Television networks have been using stereotypes as a source of entertainment for years. A stereotype is defined as “a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group” (random house, 2009). Programs have relied on these generalizations because, as a business, they need to attract a large audience. This means that the product needs to be easily understood by all types of people. (Pearse, 2001). Much television watching comes out of a need of relaxation so the shows are normally not intellectually complicated. Also, since most shows use a 30 or 60 minute time limit, there is not a lot of time to dive into character personas. Therefore, stereotypes are used to save time and thought.The Simpsons
The Simpsons is the longest running sitcom in the history of television programming (Susman, 2003). It is a show based on the premise of the typical dysfunctional family in suburban America. With an oaf for a dad, the housewife mother, smart daughter, and delinquent son, this show is full of stereotypes. However, it is still one of the most popular TV shows today. The show is ranked 17th of today’s most watched shows and 25th of all time. The Simpsons will celebrate its 20th anniversary this December (lonympics.com).
Due to the popularity of this show The Simpsons have become extremely influential in today’s pop culture. In its prime it brought in about 2 billion dollars annually and although it has slacked in recent years it is still very profitable. On average the show pulls in about 7.55 million viewers per episode (Davis, 2009). With this many viewers it is easy to see how the stereotypes depicted on this show can have some type of effect on our society. In fact, many of the stereotypes depicted on the show have made their way to our everyday lives.
The Simpsons relies heavily on stereotypes. That is simply how The Simpsons work. From Apu Nahasapeemapetilon the Indonesian convenient store manager to Fat Tony the flashy dressing Italian mafia boss every character could be picked out and examined as a stereotype. Some have claimed these generalities to be offensive, such as former President George H. Bush when he said “We need a nation closer to the Waltons than The Simpsons” (Pinsky 1999). However, the beauty of The Simpsons is that they exaggerate, laugh at, and humanize most any stereotype. None of it is meant to offend, but instead to entertain.Cartoon Characters on a Human Level
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
The most obvious stereotype associated with Apu is his occupation. Middle Eastern men are normally portrayed as convenient store managers in the media, and Apuis no exception. With his thick accent and his statue of Ganeesha welcoming customers, Apu does not hide his Indonesian background. He is the proud father of octuplets, all with heavy Indian names, and reaps the marital benefits of a prearranged marriage. In the episode, “Much Apu About Nothing”, we learn that he is even an illegal immigrant. Apu is the run-of-the-mill foreign service worker.
However, Apu is much more than a stereotype. Every character on The Simpsons has a background. Apu has a life and his own personal story within the show itself. When Apu takes the exam to become a legal citizen he proves that he knows much more about American history than the rest of the citizens of Springfield (Much Apu about Nothing). In fact, he gives too much information and the test proctor eventually cuts him off.
Likewise, Apu also bashes the convenience store manager stereotype. He does operate the Kwik-E-Mart, the show’s version of a 7-11, but not out of necessity. Apu graduated first in his class of seven million at Caltech (the imaginary Calcutta Institute of Technology) and holds a PhD in computer science (Much Apu About Nothing). Apu chooses to work at the Kwik-E-Mart because he enjoys it regardless of what others may think. After watching a few episodes and hearing his heart felt goodbye of, “Thank you, come again”, one starts to realize that Apu is not a stereotype but only a cartoon version of an actual person. In fact, one Indonesian blogger feels that Apu is an important figure saying, “One could legitimately claim that Apu is a fascinating case study of Indians immigrants, their trials, tribulations and triumphs. Had The Simpsons been a live-action show, Apu would have represented the first regular South Asian character on a prime time show outside the subcontinent” (Rohin). The admiration of the Indonesian viewers indicates that the stereotype is overshadowed by the human characteristics of the character.
Krusty the Clown
This iconic Jewish entertainer represents the typical Saturday morning clown. While on TV, Krusty is shown as a source of joy and happiness. However, the moment Krusty walks off the set of his children’s show; he dives into a life of drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. He remains hidden under his clown makeup throughout the day, while his nonstereotypical actions remain unseen to the public. While living a life of laughter on the set, off the set he constantly strives to feed several addictions. The human side of Krusty breaks the stereotype that clowns are generally cheerful people; instead they may have their own addictions and worries like the rest of the population.
To fuel his addictions he takes advantage of many unorthodox advertising opportunities. Anything that portrays Krusty’s face or image immediately gets his seal of approval as shown in the episode “Kamp Krusty”. His products are dangerous, dirty, and in some cases, explosive. However, Krusty is in no way discouraged by his addictions or faulty products. Instead, he keeps the jokes coming and maintains a good outlook on life. Krusty is perfectly happy with his imperfections revealing a deeper struggle – depression.
The primary source of his depression is his father. It is ironic for a family friendly TV clown to have father issues, but Krusty does. His father is introduced in “Like Father, Like Klown” where Rabbi Krustofski appears on the show. The rabbi is ashamed of his son’s profession, wishing instead that Krusty had followed in his footsteps and became a religious man. Krusty, however, found his joy in making people laugh and chose a different profession, but can still be seen on several episodes embracing his Jewish faith.
Life is not all fun and games for this TV clown. Even though he is the stereotypical “goof”, Krusty is much more human than clown. In the episode “Bart the Fink” Krusty even fakes his own death. The harsh life depicted by Krusty the Clown is the opposite of what most people expect from a children’s entertainer. He’s not good at spontaneous jokes (unless they’re inappropriate), relishes his money, and is as far away from “kid friendly” as a clown can be.
Ned Flanders
Ned Flanders, the cheerful neighbor of the Simpsons, is the stereotypical Holy Roller. With his tidy appearance and friendly demeanor he is the poster child of stereotypical Christian living. Whenever he feels the desire to let out a few “sinful” words he instead spits out slurs of “diddily’s and doodely’s”. In the episode “Trilogy of Error” he is shown throwing a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets into a fire while telling his sons that the book ends with Harry going to Hell for practicing witchcraft! To many, he is the everyday Christian.
However, much like all of the other inhabitants of Springfield, Ned is much more than just a generality. Everything does not always work out for this Christian. When he opens a store in the mall, The Leftorium (“When Flanders Failed”), he would have gone completely bankrupt if it had not been for the help of Homer Simpson. Ned is also extremely dependent on the people around him, especially the very sinful Homer. After losing his wife in “Alone Again Natura Diddly” he enters a bout with deep depression until Homer pulls him out of it.
Not only does Ned not fit into the “holier than thou” stereotype, but he stays away from the hypocritical view of Christians as well. Ned acknowledges his own transgressions and does not judge his less than perfect neighbors. His loyalty to the Simpson family has gotten him into his fair share of trouble. Car chases, exploding in front of his friends and neighbors, and joining the “Hell’s Satans” motorcycle gang is all on Ned’s resume. However, his actions are not depicted so he will seem to be hypocritical. Instead his failures show the human side of Ned suggesting that not all Christians have it as easy as some may think.Discussion
Although The Simpsons uses several stereotypes none are meant to offend. Thanks to characters such as Apu, Krusty, and Ned viewers are able to not only see stereotypes but the people behind them. Each character, while being a generality, is examined and shown as an actual person with an actual life. Through all the chaos that goes on in the busy town of Springfield the viewers see much more than just stereotypical behavior. Instead of being shown what is expected from each social group the viewers are shown how people are much more than just a stereotype.
References
Cohen, David S. (Writer) & Dietter, Susan (Director). (1996, May 5). Much Apu About
Nothing. 3F20. The Simpsons. Fox Broadcasting Company.
Davis, Brian. (2009, October 12). Ratings: The Great Wife Hope. Message posted to
