On reading the news today, I stumbled across this little blurb: ‘The Simpsons’ Exported to Middle East — Minus Bacon, Beer.
What’s amazing to me is that someone actually thought this was a good idea. In order to sell The Simpsons over seas they have to remove most of the things that make the Simpson’s what they are: beer, bacon, Moe’s Taven, and in general, sinning as much and as many times as possible. We laugh at Homer and the rest of the Simpson’s characters because, as the article mentions, “they are distinctly American.” Many of the shows have explicit references to issues in American culture – to remove those takes the essence out of the show. Not to mention, the fact that the crazy schemeing and debauchery of Homer is what makes the show enjoyable. We laugh, because we know that its a reflection of American gone wrong.
Interestingly enough, I am also told that the Simpson’s does well in Great Britian and Germany without any adaptation. Even if those countries do not get the American references per se (although many German and British students have a better understanding of American History and current events than Americans do), they still can at least understand the slapstick humor and crazy scheme.
Leave the Simpson’s as they are. If not, then Homer’s just a non-alcoholic, soda drinking, terrible father. And I’m not quite sure why that’s funny.
