The Simpsons satirizes most aspects of ordinary life, from family, to TV, to religion, achieving the true essence of satire, by using incongruity, sarcasm, exaggeration, and other comedic techniques. Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby is an exaggerated character in the Simpsons whose character itself acts as a satire of corrupt and promiscuous politicians. In fact, anyone who ever watches late night talk shows knows that politicians are popular targets of satire. The Simpsons is no different. First off, his name is a satire of the corny slogans and ploys used by politicians on all levels of government. "Joe" is appealing to the "average Joe" audience while "Diamond" symbolizes Quimby’s corruptness and constant raiding of the town treasury. Quimby does not make many appearances on the show, but when he does, they are not flattering. He is married, yet always with younger women. The promiscuity of politicians has been a popular satire in the past and a stereotype portrayed often by Quimby. In one episode, an anonymous politician said of Quimby: "You are an illiterate, tax-cheating, wife-swapping, pot-smoking Spend-o-crat" (Groening 153). To which Quimby replied, "Hey, I am no longer illiterate" (Groening 153). Aside from the infidelity, these quote shows that Quimby is also uneducated, dishonest, and a frivolous spender. This is the classic satiric description of politicians. Quimby’s response to the criticism is incongruous because he does not deny the allegations, only saying that he was no longer illiterate. The implication that he was illiterate when he was elected into office also shows his unintelligence. It is somewhat ironic and fitting that such a flawed man would be the leader of such a flawed town. These are of course exaggerated characteristics but are made more comedic because of the real-life problems and allegations our leaders have faced. The Simpsons series not only makes the viewer laugh, but also makes them think though satiric jokes.
However, it is wrong to think that every humor is acceptable in any situation. Humor that does not respect nor consider other people, such as, sexual discrimination or offensive racism provoking jokes may seem funny but more importantly people may get hurt by those bad sexual or racism provoking humor. The best example of an offensive humor is illustrated in the film, Borat. It shows controversial and sensitive issues by making a caricature, which is related to homosexuality, equality of women, prostitution as a profession, racism, and religious persecution. Making controversial issues into cartoons may seem to indirectly deal with those issues; however, it was exaggerated too much which is more offensive. It provokes anger within the audience. Borat begins by introducing audiences to Borat Sagdiyev, a Kazakhstan reporter who has been asked by his country to travel to America and explore the culture. Before leaving, he introduces his family and friends in his village. He passionately kisses a woman and then explained that that woman is his sister whom he proudly introduces as the No. 4 prostitute in all Kazakhstan. Besides, he makes bad comments about degrading woman. He says “You let women in cinemas here? In my country we have a pen outside for the animals and women!” These comments make woman furious and uncomfortable. This example clearly shows that offensive jokes can make people angry. Satire is a powerful comedic tool that exposes the bigots by holding up their behavior to ridicule. But truly good satire, of the Charlie Chaplin variety, goes beyond. In other words, it makes people reevaluate how they view the world and even commit to changing their beliefs and actions. As Charlie Chaplin demonstrated in his satiric humor, humor that is based on an open state of mind and a respectful mind for others will not only create a comfortable atmosphere but also make him or her witty and smart.
Humor is a powerful social tool. It is an adhesive that holds groups together, a lubricant that eases tension, and a safety valve for the unmentionable. Misused, it can damage one’s self-esteem and create misunderstandings between people. Given that we are species that function in groups and like to be with each other, whether closely or as total strangers, there is nothing more powerful to bring us together than a shared laugh. Sharing laughter must be the one of the most pleasurable ways to express our humanity, which is the true essence of the social function of humor.
