The BG News December 1, 2000

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The BG News December 1, 2000 Bowling Green State University ScholarWorks@BGSU BG News (Student Newspaper) University Publications 12-1-2000 The BG News December 1, 2000 Bowling Green State University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/bg-news Recommended Citation Bowling Green State University, "The BG News December 1, 2000" (2000). BG News (Student Newspaper). 6729. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/bg-news/6729 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Publications at ScholarWorks@BGSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in BG News (Student Newspaper) by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@BGSU. XHMVMMHMMM State University FRIDAY i December 1, 2000 YELLOW-BELLIED: NOW delves into the SNOW realm of Springfield, its HIGH: 3J | LOW 29 inhabitants and its www.bgnsws.com avid fans; PAGE 12 independent student press VOLUME 90 ISSUE 64 Museum commemorates Rosa Parks By Bob Johnson Montgomery dedicates the Rosa visitors will see a video that recre- planned to put a parking lot at ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER Parks Library and Museum. ates the famous conversation the site but changed its plans. MONTGOMERY, Ala. — It was Joining Parks will be such civil between Parks and the driver. University President Cameron a cold evening 45 years ago rights figures as Martin Luther "Are you going to stand up," the Martindale said the decision was Friday when a Montgomery city King 111, president of the driver asked. prompted by the number of peo- bus stopped in front of the Southern Christian Leadership "No," Park answered. ple who stopped on that street Empire Theater, The driver got up Conference; former U.N. "Well by God I'm going to have comer to look at a historic mark- and told black seamstress Rosa Ambassador Andrew Young; the you arrested," the driver said. er about Parks. Parks she would have to give up Rev. Jesse Jackson; poet Maya "You may do that," Parks "We realized that people were if iWi **i \ her seat for white passengers. Angelou; and actress Cecily responded. walking away from that marker That event — which touched Tyson. Community leaders angered disappointed, because they off the Montgomery bus boycott Inside the museum, visitors over her arrest launched a boy- wanted to know more about the and began the modern civil rights will get a chance to see and feel a cott of Montgomery buses on mother of the modem civil rights movement — is recreated inside little of what segregated Dec. 5,1955. ITic protest lasted a movement," Martindale said. a new museum honoring Parks. Montgomery was like 45 years year, lifted the Rev. Martin Luther The museum was created with The museum opens Friday on ago. The highlight of the museum King Ir. to national prominence private donations and a $1 mil- the site of the old theater. is a bus that was used in and resulted in a Supreme Court lion grant from the U.S. Parks, now 87, will be in Montgomery at the time of Parks' ruling integrating public trans- Associated Press PTKRO Montgomery on Friday when arrest. portation. MUSEUM.PAGE 2 MORE THAN A BUS SEAT: A film is projected onto the windows of Troy State University looking in the bus windows, The university had originally a bus Wednesday inside the Rosa Parks museum. Mob boss worth $1 million to FBI By Mirk Pratt ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER BOSTON -Alleged mob boss James J. "Whitey" Bulger, on the lam for the past five years, has joined Eric Rudolph and Osama bin Laden in an exclusive club — the reward for information leading to his capture is now $1 million. Bulger, on the FBI's 10 most- wanted list, is just the seventh person to warrant a reward of $1 million or more, said Charles S. Prouty, head of the Boston FBI office. The reward, which had been $250,000, is designed to "encourage the public to be more vigilant," Prouty said. Prosecutors say that from the late 1970s through last year, Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi controlled an organized crime group known as the Winter Hill Gang that used the insular, blue-collar Irish- American South Boston neigh- borhood as its base. Mitt Greening Illustration The gang generated money WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE: Shearer performs the voice for Mr. Montgomery Burns, above center, as well over a dozen other regular characters. through extortion, loan shark- ing, bookmaking and drug sales, prosecutors have said. Bulger — whose brother INSIDE THE MIND OF THE... William was a state senator and is now president of the University of Massachusetts — was even an informant for the FBI, a move that some say may have protected him from the law over the years. In tact, one FBI