The Simpsons

While viewing the Simpsons episode on Thursday, I noticed several aspects we have covered in this class. The stereotypes between males and females were exaggerated greatly. First, McBane played the apotheosis of masculinity. Driving a huge SUV, being muscle bound, and exhibiting violence show masculine heteronormativity; societies set of social norms for each gender. His presence evoked acquiescence from everyone present. Also, the confrontation between Bart and Milhouse is an example of a generalization pertaining to male relationships. Initially in Bart's relationship, the suggestion was given that men are oblivious to body language and indirect nuances. Then, the stereotype was given that males are emotionless and unempathetic. After being told by Lisa that Mcbane's daughter had feelings for him, he decided it would be best to just break the relationship off. While she cried at the news, Bart sat in stolid silence. In return, she decided to date Bart's best friend Milhouse, another generalization about females. This led to a competition between Bart and Milhouse which led to neither of them getting the girl.

During the making of this episode the audience was kept in mind. This episode was made to make people laugh, as all Simpsons episodes do. The audience was considered in that the use of exaggerated generalities about different genders is something that most audience members can associate with. The jokes are formed so that the younger audience will laugh at the humor associated with the simplest level of understanding, while the more mature audience will appreciate the deeper, satirical meanings.