Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society by Steven Keslowitz

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  • Pub. Date: October 2003
  • 248pp

    Reader Rating: (9 ratings)

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    Product Details

    • Pub. Date: October 2003
    • Publisher: Wheatmark, Inc.
    • Format: Paperback, 248pp

    Synopsis

    Hailed as "...an intelligent (and entertaining) read for Simpsons fans of all ages" by Writing! Magazine, The Simpsons and Society explores the world of Springfield as it relates to contemporary American society. The book, which is required reading for classes at several universities, including Tufts University and Carnegie Mellon University, analyzes The Simpsons television series in ways never before addressed in other Simpsons books. The Simpsons and Society provides enlightening and informative discussions of the central themes of the show, and explains why The Simpsons is of tremendous importance: Why was Homer Simpson recently ranked the "greatest American of all time" in a BBC poll? Is Bart Simpson truly America's "bad boy"? In what ways does Homer represent the industrialized employee? How does The Simpsons mock celebrity culture? What is the cultural significance of Marge Simpson's hair? What would Immanuel Kant say about Homer's approach to parenting? Why is The Simpsons more than "just a cartoon"? Also included are essays pertaining to medical malpractice (Dr.  Nick), media culture, American Exceptionalism, how The Simpsons matches up against other TV sitcoms, Simpsonian politics, Descartes' Evil Genius argument, Simpsonian education, and more. Each essay relates some aspect of American culture to Simpsonian life.

    As the Associated Press recently noted: "The Simpsons and Society takes on the big topics with a tone that's alternately serious and slapstick...  Keslowitz fixes a serious eye on America's favorite dysfunctional cartoon crew, looking for deeper meaning in the antics of Krusty the Clown, Chief Wiggum, and the rest of the twisted townfolk. He actually finds some, too."

    Full of quotes, jokes, insight, analysis, and a special quiz that is intended to help you find your "inner Homer", this book is for every Simpsons fan! As Homer would say ... mmm ... bookalicious.

    NY Daily News

    Homer Simpson--philosopher? Academic? Model parent? D'oh! While most fans of "The Simpsons" watch it for laughs, Steven Keslowitz, a 19-year-old Brooklyn College sophomore, has found so much social relevance in the animated television show that he has written a book on the subject... The more [Keslowitz] watched the show, the more he realized the writers were touching on very important social and philosophical issues, many of which he addresses in the book.

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    Customer Reviews

    Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Societyby Anonymous

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    June 06, 2005: This is one of the most ridiculous attempts at writing you will see published and sold in any bookstore. It is little more than a collection of--often incorrect--quotes, and childish thoughts. There is no coherent structure, no argument, no idea behind it other than to slap together a little more than a hundred pages on the Simpsons and market it as an academic work. It is not. The author and/or his friends have flooded this and other websites with positive reviews about this trash, but don't be hoodwinked or you will regret it.

    Simpsons and Society: An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Societyby Anonymous

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    April 11, 2004: The Simpsons and Society provides readers with an in-depth analysis of the popular television series. Keslowitz's essays provide a breadth of information. The book is, at turns, fun, interesting, and enlightening. The Simpsons and Society is the type of book that is intended to be read more than once because of the author's inclusion of numerous Simpsons quotes. It's a nice academic book, though not quite as complex as The Simpsons and Philosophy. It's an easier read, but well worth doing so. In 150 pages, Keslowitz proves his thesis: The Simpsons is certainly more than 'just a cartoon', as he notes. The academic essays at the back of the book make it suitable for academic college courses taught on The Simpsons. I'd recommend this book to professors and students of Simpsons studies. Well-written, intellectual, and funny, the book is a terrific read if you're a Simpsons fan. And if you're not a Simpsons fan, start watching the show! THE SIMPSONS - GREATEST TV SERIES OF ALL TIME


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