agent has been accused of tip- ping Bulger to his pending indictment, allowing him to flee before he could be arrested. The FBI also unveiled an Thirteenth in a weekly feature updated wanted poster for SIMPSONS Bulger with a more recent 1994 picture taken before his disap- pearance a year later, and a new possible alias, "Mark Shapeton." Harry Shearer: the voice behind the cartoon Bulger disappeared in 1995 when an initial indictment was ByErkPeppfe aire C. Montgomery Bums, Ned it really raises the bar in terms of SHEARER'S CAREER "The Simpsons" (1989) issued alleging he took part in a NOW EDITOR Flanders and straight-laced how animation can look on tele- "The Fisher King" (1991) scheme to extort money from a "1 like to say I started in show Principal Seymour Skinner. In vision." THE SIMPSONS" AREN7 THE "Blood and Concrete" (1991) bookmaker. Two months ago, he business at the top and worked addition to those pivotal charac- Shearer, however, is game to ONLY THING ON HIS PLATE: "A League of Their Own" was indicted on charges that he my way down ever since." ters, Shearer also voices over a offer criticisms of the writing. In (1992) has been involved in 18 killings. So jokes Harry Shearer, who at dozen other regular characters. recent years, the show has taken "Abbott and Costello Go to "Wayne's World 2" (1993) "It is critically important ... critical drubbings from fans age 7 started his prolific showbiz The revolutionary nature of Mars" (1953) "Waiting for Guffman" (1996, that he be caught, and returned who claim the show has aban- career on the classic radio pro- "The Simpsons" in the realm of "The Robe" (1953) to Boston to stand trial," U.S. doned its roots as trenchant lyricist) gram "The Jack Benny Show," popular culture is not lost on "Saturday Night Live" (1979- Attorney Donald K. Stem said. Shearer, however, who is thrilled social satire and become more "My Best Friend's Wedding" and went on to act in "Abbott & 80,1984-85) "There are people out there who to be part of a show that "has the of a wacky slapstick comedy. (1997) Costello Go to Mars," "The "Real Life" (1979) have information, we know unbelievable power to draw Shearer points to the nature "Godzilla" (1998) that." Truman Show" and "This is "The Fish That Saved Spinal Tap." viewers to this crappy little net- of television for the occasional 'The Truman Show" (1998) Anyone who provides infor- Pittsburgh" (1979) Despite those roles, he is per- work |FOX|." lapses in quality. "The econom- "EdTv"(1999) mation leading to Bulger's arrest "The Right Stuff (1983) haps best known for his voice- "Being on "The Simpsons' is ics of TV and laws of human "Dick" (1999) will remain anonymous, Prouty "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984, over work on the animated far superior to being on a nor- greed dictate you cannot keep 'Teddy Bear's Picnic" (2000, said. also co-wrote) series "The Simpsons." mal sitcom in terms of writing the original team together for also wrote and directed) Bulger, 71, is thought to be and animation," Shearer said. "If the life of the show." Shearer "Spaceballs" (1987) For the last 10 years Shearer Courtesy of The Internet Movie has made television audiences you look at an episode like when "My Stepmother is an Alien" laugh as Machiavellian million- Homer eats the insanity pepper, SHEARER,PAGE 2 (1988) Database REWARD, PAGE 2 2 Friday. December 1,2000 BGNEWS Shearer: voice of Springfield FBI offers $1 million for State considers SHEARER.FROM PAGE 1 said. mob boss As for an average work week for REWARD. FROM PAGE 1 'half grades' The Simpsons," Shearer said it is more or less different each week, traveling with his girlfriend. By Andrew Welsh Huoms grade 4.5. but generally the two-three day Catherine Elizabeth Greig. She ASSOCUKD PRESS WRl 11 R Physically, they would be in work week begins with a "3-4 1/2 faces charges of harboring a COLUMBUS — Members of a fifth grade, but would receive hour read-through of the script, federal fugitive. state education commission extra reading help. From that followed by rehearsals and The FBI said that during the studying Ohio's proficiency tests point, they would continue to recording the episode," Shearer past five years Bulger has been found themselves trying to advance through the grades as continued, "then we do ADR in New York City and suburban explain Thursday what a pro- (Automated Dialogue Long Island; Sheridan, Wyo.; posed grade 4.5 is .ill about — ON THE NET: Replacement)." ADR is a process, Long Beach, Miss.; Grand Isle, keeping students from failing. in which recorded dialogue is La.; Chicago; Albany, N.Y.; West The "half grade" is part of a GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION cleaned up and additional dia- Palm Beach, Ha.; New Orleans; plan to work with students who logue can be recorded.
