: Gun Control gun control is among the most divisive issues in American politics gun ownership is seen as a fundamental right by many Americans many others want to restrict gun ownership for safety reasons powerful role of the National Rife Association 2 nd amendment to the Constitution: right to bear arms in 2008, Supreme Court decided this includes an individual right to gun ownership for home protection some gun control laws exist, but their effectiveness is limited 59

60 The Cartridge Family The Simpsons, th season After a soccer riot nearly destroys Springfield, Homer wants to buy a gun to protect his home. On his first visit to the gun shop, he is told he has to wait five days because the store has to run a background check on him. Now, after five days of waiting, Homer is eager to pick up his gun 60

61 The Cartridge Family The Simpsons, th season Homer discusses gun safety and the second amendment with Marge and Lisa. 61

62 The Cartridge Family The Simpsons, th season Home hosts a meeting of the local National Rifle Association chapter. Even these gun aficionados are shocked at Homer s reckless gun handling. 62

63 Episodes for Classroom Use: The Cartridge Family (9 th season, 1997) Homer buys a gun to protect his family; gun control laws fail he goes gun-crazy immediately; even the Springfield NRA kicks him out Marge moves out with the kids until he gets rid of the gun when he finally does, Marge becomes fascinated with the gun and secretly keeps it gun control legislation National Rifle Association gun accidents guns and crime the lurid fascination of guns US perception of soccer and soccer riots 63

64 Real Political Issue: Gay Marriage from the late 1960s until today, homosexual / LGBT Americans have achieved equal rights in nearly all aspects of society the last big barrier is marriage conservative churches and most of the Republican party adamantly defend the traditional definition of marriage in several states, gay marriage was made legal by the courts or by law in many others, marriage has been legally defined as between one man and one woman arguably the sharpest social conflict in contemporary America 64

65 There's Something About Marrying The Simpsons, th season When tourists stop coming to Springfield, the town meeting legalizes same-sex marriage to attract gay couples business. The town even runs a TV commercial to promote its new policy. 65

66 There's Something About Marrying The Simpsons, th season When Springfield legalizes same-sex marriage, Reverend Lovejoy opposes the new law. Liberal Marge tries to engage him in theological discussion, to no avail. 66

67 There's Something About Marrying The Simpsons, th season As it turns out, Marge s sister Patty is also gay, which Marge somehow managed to miss over the years. Closer to home, Marge suddenly feels a lot less comfortable about same-sex marriage. 67

68 Episodes for Classroom Use: There's Something About Marrying (16 th season, 2005) very nuanced episode on same-sex marriage Springfield legalizes same-sex marriage to earn money Home becomes a reverend and starts marrying gay couples, then ever stranger couples different viewpoints throughout the show hypocrisy among conservatives and liberals alike coming-out of Marge s sister Patty generally supportive of samesex marriage, but also shows conservative viewpoints 68

69 Real Political Issue: Immigration the United States is literally a nation of immigrants ethnic and cultural diversity have shaped American society on the whole, the United States is very successful in integrating immigrants at the same time, immigration has been at the center of sharp social and political conflict legal immigration is largely undisputed; however, several hundred thousand immigrants come to the US illegally each year ca. 12 million illegals in the US for 25 years, Congress and presidents have failed to find a workable solution 69

70 Much Apu About Nothing The Simpsons, th season The United States is a country of immigrants. Even the Simpsons immigrated from the old country, wherever that was Since Abe Simpsons immigrated as child, Homer is a second generation immigrant! 70

71 Much Apu About Nothing The Simpsons, th season To distract people from his own incompetence, Mayor Quimby calls a referendum (Proposition 24) to expel all illegal immigrants from Springfield. Homer joins the witch hunt until he finds out that his friend Apu is actually an illegal immigrant. 71

72 Much Apu About Nothing The Simpsons, th season As Apu fights to stay in Springfield, he even buys a fake identity as a nativeborn American from Wisconsin. However, he struggles with the pressures of assimilation and abandoning his Indian heritage. 72

73 Much Apu About Nothing The Simpsons, th season With the Simpsons help, Apu take the citizenship test and becomes an American citizen. Homer then calls on Springfield to reject Proposition 24 and allow illegal immigrants to stay. 73

74 Episodes for Classroom Use: Much Apu About Nothing (7 th season, 1996) the classic episode about immigration, as relevant today as in 1996 Springfield holds a referendum on deporting all illegal immigrants Apu the shopkeeper struggles to stay in the US US as a nation of immigrants the politics of illegal immigration mob mentality and scapegoating immigrants and their cultural heritage direct democracy 74

75 Coming to Homerica The Simpsons, th season The people of Ogdenville immigrate to Springfield when their barley-based economy crashes. In Springfield, they find work as day laborers, domestic servants and other low-paid jobs. In in satirical twist, the Ogdenvillians are of Norwegian (not Mexican or other Hispanic) ancestry. 75

76 Coming to Homerica The Simpsons, th season By now, the citizens of Springfield are trying to keep the growing number of Ogdenvillian immigrants out of their city. 76

77 Coming to Homerica The Simpsons, th season When the wall between Springfield and Ogdenville is finally finished, the people of Springfield realize their mistake. 77

78 Episodes for Classroom Use: Coming to Homerica (20 th season, 2009) a more recent episode on immigration the people of Ogdenville immigrate to Springfield when their economy crashes they find work as day laborers, domestic servants and other lowpaid jobs Mexican / Central American immigration illegal immigration day labor border security enforcement border fence vigilante groups against illegal immigration 78

79 Episodes for Classroom Use: More Topics Season 02 Itchy & Scratchy & Marge : censorship Season 04 Last Exit to Springfield : labor unions and strikes Season 08 Homer s Phobia : homosexuality and homophobia Season 12 Lisa the Tree Hugger : protecting the environment Season 15 Fraudcast News : media power Season 16 Midnight Rx : health care and prescription drugs Season 17 Kiss Kiss Bangalore : globalization Season 17 The Monkey Suit : evolution v. creationism 79

80 Conclusion 80

81 What Can Cartoon Satire Achieve? cartoon (like all other) satire can rarely bring about political change that is the job of politicians and activists satire can make people think about and question political authority the Simpsons has great cultural reach, most people know the show political satire on the Simpsons tends towards mostly timeless issues when learning about / researching a political issue, it is often worthwhile to look for a related Simpsons episode most political Simpsons episodes are remarkably subtle; research these nuances and you will learn much about the issue at hand 81

82 Thank You for Your Attention! you can download this presentation (no videos, sorry) and a bibliography for further reading at 82