Assignment 1-3

In the article “Don’t Ask me, I’m Just a Girl: Feminism, Female Identity and the Simpsons” by Henry (2007), the television show “The Simpsons” is explored for its representation of modern ambivalence toward femininity and feminism. The television show officially launched in 1990 and since has been known for its critiques of American culture. At the time of the show’s launch, there was a mix of messages by mass media, causing uncertainty for women on what a female role should be. Women were integrating into professional sports and gaining popularity in music and films. A blended portrayal of progressive and traditional viewpoints of female identity and feminism is portrayed mainly by the characters Marge Simpson, Selma Bouvier, and Lisa Simpson.
The Simpsons illustrate a similar model of what family values and gender norms exist in modern culture. Henry points out that there was much significance placed on the return of traditional family values in the 2000 presidential and suggestion that the traits of traditional values be heterosexuality, male dominance, and female acquiescence. The relationship between Homer and Marge Simpson is not traditional. The couple struggles through modern day issues within episodes such as potential for extramarital affairs, jealousy, and setting examples for their children. Henry provides two examples of episodes that portray these modern behaviors.
The first is an episode where Homer gives Marge a bowling ball as a gift that has his name etched into it, when Marge clearly does not bowl. Marge decides to take bowling lessons to get back at Homer and is tempted to have an affair with her bowling instructor. She considers the importance of her family and in a reversed gender role surprises Homer at work with a declaration of love. The second example is an episode in which Homer is with a stripper and has his picture taken. The photo is exploited throughout the town. Marge points out that Homer is setting a bad example for Bart and insists that he take Bart and apologize to the female dancer for the way he has treated her. Homer apologizes as Marge asked and ends up giving a speech that women should be treated better as they are our mothers, daughter, and sisters rather than physical objects of pleasure. Although Homer and Marge face several difficulties, they show that they are always willing to do what it takes to keep their family together.
Selma Bouvier symbolizes the issue of women’s choice. There is always reference or reminder in life for women that their biological clock is ticking. Despite every attempt to find a partner, Selma is a single woman with no children and is bothered by this fact. Her options have been slobs, workaholics, alcoholics, and inappropriate men. These options are reminiscent of the options that women face today. Selma still wants to have children and the question was whether or not a woman should have children alone. The fact is that society is filled with unconventional families. Grandparents are raising grandchildren, gay couples have children, and single parents are common. Family has been redefined by today’s culture.
Marge Simpson signifies a woman that is a combination of female identity and feminism and is considered to be typical of domestic ideas. She is the homemaker and this is the primary role that defines her. However, Marge has a feminist side shown by her college years. Marge will often take on job outside of the home and desire to do more. Homer does not discourage Marge to do so as it increases income, but only if she is still fulfilling her primary role of homemaker. Marge, although enjoying the thrills that come from being outside the home, usually settles in her position as the domestic wife and mother.
Lisa Simpson is the embodiment of the second wave of feminists. Henry gives an example of an episode that brought much attention from female activists. The episode is about Lisa versus Malibu Stacy. Lisa, like any other young girl, could not wait to get the doll that talked. Upon obtaining the doll, Lisa only finds disappointment when she pulls the string and the doll only speaks stereotypical girlish comments. Other do not seem to understand Lisa’s point of view that the stereotypical comments only lead girls to portray themselves as pretty objects that should find and marry rich husbands. Lisa visits the doll maker to voice her opinion and believes to be successful when it is decided to make a doll that is more feminist. The day that the feminist doll is put on the market, a new Malibu Stacy doll is also released. All of the girls but one run to the Malibu Stacy doll. Children mold to the ideas that we shape for them. Young girls are taught to place importance on appearance and feminism. As the girls grow up, they only continue to have this enforced by television and magazines.
Women today are mixture of feminine identity and feminism. It is desired to be good mothers, wives, homemakers, and yet maintain ones physical appearance. It is also desired to be successful and to have the capability to be equal to men. It is no easy task to find a balance in these matters. I personally, as a woman desire to have a family one day but am waiting to reach certain goals to do so. I believe there will always be a combination of feminine and feminism as there will always be two roles to fill.










References
HENRY, M. (2007, April). “Don't Ask me, I'm Just a Girl”: Feminism, Female Identity, and The Simpsons. Journal of Popular Culture, 40(2), 272-303. Retrieved June 29, 2009, doi:10.1111/j.1540-5931.2007.00379.x