Recommended publications
  • Planet Simpson: “Early Days” (1987-1991)
    Planet Simpson: “Early Days” (1987-1991) • Season 2- “Simpsons” moved air times to compete with “Cosby Show” • Proved popularity during competition with very well acclaimed “Cosby Show” • Became Top Rated Show in 1992 after “Cosby Show” went off air • Birth of the “mass cult” “Simpsonian Golden Age” (1992-1997) • Seasons 4-8 Continued to be popular • Entered syndication in the Fall of 1994 • Became popular on booming internet • Feb. 97’ aired 167th episode passing “Flintstones” and becoming longest running primetime cartoon in history • Won “Peabody Award” “Long Plateau” (1997- ?) • Show declined in popularity after hitting it’s peak • Won 20 Emmy Awards by mid 2003 • Received Hollywood Star in 2000 • Received first ever Golden Globe nomination for best comedy series in 2003 Ancestors of the “Simpsons” •1) Anthropomorphic Animals, Late Night Talk Shows and Such and Such…… Wide Range of Comedic Forms made show successful through use of minor characters •2) Boomer Humor Begets Egghead Humor Sick and deranged humor meets smarter, social, and political humor Ancestors… (Continued) • For Ironic Humor, Blame Canada Canadian references made throughout the show bring a different tone to the “Simpsons” comedy style and the ability to laugh more openly at American satires Reality TV: The Satirical Universe of the Simpsons • “Satire is defined as intellectual judo, in which the writer or performer take on the ideas and character of his target, and then takes both to absurd lengths to destroy them.” Tony Hendra • Satire only works if it is realistic • The Simpsons is based on reality; on the notion that they are realistic. This makes satire possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Mediasprawl: Springfield U.S.A
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Iowa Research Online Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies Volume 3, Issue 1 2003 Article 10 SUBURBIA Mediasprawl: Springfield U.S.A Douglas Rushkoff∗ ∗ Copyright c 2003 by the authors. Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies is produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press (bepress). https://ir.uiowa.edu/ijcs Mediasprawl: Springfield U.S.A. Douglas Rushkoff The Simpsons are the closest thing in America to a national media literacy program. By pretending to be a kids’ cartoon, the show gets away with murder: that is, the virtual murder of our most coercive media iconography and techniques. For what began as entertaining interstitial material for an alternative network variety show has revealed itself, in the twenty-first century, as nothing short of a media revolu­ tion. Maybe that’s the very reason The Simpsons works so well. The Simpsons were bom to provide The Tracey Ullman Show with a way of cutting to commercial breaks. Their very function as a form of media was to bridge the discontinuity inherent to broadcast television. They existed to pave over the breaks. But rather than dampening the effects of these gaps in the broadcast stream, they heightened them. They acknowledged the jagged edges and recombinant forms behind the glossy patina of American television and, by doing so, initiated its deconstruction. They exist in the outlying suburbs of the American media landscape: the hinter­ lands of the Fox network. And living as they do—simultaneously a part of yet separate from the mainstream, primetime fare—they are able to bear witness to our cultural formulations and then comment upon them.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards Meaningful Images of the User in Design Scenarios BLYTHE, M
    Representing older people: towards meaningful images of the user in design scenarios BLYTHE, M. and DEARDEN, Andy <http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5706-5978> Available from Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA) at: http://shura.shu.ac.uk/9/ This document is the author deposited version. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it. Published version BLYTHE, M. and DEARDEN, Andy (2009). Representing older people: towards meaningful images of the user in design scenarios. Universal access in the information society, 8 (1), 21-32. Copyright and re-use policy See http://shura.shu.ac.uk/information.html Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive http://shura.shu.ac.uk Representing Older People: Towards Meaningful Images of the User in Design Scenarios MARK BLYTHE Department of Computer Science University of York York, YO10 5DD UK +44 1904 434764 +44 1904 432767 [email protected] http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/~mblythe ANDY DEARDEN Communication & Computing Research Centre Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield, S1 1WB UK +44 114 225 2916 +44 114 225 3161 [email protected] http://teaching.shu.ac.uk/aces/amd/ Category: long paper Abstract: Designing for older people requires the consideration of a range of design problems, which may be related to difficult and sometimes highly personal matters. Issues such as fear, loneliness, dependency, and physical decline may be hard to observe or discuss in interviews. Pastiche scenarios and pastiche personae are techniques that employ characters to create a space for the discussion of new technological developments and user experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Memetic Proliferation and Fan Participation in the Simpsons
    THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL Craptacular Science and the Worst Audience Ever: Memetic Proliferation and Fan Participation in The Simpsons being a Thesis submitted for the Degree of PhD Film Studies in the University of Hull by Jemma Diane Gilboy, BFA, BA (Hons) (University of Regina), MScRes (University of Edinburgh) April 2016 Craptacular Science and the Worst Audience Ever: Memetic Proliferation and Fan Participation in The Simpsons by Jemma D. Gilboy University of Hull 201108684 Abstract (Thesis Summary) The objective of this thesis is to establish meme theory as an analytical paradigm within the fields of screen and fan studies. Meme theory is an emerging framework founded upon the broad concept of a “meme”, a unit of culture that, if successful, proliferates among a given group of people. Created as a cultural analogue to genetics, memetics has developed into a cultural theory and, as the concept of memes is increasingly applied to online behaviours and activities, its relevance to the area of media studies materialises. The landscapes of media production and spectatorship are in constant fluctuation in response to rapid technological progress. The internet provides global citizens with unprecedented access to media texts (and their producers), information, and other individuals and collectives who share similar knowledge and interests. The unprecedented speed with (and extent to) which information and media content spread among individuals and communities warrants the consideration of a modern analytical paradigm that can accommodate and keep up with developments. Meme theory fills this gap as it is compatible with existing frameworks and offers researchers a new perspective on the factors driving the popularity and spread (or lack of popular engagement with) a given media text and its audience.
    [Show full text]
  • Emotional and Linguistic Analysis of Dialogue from Animated Comedies: Homer, Hank, Peter and Kenny Speak
    Emotional and Linguistic Analysis of Dialogue from Animated Comedies: Homer, Hank, Peter and Kenny Speak. by Rose Ann Ko2inski Thesis presented as a partial requirement in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Development School of Graduate Studies Laurentian University Sudbury, Ontario © Rose Ann Kozinski, 2009 Library and Archives Bibliotheque et 1*1 Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington OttawaONK1A0N4 OttawaONK1A0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-57666-3 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-57666-3 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, prefer, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distribute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriete du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette these. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la these ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent etre imprimes ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Teaching Machiavelli, Or How I Learned to Love the Prince
    Alan E. Miller Drawing on The Simpsons Teaching Machiavelli, and other contemporary references, Miller describes or How I Learned how the 15th-century classic can still resonate to Love The Prince with young adults. ritten by a petty bureaucrat and dip- that could unify much of the fiction, drama, and lomat for Lorenzo de Medici, a short stories they would read during the school member of one of the ruling fami- year? Couldn’t the Macbeths be considered typical lies of Europe, Niccolò Machiavelli’s Machiavellian rulers? Couldn’t Oedipus be blamed The Prince (1532) is a slim volume concerned pri- for sharing power and underestimating a possible Wmarily with advising Medici on how to acquire, “religious” rival in the Delphic Oracle? Were the maintain, and sustain power over a state. Its difficult Ibo, as depicted in Things Fall Apart, too accommo- and often archaic vocabulary aside, at first glance it dating of the white settlers encroaching on their hardly seems an ideal text for the sophomores I often territory with a new religion, powerful weapons, teach. Nearly 500 years old, it features a glib atti- destabilizing economic strategies, and potentially tude about violence and a cynical opinion of human- oppressive laws? Indeed, weren’t the British in Ni- kind. And hardly anyone teaches the book in its geria perfecting Machiavelli’s techniques? Not only entirety at the secondary level—probably because did The Prince provide a way of understanding these it’s repetitive, dense, and sometimes frustrating. problems, it also offered some principles for leaders Ironically, the things that make it a questionable concerned with how and when to act effectively to choice also make it an excellent challenge, or maintain control of their lands.
