Homer Simpson - Success and Influence
Homer Simpson (1989- )
The hero (pictured right) of the American TV cartoon, The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening
(pictured right below in 2010 courtesy of Gage Skidmore).
Who are in his family?
Marge, his wife.
Bart, Lisa and Maggie (their three children)
Where do they live?
The fictional American town of Springfield.
Why is Homer a hero?
1. Faults
His faults make him more human even though they’re big ones.
He is:
- lazy (totally apathetic towards his job as a safety inspector at a nuclear power
plant).
- incompetent, stupid and overweight.
- a near alcoholic (his favourite place is Moe’s Bar).
- often violently angry (particularly with his rebellious son, Bart,
pictured right).
TV viewers can reflect on these problems and work out how to avoid them.
2. Ordinary guy makes good
Homer isn’t rich or famous but just an ordinary guy with problems like us all.
Despite his weaknesses, he’s lovable because he is:
His disasters occur when he thinks he’s cleverer than everybody else (as when he fell
asleep with a cigar in his mouth and caused a fire).
3. Family
His selfish instincts don’t stop him:
- loving his wife and children.
- helping them when they need it.
His moral and patient wife, Marge (pictured right), is also devoted to the family, despite
their disrespect for her.
She recovers from a nervous breakdown caused by stress and overwork.
Their family’s greatest achievement is that it stays together despite constant arguments
and problems.
4. Doing things his way
Homer decides what’s right and then does it.
For example, he chooses not to go to church, even though he believes in God.
5. Pragmatic
Homer:
- has lots of practical common sense.
- is more in touch with ordinary people than his intellectual daughter,
Lisa (pictured right).
Lisa's advice is often valuable but she can be:
- arrogant and self-righteous
- impractical and over-theoretical.
Key quote on decision
making
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that’s even remotely true!
Key quotes on
happiness
The answers to life’s problems aren’t at the bottom of a bottle. They’re on TV.
Stupid risks make life worth living.
Key quote on workers and
unions
If you don’t like your job, you don’t strike. You go in every day and do it really half-assed. That’s the
American way.
Key quote on
careers
The three little sentences that will get you through life. Number 1: Cover for me. Number 2: Oh, good idea,
boss! Number 3: It was like that when I got here.
Key quote on
communication
The problem with the world today is communication. Too much communication.
Key quote on
change
I guess some people never change. Or, they quickly change and then quickly change back.
Key quote on
success
Trying is the first step towards failure.
If at first you don’t succeed, give up.
Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try
Key quote on
relationships
Just because I don’t care doesn’t mean I don’t understand.
Key quote on women and
men
Marge, I’m going to miss you so much. And it’s not just the sex! It’s also the food preparation.
Key quote on
America
Kill my boss? Do I dare to live out the American dream?
Key quote on
ethics
It takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen
Key quote on peace of
mind
Marge, there's an empty spot I've always had inside me. I tried to fill it with family, religion, community
service..but those were dead ends! I think this chair is the answer.
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