The Simpsons And Society: An Analysis Of Our Favorite Family And Its Influence In Contemporary Society

by Steven Keslowitz

Hailed as "...an intelligent (and entertaining) read for Simpsons fans of all ages" by Writing! Magazine, The Simpsons and Society explores the world of Springfield as it relates to contemporary American society. The book, which is required reading for classes at several universities, including Tufts University and Carnegie Mellon University, analyzes The Simpsons television series in ways never before addressed in other Simpsons books. The Simpsons and Society provides englightening and informative discussions of the central themes of the show, and explains why The Simpsons is of tremendous Why was Homer Simpson recently ranked the "greatest American of all time" in a BBC poll? Is Bart Simpson truly America's "bad boy"? In what ways does Homer represent the industrialized employee? How does The Simpsons mock celebrity culture? What is the cultural significance of Marge Simpson's hair? What would Immanuel Kant say about Homer's approach to parenting? Why is The Simpsons more than "just a cartoon"? Also included are essays pertaining to medical malpractice (Dr. Nick), media culture, American Exceptionalism, how The Simpsons matches up against other TV sitcoms, Simpsonian politics, Descartes' Evil Genius argument, Simpsonian education, and more. Each essay relates some aspect of American culture to Simpsonian life. As the Associated Press recently "The Simpsons and Society takes on the big topics with a tone that's alternately serious and slapstick... Keslowitz fixes a serious eye on America's favorite dysfunctional cartoon crew, looking for deeper meaning in the antics of Krusty the Clown, Chief Wiggum, and the rest of the twisted townfolk. He actually finds some, too." Full of quotes, jokes, insight, analysis, and a special quiz that is intended to help you find your "inner Homer", this book is for every Simpsons fan! As Homer would say ... mmm ... bookalicious.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2003

Reviews

[Waldir F. Reccanello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apesar de maçante em algumas ocasiões, o livro nos leva a refletir sobre toda a profundidade de "Os Simpsons", profundidade essa à qual nunca damos a devida atenção, pois preferimos apenas rir das piadas e das situações engraçadas em que Homer e sua família se envolvem. Não que isso seja errado, e não é! Entretanto, e mesmo que haja momentos divertidos, o livro não serve para quem busca apenas diversão; pelo contrário, e não que eu concorde com muitas da opiniões do autor, ele nos traz um debate sério sobre aspectos filosóficos, sociológicos e políticos "ocultos" na série, muitas vezes derrubando a imagem singela e inocente que ela nos passa num primeiro momento. Enfim, o livro serve para nos mostrar que, para o bem e para o "mal", todo mundo é, essencialmente, um Simpson!

[Tristan Searle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable reflections on the classic era of a pop culture icon. Semi-outdated, but this just adds to the nostalgic factor.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly shallow analysis. Oddly composed; the last portion is all essays that tangentially have to do with the Simpsons, but feel oddly added to what in the first portion was some evaluation of the characters and a collection of good Simpsons quotes.