Lisa On Ice

Lisa on Ice

Jennifer McMahon argues that art can teach, but will not state what. "Among other things, they suggest it can cultivate cultural literacy and inform us about American values." ( McMahon 215) I will examine The Simpson episode "Lisa on Ice" to argue that The Simpsons misinform their viewers about American value and culture.

For example, in the news, Action Anchorman Kent Brockman immediately misinforms the public of a tremendous explosion, which he later reveals was actually an explosion in the price of lumber. Brockman continues to mislead viewers by stating "President Regan DyesÐ'...his hair", and a killer storm (which has killed nobody) is heading towards Springfield. In all actuality, Americans would be irate if the newscast was to broadcast in that manner.

Next, the Simpson's family values should be examined. Homer rewards Bart with a present for not forging his name to the Academic Alert, while Lisa is reprimanded by her parents for receiving an alert. This is showing double standards, it is acceptable to fail a class just do not try to hide it from your parents. Lisa, who always does well in class, is disappointed by her parents and she does not receive a present. Homer goes on by blasting the bible and making sexiest remark to Lisa saying the bible teaches nothing and that girls should stick to female sports such as foxy boxing, hot-oil wrestling, and so on. This implies that religion does not mean anything and there are only certain sports women can play.

Homer shows favoritism to the best sportsperson by letting whichever child wins sit in the front seat of the car while the loser has to sit in the back. For instance, there were only four seconds left in the game and Homer tells Marge "it's your child versus mine, the winner will be praised, and the loser will be taunted and booed until my throat is sore". Fathers do not act in such away to put there children down if the lose a game. If anything, they would tell them good game maybe you will win next time. In addition, Marge asks Homer if Lisa can sit in the front seat of the car telling him that Lisa needs to feel special and Homer looks at Bart giving him the choice to make, Bart shakes his head no, and Homer tells Marge he tried. Parents may have favorites; however, they try not to make it so evident to the other children.

Moreover, Marge teaches the viewers that it is acceptably to lie when Milhouse comes to the house with the dentist looking for his teeth that Lisa had knocked out, Marge told them she did not have his teeth as she tightly clinched them in her fist. Homer also teaches the viewers that it is all right to lie; he does this by asking Lisa to sit in the front seat of the car. Lisa agrees to if it is out of fatherly love, Homer agrees with her until she sits in the front then call her a sucker and says competitive violence that is why you are here!

Furthermore, the Simpsons proceed to dictate narrow-minded views on the Educational Authority. While Homer is sitting on the couch, Bart a misguided youth throws his book into the fireplace believing that school will be cancelled the next day because of a snowstorm and he will not have to do any of the homework that was assigned. In reality parents would not allow their child to destroy a schoolbook, and the children know just because school is closed they are still responsible to do there schoolwork. Moreover, you have Mrs. Krabapple telling the children in class that it is book report time and we will do them alphabetical order beginning with the A through M. While all the time meaning that she will start with first names not last names and then laughing. Teachers do not laugh at there students to there face anyway, giving them the wrong impression. You also have Principle Skinner; he comes over the PA with a school announcement and states that he is the principle three times to display his authority, which he does not have. However the American system does not allow the children to run the school, the principles are given the utmost respect because of the influence of the job. Skinner uses the Academic Alerts for punishment, not to notify the parents so they may help the student to get better grades, but so that the parents will not have to wait until the