Simpsons quotes – when art imitates life in the US

Ironic, isn’t it Smithers. This anonymous clan of slack-jawed troglodytes has cost me the election, and yet if I were to have them killed, I would be the one to go to jail. That’s democracy for you

– Mr Burns, The Simpsons

Life imitating art, imitating life

With the US Presidential Elections almost upon us (although 8th November is still too far off for those already weary of the continual Clinton v Trump face offs) it seems an appropriate time to revisit the old adage about life imitating art.

Except in this particular election, the lines between life and art have become so blurred, it’s hard to know where one begins and the other ends.

“…we need a nation closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons”

This was George W.H. Bush’s famous quote regarding family values during his 1992 re-election campaign, which first provoked the ire of the Simpsons creators.

After a quick re-write, the opening of the next edition of The Simpsons showed the family, all sitting down together to watch the election broadcasts on tv, with Bart responding to Bush’s comment:

“Hey, we’re just like the Waltons. We’re praying for an end to the Depression too!”

The Simpsons v Politics

The show portrays government and large corporations as callous entities that take advantage of the common worker; politicians are liars, church ministers are self-serving, and the local police force is incompetent. Oh, and everybody in power is corrupt. 

Get off your soap box, Simpson, do you realize how much it costs to run for office?  More than any honest man can afford!

Indeed, the parallels between Mr Burns and Donald Trump are compelling:

Mary Baily: My worthy opponent thinks that the voters of this state are gullible fools. I, however, prefer to rely on their intelligence and good judgement

Reporter: Interesting strategy

However, the last word on this topic should be left to the star of the show, Homer Simpson:

Kill my boss? Do I dare live out the American dream?