One of my favorite episodes of The Simpsons is when Marge discovers the internet. It's such a time encapsulated theme that it will showcase what our society was for many years to come. I still watch and learn from this "American Family" drawn up and watched for over 20 years, one of the longest running shows ever.
I remember doing a case study on The Simpsons in a psychology class during my last year in High School. Watching The Simpsons for school? Now that's what I was talking about. Not only is the show is entertaining, humorous and enjoyable to watch, but each episode is a satire wrapped in a metaphor directed right at our society. The show openly mocks everything going on in the current day and society.
The particular episode shows Marge become an internet addict (i know how she feels!!). After waiting for an email from her friends and not receiving one, she begins to press refresh on the browser, hoping something has JUST come in. She didn't get any new emails, but she says, "the only thing that keeps changing is the banner!". Marge then sees a banner she likes, and clicks on it! This is showing the actual interaction with the banner, making her one of the millions who are tracked by their interests. This leads her to create her own character (an avatar) and join a community of other gamers, playing and interacting withing a game...."Earthland Realms".
The Simpsons are our comic relief, a way to mock and laugh at society while trying to laugh at ourselves. Each episode is filled with lessons to be learned and to be a reminder of our current events, a witness to ourselves. I encourage everyone to watch and try to dissect what they are REALLY saying. It's all about us.
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