The impact of the Simpsons on popular culture is therefore due to the diversity of opinions and issues explored on the show. The Simpsons makes fun of diversity frequently, capitalizing on the comedy of stereotyping through the heterogeneous cast of characters. Strong characterizations provide one of the clearest mechanisms by which the show impacts popular culture. In short, everyone can relate to the Simpsons, even if on a superficial level. Even babies have their mirror in little Maggie, the only character who can shoot Mr. Burns and get away with it both morally and legally.

Finally, the sometimes-distasteful marketing campaigns that capitalize on the Simpsons characters have entrenched the show in popular culture. Butterfingers is one example of how Matt Groening has gradually sold his soul to the same capitalism he satires on the Simpsons. He cannot be blamed; milking the show for all it has during the peak of its fame has enabled the Simpsons to become a cultural icon that will surely stand the test of time. The Simpsons will become a classic of the television era, studied in textbooks of the future.

The Simpsons have left a strong imprint on popular culture, American and otherwise, because of the show's quality of satirical writing, depth of social commentary, strong characterizations, and ubiquitous marketing. By incorporating "d'oh" into the Oxford English Dictionary, leading authorities on culture are affirming the value of the Simpsons.

Outline:

I. Introduction

A. Opening related to the...

Thesis: The Simpsons has had a strong impact on popular culture for all these reasons: intellectually poignant satire; cultural commentary cloaked in humor; diverse and strong characterization; and ironic but effective marketing.
II. The quality of satire in the Simpsons is nearly unparalleled in television history, which is one of the reasons the show has had a strong influence on culture -- popular and otherwise.

A. The Simpsons elevates satire to a new high

B. The Simpsons is a wonderful reflection of what is wrong with American society, encouraging us to laugh at it and laugh at ourselves

III. The Simpsons provides social and cultural commentary that is cleverly cloaked in humor.

IV. Characterization on the Simpsons is strong enough to appeal to an audience as diverse as that in the United States and beyond.

V. The Simpsons has impacted popular culture because popular culture is a sucker for marketing campaigns.

VI. Conclusion

A. Reflection on key points

B. Sealing the essay by referring back to the Oxford English Dictionary.

References

Armstrong, P. (n.d.). The Simpsons and democracy: Policial apathy, popular culture, and lifelong learning as satire. Retrieved online: http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:UrraSdD42RwJ:www.education.leeds.ac.uk/research/uploads/36.pdf+simpsons+popular+culture&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgQ6y_8cvr-QJw3MlZuBgokG2-Y3bGjD5rgDeKHv9WADs-WtZpWy-OI_nL_uhMrXMkPrr8WbewmGv7O5AlG5Kv_pAZ1AtfZ8peBr6Kx4o0DzUdjaaO02B5LmTIN4Pcmg7C1gJ1C&sig=AHIEtbT5132yUXRyZ8O036of9MXHKcQbcA

Couchman, D. (n.d.). The Simpsons. Facing the Challenge. Retrieved online: http://www.facingthechallenge.org/simpsons.php

Libaw, O. (2001). Doh! Oxford Dictionary Takes Homer Simpson. ABC News. Retrieved online: http://abcnews.go.com/U.S./story?id=93098&page=1