    [Show full text]
  • Die Flexible Welt Der Simpsons
    BACHELORARBEIT Herr Benjamin Lehmann Die flexible Welt der Simpsons 2012 Fakultät: Medien BACHELORARBEIT Die flexible Welt der Simpsons Autor: Herr Benjamin Lehmann Studiengang: Film und Fernsehen Seminargruppe: FF08w2-B Erstprüfer: Professor Peter Gottschalk Zweitprüfer: Christian Maintz (M.A.) Einreichung: Mittweida, 06.01.2012 Faculty of Media BACHELOR THESIS The flexible world of the Simpsons author: Mr. Benjamin Lehmann course of studies: Film und Fernsehen seminar group: FF08w2-B first examiner: Professor Peter Gottschalk second examiner: Christian Maintz (M.A.) submission: Mittweida, 6th January 2012 Bibliografische Angaben Lehmann, Benjamin: Die flexible Welt der Simpsons The flexible world of the Simpsons 103 Seiten, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Fakultät Medien, Bachelorarbeit, 2012 Abstract Die Simpsons sorgen seit mehr als 20 Jahren für subversive Unterhaltung im Zeichentrickformat. Die Serie verbindet realistische Themen mit dem abnormen Witz von Cartoons. Diese Flexibilität ist ein bestimmendes Element in Springfield und erstreckt sich über verschiedene Bereiche der Serie. Die flexible Welt der Simpsons wird in dieser Arbeit unter Berücksichtigung der Auswirkungen auf den Wiedersehenswert der Serie untersucht. 5 Inhaltsverzeichnis Inhaltsverzeichnis ............................................................................................. 5 Abkürzungsverzeichnis .................................................................................... 7 1 Einleitung ...................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Mr BURNS a POST-ELECTRIC PLAY
    19 MAY - 25 JUNE 2017 LEARNING RESOURCES Belvoir and State Theatre Company South Australia presents Mr BURNS A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY Writer ANNE WASHBURN Score by MICHAEL FRIEDMAN Lyrics by ANNE WASHBURN Director IMARA SAVAGE This production of Mr Burns, a post-electric play opened at State Theatre Company South Australia on Wednesday 26 April and Belvoir St Theatre on Saturday 20 May 2017. Musical Director CAROL YOUNG Set and Costume Designer JONATHON OXLADE Lighting Designer CHRIS PETRIDIS Sound Designer JEREMY SILVER Choeographer LUCAS JERVIES Dialect Coach PAIGE WALKER Stage Manager NATALIE MOIR Assistant Stage Manager VANESSA MARTIN Fight Choreographer SCOTT WITT With PAULA ARUNDELL MITCHELL BUTEL ESTHER HANNAFORD JUDE HENSHALL BRENT HILL EZRA JUANTA JACQY PHILLIPS "Mr Burns, a post-electric play" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. Additional music composed by Carol Young. Paula Arundell & Esther Hannaford in rehearsals for Mr Burns CONTENTS About Belvoir 1 Cast and Creative Team 2 Writer's Note 3 Director's Note 4 Synopsis 5 Interview with the Director 7 Production Elements 9 Interview with the Production Designer Costume Design Renderings Set Model Box Images Interview with the Lighting Designer Lighting Design Storyboard Podcast 23 Contact Education 24 Rehearsal Photos / Daniel Boud 2017 Production Photos / Brett Boardman 2017 Cover Image / Daniel Boud 2016 Learning Resources compiled by Belvoir’ Education, 2017 ABOUT BELVOIR One building. Six hundred people. Thousands of stories. When the Nimrod Theatre building in Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, was threatened with redevelopment in 1984, more than 600 people – ardent theatre lovers together with arts, entertainment and media professionals – formed a syndicate to buy the building and save this unique performance space in inner city Sydney.
    [Show full text]
  • The Simpsons “Do Diversity” in the Critical Media Literacy Classroom
    “Peace and Chicken” The Simpsons “do diversity” in the critical media literacy classroom Emma Jane McGillivray Department of Integrated Studies in Education McGill University, Montreal January 2011 A thesis submitted to McGill University in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Arts © Emma Jane McGillivray 2011 Library and Archives Bibliothèque et Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de l'édition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre référence ISBN: 978-0-494-75923-3 Our file Notre référence ISBN: 978-0-494-75923-3 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non- L'auteur a accordé une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant à la Bibliothèque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par télécommunication ou par l'Internet, prêter, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des thèses partout dans le loan, distrbute and sell theses monde, à des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non- support microforme, papier, électronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriété du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette thèse. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la thèse ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent être imprimés ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation.
