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The homer simpson essay question

Last Sunday, the Guardian listed 300 reasons why they love the Simpsons.

homer.jpgNumber 121, as I have observed many times here before, is my all-time favorite Simspson line:

121 And the pop-star guest stars. Hard to forget Homer being introduced to a member of the Smashing Pumpkins: 'Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins.' ... 'Homer Simpson, smiling politely.'

The list is very Brit-centric and they cheat on some numbers (see 154, 166, 177) but it's fun to read.

That said, I have a mission for you (i.e, something to fill the space here while I am off spending a small fortune on baseball equipment). Well, not so much a mission as an essay-type quiz. Yes, another project I'm working on.

Answer this: Homer Simpson - parental role model or dsyfunctional idiot? Support your answer with facts (fiction) and references if possible.

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Comments

It's hard to argue the fact that Homer has become more and more of a dysfunctional idiot as the years have progressed. However, he's had some moments when he has been a parental role model, such as when he chose to buy Lisa a saxamaphone rather than an air conditioner or when he tried to help Bart replace the severed head of Jebidiah Springfield. Mostly, though, he's a selfish, not-so-bright individual.

And best Simpsons' quote? Hands down, Ralph Wiggum: "It tastes like. . .ooh, it tastes like burning!"

Parental role model or dsyfunctional idiot? Both!

A parental role model for what not to do as a father, husband and son (haha! trifecta!) -- see : any episode where homer does something with Bart or Lisa or Maggie, any episode where he interacts with Marge, and any episode where he interacts with Grandpa.

Dsyfunctional idiot? See any episode where Homer interacts with any living creature or inanimate object.

For a good illustration of both cases, see the episode where Homer alienates Lisa (dysfunctional idiot), and has a PI investigate Lisa so he can pretend to be a good father (what not to do as a father).

:)

yeah, homer irritates me. how'd you guess?

Essay question aside, I'm not sure the British should be allowed to appreciate The Simpsons, meanwhile haughtily dismissing 90% of American culture as pure trash. I'm not saying it isn't trash, but trash is everywhere and its no reason to turn your nose up at entire continents. Let's not forget who gave us The Weakest Link.

I love the show. I love Homer.

Unquestionable greatness.

Get ready.....

I have never (not even in the Tracy Ulman days) watched an episode of The Simpsons.

No particular reason really. Just never did.

"I have never (not even in the Tracy Ulman days) watched an episode of The Simpsons."

Heathen.

Homer is the perfect role model for anyone. you can just point to him in any situation and say "don't do what he does". You'll never to wrong. Makes being a parent a lot easier.

Now, because I blindly do what everyone else does, here is my opus to Michele in honor of Love In (blame snazzykat for this one).. I love Michele and her blog because...
-- of her acidic yet smart wit
-- she speaks her mind
-- she lets the inner child out to play
-- she has nice tits (did I say that)
-- she is one of the few bloggers out there my age
-- she is Michele.

Now that I have provided fodder to be flamed, I will go.

Homer's a great parent. There have been episodes where he has tried to learn more about Lisa and like what she likes.

He goes to work at a job he hates so that his wife can stay at home with the kids and they can live in the burbs.

And he has taught his kids the valuable lesson that weaseling out of things is what separates us from the animals. Except the weasels.

And how can you understand half the references on the Internet if you haven't ever seen The Simpsons? It's like a virgin reading about sex, or Michael Moore confronted with a stick of celery and a Diet Coke. You just can't comprehend.

Homer's just like us, only more. We're all a mass of contradictions - he just shows it.

He tries, but he fails - but he tries.

He loves his kids, but he hates his kids - but he loves his kids.

Yes, Homer is the anti-parenting role model.

The best line from the Simpsons, though, is Groundskeeper Willie:

"...cheese eating surrender monkeys..."

I agree with the comment that Homer has changed over the years. The past couple of seasons has painted him more the buffoon (and a mean one at that) versus the affable oaf early on.

G, Bush I (I believe) took a swipe at The Simpsons, and missed the message that there was a lot of love and family values underlying the dysfunction. That underlying portion seems to have been taken away lately...

He has his moments when he's a good dad, but it's usually after he has screwed up big time. I'd call him a dsyfunctional parental role model.

I love that you can identify with me about having sex with cartoon characters. mmmm homer. And that you're from Long Island. You got that long island bitch in you. Rawwwwr baby, very rawwwwwr.

I don't like homer in any role but I do like marge. I have no facts... or references.. I think watching the show is enough evidence.

Please Homer is the ultimate good father. He at least tries to do right by his family even though he will bunggle it.......................American families would be closer if they did half the stuff Homer and family do......

1. They eat dinner together at the table every night
2. They go to Church every Sunday
3. They are at every school function as a family
4. They've been to faires, grand opennings, town meetings, Ichty and Scratchy Land, camping, Delaware, company picnics, church outings and Chili Festivals all AS A FAMILY!!!!!

While he has MANY faults, in the end he lives for his wife and children, even giving up his dream of working in a Bowling Alley so he could provide for his family.....

I AM HOMER.....

"I like my beer cold and my homosexuals flaming!!!!!"

Homer may not be the best dad but he tries, and that's what matters.

By the way, the best Simpson line without a doubt is "Oh Margey, you came and you found me a turkey, on my vacation away from worky..."

I think it's essential to realize that Homer is the ultimate model of man:

He may have his differences with Marge and the kids, he may incredibly stupid things from time to time (alright, a lot of the time) but in the end, he never cheats on Marge, never abuses her, worships the ground she and the kids walk on, and in the end, always comes home, having learned at least another lesson in the long list of life's lessons to learn. If only we could all be so lucky as to learn something new every week and come home to a spouse and children who love us unconditionally and vice versa.