The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture [Paperback]

How is The Simpsons a satirical artwork engaged with important social, political, and cultural issues? In time for the twenty-fifth anniversary, Henry offers the first comprehensive understanding of the show as a satire and explores the ways in which The Simpsons participates in the so-called "culture war" debates taking place in American society.Introduction: The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture 1. "Entertain and Subvert": Fox Television, Satirical Comedy, and The Simpsons 2. "You're an American Now": Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality on The Simpsons 3. "Don't Ask Me, I'm Just a Girl": Feminism, Female Identity, and The Simpsons 4. "The Whole World's Gone Gay!": Gay Identity, Queer Culture, and The Simpsons 5. "Upper-Lower-Middle Class Types": Socioeconomic Class on The Simpsons6. "Gabbin' with God": Religiosity and Secularity on The Simpsons Conclusion: American Culture, Satire, and The Simpsons

[This] book is well written, well organized, and well researched, drawing heavily on literature on [The Simpsons] and on satire in general . . . The book is not a fan letter but something far more valuable - an intelligent book about an intelligent sitcom. Summing up: Recommended. All readership levels. - CHOICE

By highlighting the advancing American culture, from the inception of The Simpsons (and earlier in many cases) to the current political environment in the twenty-first century, Henry does a very good job providing analysis for the ongoing conversation that The Simpsons has created with the American public. - The Journal of American Culture

Matthew A. Henry's The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture represents the most comprehensive study to date of one of the most influential programs not just in television history, but in the development of the tlã*