    [Show full text]
  • SIMPSONS to SOUTH PARK-FILM 4165 (4 Credits) SPRING 2015 Tuesdays 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M
    CONTEMPORARY ANIMATION: THE SIMPSONS TO SOUTH PARK-FILM 4165 (4 Credits) SPRING 2015 Tuesdays 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Social Work 134 Instructor: Steven Pecchia-Bekkum Office Phone: 801-935-9143 E-Mail: [email protected] Office Hours: M-W 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. (FMAB 107C) Course Description: Since it first appeared as a series of short animations on the Tracy Ullman Show (1987), The Simpsons has served as a running commentary on the lives and attitudes of the American people. Its subject matter has touched upon the fabric of American society regarding politics, religion, ethnic identity, disability, sexuality and gender-based issues. Also, this innovative program has delved into the realm of the personal; issues of family, employment, addiction, and death are familiar material found in the program’s narrative. Additionally, The Simpsons has spawned a series of animated programs (South Park, Futurama, Family Guy, Rick and Morty etc.) that have also been instrumental in this reflective look on the world in which we live. The abstraction of animation provides a safe emotional distance from these difficult topics and affords these programs a venue to reflect the true nature of modern American society. Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to provide the intellectual basis for a deeper understanding of The Simpsons, South Park, Futurama, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty within the context of the culture that nurtured these animations. The student will, upon successful completion of this course: (1) recognize cultural references within these animations. (2) correlate narratives to the issues about society that are raised.
    [Show full text]
  • A Linguistic Analysis of Postmodern Comedy by Barbara Ann Karman
    Postmodern Power Plays: A linguistic Analysis of Postmodern Comedy by Barbara Ann Karman Submitted in partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master ofArts in the English Program Youngstown State University August, 1998 Postmodern Power Plays: A Linguistic Analysis of Postmodern Comedy Barbara Ann Karman I hereby release this thesis to the public. I understand this thesis will be housed at the Circulation Desk of the University library and will be available for public access. I also authorize the University or other individuals to make copies of this thesis as needed for scholarly research. Signature: ~ Ii q;;. ~~QL<~ Student Date Approvals: Thesis Advisor Date LC~L L}~lGl ~~b~ L~{S-.-..;;;;~ 0 --c' __(s+-II CommitteiMember 0 Date iii Abstract Postmodern Power Plays: A Linguistic Analysis of Postmodern Comedy The goal of this thesis is to first acquaint readers with the literature on humor that will be useful in analyzing postmodern comedy from a linguistic perspective. As a genre-specific theoretical tool for viewers-- and readers-- of television texts, this thesis provides a means to an end: a way to "fine tune" our perception and understanding ofpostmodern comedy, and more importantly, provide concrete means to analyze the structure and implicit messages of one of its primary modes of expression--the prime time television situation comedy. Two case studies will consider the linguistic and textual construction of The Simpsons and Home Improvement and show how each sitcom relies on a postmodern power play between competing interests to engage the audience, subvert, and yet also subtly reinforce some ofour traditional notions ofgender and family relations in a patriarchal society.
    [Show full text]
  • S Mr. Burns Is a Misfire
    Brown’s Mr. Burns Is a Misfire Mr. Burns – A Post-Electric Play begins with an intriguing premise – the survivors of a nuclear apocalypse gather together and reminisce about a classic episode of “The Simpsons” — and then proceeds to do nothing with it. The story then jumps ahead 7 years, when the group attempts to recreate that very same episode of “The Simpsons,” the one with the homicidal clown Sideshow Bob. Act 2 concludes with an extended musical medley of hit pop songs from the last decade. Seventy-five years later, the band of survivors has transformed into the Simpsons characters: Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa, Edna Krabappel, and of course, the evil Mr. Burns. If writer Anne Washburn had really explored the need of these characters to escape the horror around them by escaping into the fantasy world of a beloved television comedy, then Mr. Burns could have been something special. Instead, the story goes off the rails in the second act and never recovers. It’s just a disjointed mess. That’s unfortunate, because there are a talented and engaging group of performers here. Jesse Weil plays Gibson and Bart Simpson. Weil is quite effective in a scene when Gibson has a mental breakdown. He also is a fine singer, as is Evan Silver, who plays Mr. Burns. I also liked Hiromi Komorita as Maria and Jenna Chapman as Jenny. They have an effortless charm and are obviously having a great time in these roles. Ben Hayslett-Ubell is a lot of fun to watch as he skillfully mimics Homer Simpson.
    [Show full text]