Lab+8+-+Discussion+on+Simpsons'+opening+a+suddenly+dark+turn+by+Eddie+Kim

Article: http:[|//dailytrojan.com/2010/10/13/simpsons’-opening-a-suddenly-dark-turn/]

After reading this article, I have to say I was very shocked. I have never heard of this //The Simpsons//' opening until after reading this article. I am very shocked with the idea of the opening and what they chose to advertise in the opening, only because it could have only damaged the reputation of the show. To my curiosity I had to watch the opening of this episode and see what all the buzz was about. After that, I truly understood what was being portrayed in the opener and why the public reacted the way they did.

Although, //The Simpsons// is known for satirizing current issues in society in a comical way in the show, this episode crossed a line. More specifically, the opening mocks and exploits sweatshops and child labour in third world countries such as China, which is obvious, by all the cartoons working in the sweatshop were Asian. In addition, the opening emphasized the issues surrounding animal abuse, with the unicorn putting holes in the DVD’s and a dead horse tongue sealing boxes. These are issues that are very prominent in society and should not be portrayed as a joke or even laughed upon in comedic shows. Yes, the things seen in the opening are not true, far from it as the producer reported to //The New York Times//. But, I still personally believe that this does not help the issues in terms of them getting resolved. It was only used as a mode of entertainment to the public. From the interview of the producer of //The Simpsons//, it was very apparent that he was not thinking that maybe covering these topics in the opening would help resolve these problems. He made it seem as if it was only done for entertainment purposes. I believe it is a bit obvious that it was only done for entertainment purposes, because viewers do not watch a cartoon geared towards adults to speak about important issues in society, rather it is a show where individuals can watch, relax and have some good laughs with the stupidity found in the show.

Therefore, it makes it only makes sense that after the opening was aired the public was left in an uproar. It is evident that integrating very touchy topics such as sweatshops, child labour and animal abuse was not a good idea. The medium is known as the message, therefore, they have the power to portray these issues to the public in a manner that will resolve them, not in a manner where it will be mocked and laughed upon.