1. TV case study series: The Simpsons Season 17, episode 19,
"GirlsJust Want to Have Sums". By Hannah Alley
2. About The Simpsons an American animated sitcom created by
Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a
satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by
its dysfunctional family of the same name, which consists of Homer,
Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional
town of Springfield and parodies American culture, society,
television, and many aspects of the human condition.
3. What about it is post modern? Narrative-speaking, the
programme follows a non-linear narrative creating confusions over
time and space. This is an extremely post-modern trait, and is very
typical of comedy programs, like Family Guy for example. This trait
is made obvious to the audience when a character may state
something like oh dont worry, itll all be alright by the next
episode, making the audience feel as if the characters are almost
aware that they are in a show.
4. Furthermore, the programme uses simulacra and stimulation
through using a cartoon within the actual cartoon, called Itchy
& Scratchy. In effect, this show that the two children of The
Simpsons family watch, is a stimulation of the real world of
Springfield essentially a hyper reality inside a hyper reality. It
is also interesting to note that Itchy & Scratchy uses
nonconsequential violence just like the cartoon Tom & Jerry and
almost seems an exact replicate of the cartoon, which is
ironic.
5. Another postmodern trait of The Simpsons is that the
programme seems to not be localised in any other region rather than
America, nor any other period of time than the post modern era. As
well as this, there is no sign of progress being made within the
children in school. For example, Maggie is forever sucking her
dummy, and the audience never actually witness her growing, such as
learning to walk or talk, etc.. Every single characters image stays
stagnant.
6. Lastly, the programme constantly makes fun of issues in the
real world which is a decline of the meta-narrative, being a
frequent theme throughout. Fun is poked at religion, the
government, social issues and more, with light consistently being
made out of any situation.
7. About the Girls Just Want to Have Sums episode Harvard
principle Skinner is fired for offending feminists by suggesting
differences in performance in math/science may be due to innate
differences between men and women. He is then replaced by womens
educational expert, Melanie, who demands that the males and females
in Harvard are separated immediately, and the audience see females
treated differently from now on.
8. What about this episode is postmodern? What is the source of
this illusion, or as I call it, the biggest lie ever told?
Principle Skinner states as he stands on stage, speaking out to all
of the feminist women before him, who do not look very pleased.
There is an instant display of lack of seriousness and irony in
this clip, as the Principle of the school is mocking quite a
serious topic (feminism). This is a very post-modern trait as it is
making light of political issues that do happen in the real world.
Then, a woman in a pink blazer stands up and shouts youre a worse
version of Hitler as she ironically points her hand out at Skinner,
almost as if she is mimicking Hitler. The irony is reinforced here
the episode is beginning to look like a parody, as the topic of
Hitler is very serious and a piece of history is being mocked.
Also, another crucial post modern aspect of this is that it is
intertextual by referencing to Hitler.
9. Stereotypes and mocking of serious subjects Then, Skinner
states please, believe me I understand the problems of women as he
laughs and stands to the side in a flowery, pink dress. The idea
that The Simpsons are representing a stereotype of females here, to
all wear floral dresses, is very post modern as again, this is a
sensitive subject that especially feminists, would not like to set
their eyes upon. The mocking of serious subjects returns yet again
when a child shouts ha ha, Skinners a tranny. Of course, many
transsexual individuals could feel deeply affected by this sort of
mention as these new subjects are not usually spoken about, but it
is apparent that the modernity of this program really does push
boundaries.
10. Pastiche When the next scene presents the new Principle,
Melanie, teaching her new class of females, there is an element of
pastiche conveyed. It is interesting to note that the previous
scenery was very traditional and sensible in the schools assembly
hall, which suddenly switches to an airy-fairy, feminine classroom
suddenly full of purple puf chairs, flowers and soft-lighting. This
represents the very post modern merging of looks/genres.
11. Stereotype How do numbers make you feel? Principle Melanie
passionately asks a student after she switches on a light that
makes fraction symbols and numbers float around the room. This
presents another stereotype of females to constantly think with
their emotions instead of thinking rationally and practically, and
being soft and girly. The fact that The Simpsons confidently
represents this stereotype is very post modern.
12. What can we conclude from this? Overall, it seems that The
Simpsons has a general liberal attitude to serious matters like
Feminism, which can be taken very seriously by many individuals. I
felt that this whole episode made light of serious issues and was
very ironic and mocking, which of course, is very post modern.