by Nathanael Hellerman

Created on: June 02, 2009

The Simpsons touches upon, and often satirizes, many cultural issues including religion, politics, and family. Frequently it does this irreverently, but never without affection. The simplest example of this is the character of Flanders, the Simpsons' conservative Christian neighbor. The show does not hesitate to make light of his unmovable faith, and it takes his good natured social behavior to its logical and hilarious extreme. Nevertheless, in the end the audience is meant to feel affection, not scorn for Flanders. To a lesser degree, the audience is even meant to develop a compassionate understanding of him. The same can be said for almost every character in the show, whether it's the clueless policeman, the scheming millionaire, or the immigrant who runs the convenience store. In this way, the Simpsons not only respects culture, but even celebrates it.

Further, the Simpsons regularly encourages many family values. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie aren't meant to be a perfect family, but they do have their hearts in the right place. Sure, no one wants their kid to be the brat that Bart is, but even he frequently displays integrity, loyalty, and feeling. The episodes that express simple morals are countless, whether they are about not stealing cable TV or realizing that nothing is more important than your wife and kids.

This does not mean that the Simpsons is appropriate or intended for family viewing. It often deals with themes and issues that many parents wouldn't want their younger children exposed to. However, this is no different from the majority of movies and even books. It does not mean the show undermines any values, only that not every episode is meant to be watched by everyone.

Of course, the Simpsons is one of the lighter adult cartoons. Not every show has the same good intentions. Family Guy, for example, routinely takes a venomous attitude towards beliefs and characters. The issues and content are not necessarily more mature or offensive than in the Simpsons, but the manner they are dealt with is full of spite. Family Guy has no problem attacking traditional Christian values. Conservative or Christian characters are nearly always displayed as stupid, mean, and bigoted. Family Guy has its own agenda to push and it does so by whatever means it can. While the show can be funny, it is often hard not to view it as corruptive.

In deciding whether a cartoon is morally repugnant or not, it is important not just to look at its content or the issues which it satirizes. The attitude with which the satire is delivered is far more important. This attitude determines whether the satire is affectionate and harmless, or spiteful and undermining.

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