Publications

Data Sheet: María Cristina Rosas, The Simpsons: Satire, Pop Culture and Soft Power - No TV series should last 30 years… or should it?; Mexico, Center for Analysis and Research on Peace, Security and Development Olof Palme / National Autonomous University of Mexico / Columbia University / Australian National University, 2018, first reprint, 469. ISBN: 978412836139-7. Foreword by Humberto Vélez.

 The TV show ‘The Simpsons’ is an institution firmly established in the history of the entertainment industry worldwide. Created by cartoonist Matt Groening, they were first released on television on April 19, 1987, as animated shorts on ‘The Tracy Ullman Show’; more than 30 years have passed since then. Established as a sitcom in prime time from December 17, 1989, ‘The Simpsons’ revolutionized television and made Fox network, at that time, a competitive corporation. The longevity of the program is an aspect worthy of mention, since it has broken all records for its permanence on the small screen –and now also in streaming– having been renewed at the end of 2018 for two more seasons, which ensures its continuity, at least, until 2021. 

Deserving multiple distinctions, the program has gone through several stages, generating controversy, but also hordes of followers all around the world. ‘The Simpsons’ are a cultural phenomenon, which has given rise to countless academic reflections in various nations. The existing literature to analyze the series is abundant and continues to be produced. In most prestigious universities, ‘The Simpsons’ are studied from the perspective of philosophy, political science, sociology, psychology, theology, economics, communication sciences, among others. Various personalities from the political, scientific, artistic world, and even the Vatican, have spoken about the importance of the show, either because they praise it or criticize it.

‘The Simpsons’ are important because they illustrate the relevance of popular culture in societies. Culture is a fundamental component of soft power; however, from the field of studies in International Relations, culture has received little attention, so this work analyzes, along five chapters, the long-standing debate between high culture vs. popular culture, continuing with the review of the place occupied by cultural studies in the field of International Relations. Subsequently, a review of the concept of ‘soft power’ and its components is also made. Next, the use of satire as a narrative resource is weighed and all this is exemplified through the academic analysis of the TV show, with a final assessment of the impact of the cartoon in Mexico, and the teaching that a Hollywood product shows, such as the show, in the pursuit of the national interest –in this case, of the United States in the World. ‘The Simpsons: Satire, Pop Culture and Soft Power’ is co-published by ‘Etcétera’ magazine, the Center for Analysis and Research on Peace, Security and Development Olof Palme, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National University of Australia and the Columbia University. This is an innovative study that seeks to bring the reader closer to the knowledge of culture, soft power, and International Relations.

Contents:

Acknowledgements.

Foreword by Humberto Vélez.

Chapter 1: Popular Culture and High Culture.

Chapter 2: International Relations, Popular Culture and Soft Power.

Chapter 3: Satire and Popular Culture.

Chapter 4: No TV Series Should Last 30 Years… or Should It?

Epilogue: ‘The Simpsons’ in Mexico.

Bibliography.