The Perception of the American Way of Life through the TV Serial 'The Simpsons'

Cultural analysis of the episode 'Mypods and Broomsticks'

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject American Studies - Miscellaneous, grade: 1,3, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Anglistik), course: Literature and Culture, language: English, abstract: Our perception of the world is consequently influenced by the media. As many television programs, films and series are from America or at least influenced by American television, it is important for us to know, how the Americans represent themselves and others in those television productions. In this term paper I will explain, how 'The Simpsons' influence our perception of the Americans and their way of life. Many stereotypes are represented without being necessarily recognized while watching the episodes of The Simpsons. The episode 'Mypods and Boomsticks' (Season 20, episode 7) is a good example to show how the Americans see themselves and different cultures and how we are influenced by their point of view and often believe in what we see or what we are told by them.