Alan Keyes vs. The Simpsons
April 11, 2000
Entertainment Weekly
Keyes In a Rage Over Latest Simpsons Episode
Alan Keyes has angrily denounced the recent episode of The Simpsons for what he called a "slanderous depiction of (his) character".
In the Season Seven episode, Mayor Simpson, depicts Homer Simpson, the pudgy patriarch of the Simpsons family, being recruited by the United Future Party to run for mayor of Springfield, seeking what they call the "dumb slob vote."
Much of the humor comes from Homer's antics being seen as "refreshing acts of candor" (to quote Kent Brockman) by the average denizens of Springfield, who eagerly rally around Homer, and drive to push the corrupt Mayor Quimby out. Eventually, Lisa convinces Homer to use his power to talk about real issues-only to lose badly after a video of him is leaked stealing from a church collection plate, as Quimby has allied with Springfield Republicans to defeat Homer.
One joke that has earned the ire of the nation's Chief Executive involves a fictionalized Keyes startled by the sound of a phone call, and is answered by Vice President Baker.
"What the devil," shouts Keyes.
"No sir, the devil's- your attorney- is on line 2," says the fictional Vice President Baker, "the man calling is Mr. Burns."
"Put him on," Keyes says with an annoyed sigh.
Keyes was enraged over the implication that he was an associate of Satan.
"To equate my work with the devil attacks the work of all good Christians," said Keyes on national TV. "This is why we must fight for proper content in our television, not the trash that Groening puts out as entertainment."
Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons as thanked Keyes.
"I could not get a better endorsement for my show the words of praise from our Commander-In-Chief," replied Groening in an interview.
Entertainment Weekly
Keyes In a Rage Over Latest Simpsons Episode
Alan Keyes has angrily denounced the recent episode of The Simpsons for what he called a "slanderous depiction of (his) character".
In the Season Seven episode, Mayor Simpson, depicts Homer Simpson, the pudgy patriarch of the Simpsons family, being recruited by the United Future Party to run for mayor of Springfield, seeking what they call the "dumb slob vote."
Much of the humor comes from Homer's antics being seen as "refreshing acts of candor" (to quote Kent Brockman) by the average denizens of Springfield, who eagerly rally around Homer, and drive to push the corrupt Mayor Quimby out. Eventually, Lisa convinces Homer to use his power to talk about real issues-only to lose badly after a video of him is leaked stealing from a church collection plate, as Quimby has allied with Springfield Republicans to defeat Homer.
One joke that has earned the ire of the nation's Chief Executive involves a fictionalized Keyes startled by the sound of a phone call, and is answered by Vice President Baker.
"What the devil," shouts Keyes.
"No sir, the devil's- your attorney- is on line 2," says the fictional Vice President Baker, "the man calling is Mr. Burns."
"Put him on," Keyes says with an annoyed sigh.
Keyes was enraged over the implication that he was an associate of Satan.
"To equate my work with the devil attacks the work of all good Christians," said Keyes on national TV. "This is why we must fight for proper content in our television, not the trash that Groening puts out as entertainment."
Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons as thanked Keyes.
"I could not get a better endorsement for my show the words of praise from our Commander-In-Chief," replied Groening in an interview.