Americanization

For many people around the world, The Simpsons are the "typical American family" (Henry 46). But...why? What makes them American? (Apart from being created in the USA) In this post, we are going to give you some information about the Americanization in “The Simpsons".

This family from Springfield is often shown going to church on Sundays, travelling with their car going to work, and the yellow color is the prominent among the characters. As Henry highlights, The Simpsons fit in what is known as the 'normative' American Family that consists in the concept of WASP, white (well, yellow), middle class, suburban, and Protestant (46). Moreover, the city of Springfield could be placed wherever in the USA (Henry 46). 

Homer in Israel, from episode 457: The Greatest Story Ever D'ohed (Polcino, Curran), and The Simpsons in Pisa, from episode 364: The Italian Bob (Kirkland, Frink)

In the case of Homer, he works hard in the nuclear power plant, and he is the one who sustains the family. Henry continues explaining how clothing, food, and way of talking identify the characters of this TV series.

As you can see in both pictures, Homer feels proud of being an American and likes to show his identity while wearing an American flag trouser, and a USA t-shirt. While they travel to Pisa, instead of trying the typical food from Italy, they decide to go to a McDonald's instead. They also sing songs showing their proudness, as it is in "America Rules".

Have you also noticed other examples of "The Simpsons" showing their American Identity? Do not hesitate to share it with us!

Cheers!

Vanesa Martínez 

Sources:

Henry, Matthew A. "Conclusion: American Culture, Satire, and The Simpsons." The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture (2012): 201-07. Print.

http://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781137027788