Post 6: Sexism Shown in a Fiction Character that I Love.
The topic for this post is as it follows:
Sexism Shown in a Fiction Character that I Love.
Say:
- Which the character is and a little about his/her history.
· - How you got to know them.
· - How you think any kind of gender violence is depicted in the character, either in their personality, attitudes and/or relationships with other characters
· - Exemplify (video, picture, gif, etc)
Write your Post in 160 words. Comment on your teacher's post and 3 of your classmates’ blogs.
The Simpsons is Sexist!
This topic has been one of the topics I’ve needed to think over because it is undeniable that to be critical with one’s likes and preferences might be a bit hard due to the small amount of reflection we are required to do upon our own preferences, but finally, after all the many thoughts involved I got to the conclusion that a good example of a sexist fictional character I love would be the famous yellow American family I got to know back in the late nineties when cable TV was just arriving to the 8th region and that I believe it is sexist because it attempts to systematically reassure the classical patriarchal family stereotype and by claiming an alleged feminism, it places the concept of masculinity and manhood to a level synonym of stupidity and insensible irresponsibility .
Back in the 90’s, the TV channels and programmes on offer in the country was limited but at some point the cable TV industry began operations and I could be witness of a new type of cartoons who did not portray the classic childish stories and characters , we, the children, could watch now a satirical and ironical representation of a typical “ideal-american-dream” family and its decadence.
In the series I believe we find sexism because the characters have followed throughout all the seasons, the classical family organization in which the male is the one who works and provides for the family while the wife, Marge, is entirely devoted to the children. Furthermore, this stand has only been contested eventually when Marge suffers from a breakdown or problem; and even in these situations the series has shown us scenes giving the underlying argument that it is a lot better that women take care of children. In other words, Marge has placed all her ambitions in a second place in order to raise the beloved children she had with Homer, and otherwise, the family would collapse completely.
All the former leads me to another fact that makes me think that sexism is widely present in The Simpsons and as mentioned, the differences between the female and male roles in the series are depicted in the construction of the different characters and while women in general present a higher degree of responsibility, civility and morality, men are depicted as unintelligent, non-rational and immature; an example of it are the consequences the family suffers from it, in every episode in which Marge is away and the children are left under Homer’s care.
Illustrations of the instances argued in this blog are abundant all along the many seasons the series has broadcast so far and thus quite difficult to summarize in these short lines. However, by having a female character who has abandoned her dreams in order to pursue the American ideal of a family and furthermore, by having a undermining treatment of the masculine roles and their skills is that, despite being one of my very favourite cartoon series of all times, The Simpsons is not quite far from being a sexist TV series.
I love The Simpsons. I think is a great series but is true, The Simpsons is sexist in many episodes. In my opinion is necessary change that look and not show it as normal.
ReplyDeleteI really like Simpsons but this is a sexist show. It's sad, I hope that change in some point):
ReplyDeleteI like The Simpsons, I grew up watching them and it's a issue that shows many scenes where sexism it's naturalized, and worts, it's trated comically.
ReplyDeletePersonally I feel that Marge is a character who is constantly changing, sometimes is sexist and sometimes acts as submissive
ReplyDeleteMy mom doesn`t like The Simpsons because their sexist patterns and tried that I didn`t see it but the program won and I still seeing that show, as my friend said before I hope that change in some point.
ReplyDeleteYou took the words right out of my mouth. Like you, I liked The Simpsons, but its impossible not to see the sexism present on the series.
ReplyDeleteI must say that I will never come back to see The Simpsons in the same way again... We see eye to eye.
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that is particularly close to me. I love The Simpsons, really love them. And for that I think that is so true all that you say. In this TV show we can see the typical family and how the women's role are always in second place. But also, I think that this TV show allows criticize the society in general.
ReplyDeleteEven when Marge scape from the typical housewife stereotype, like in the episodes that she has a job, in the end of the story, she return to the maternity logic, because Homer and the kids can't survive without her.
ReplyDeleteI’m with you 100% on this one. The Simpsons is a TV show that we all love but many times is not a nice model to follow. It is true that has changed over the years, but i think that is still a sexist TV show
ReplyDeleteI really love The Simpson, but I´m agree with you, it´s so sexism and its present in all episodes.
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of the Simpsons characters from this perspective, it is true that the series is sexist in many of its episodes, hopefully that changes.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree and it doesn't even have the social criticism or the fun he used to have. That series should have finished a long time ago.
ReplyDelete