Adult TV cartoons like the Simpsons undermine cultural values because they perpetuate stereotypes. The series portrays a typical macho man who thinks he can get away with all sorts of dishonesty and then successfully cons his female partner into believing it’s all right. While this may reflect life surely it is not something to boast about.
There is a certain attraction in the vulgarity of the characters in the stories and they are funny, however, constant repetition helps viewers to learn that this sort of behavior is acceptable. Surely the fact that it has got through censors and is aired on public TV is proof of acceptance that ‘authority’ has approved the material.
The episodes are not viewed only by adults but by children also and it raises the question, how do children differentiate between the fantasy of the program and what they are being taught about good manners and consideration. In fact, it is worth wondering if adults can separate the two and series such as this give permission for certain types of behavior.
Cartoons are a clever way of making a point. They are unrealistic at one level, as in Tom and Jerry cartoons, but the visual images are powerful and as so much of understanding, recognition and meaning is transmitted by body language and gestures, they have impact.
Because they make us laugh it eases the feeling and knowledge that they are not enlightening.
While there are times when we are tired and we need some mindless entertainment, cartoons like this offer relaxation. Here there is a danger because it is easy to become focused on something which is blandly attractive and a constant diet of nothing rewarding undermines us.
It’s easy to sound negative and critical and holier than thou about programs like this and while there is space and need for light material, a coarse, vulgar little cartoon character is not a good role model for anyone.
But then, it is worth considering what cultural values are we trying to protect? Each of us has to work out for ourselves where we fit into our society and our society dictates what is the correct way to behave and live. At one level there are some unwritten, but strict, acceptable modes of being and is it that the cartoon character has the opportunity to challenge these mores? Is the very fact that they point up the ridiculousness of some devoutly held beliefs about behavior which makes them attractive or something else?
