Homer Simpson: Pop Culture Icon Part One of Three

Homer Jay Simpson is the perfect reflection of American pop culture and has shaped culture for the past twenty years. From his famous “d’oh!” exclamation to his round bellied figure, Homer has epitomized what it means to be a working class American father and has become a treasured piece of Americana. Homer embodies what it means to be an American and has become the most noticeable television father around the world and a part of popular culture himself.  Here is a three part summary of the impact of Homer Simpson as America's favorite father of modern times.

Being the most watched cartoon of all time can not happen without identifying with its audience. Through Sunday prime time television viewed by millions on a weekly basis, Homer Simpson has been the center of America’s family and has left palpable indentations on society. Homer lives in a two story suburban home with three kids and two pets. He is a decent man and devoted family. His mishaps and adventures reflect current trends in society from presidential politics to international escapades. Real guests from around the pop culture realm have joined the cast and interfaced with the Simpsons family as evidence to the powerful identifying effects that the audience has with this popular yet fictional family cast.

In the way that art and culture imitate each other it is no sense of irony that Homer’s crude, overweight, incompetent, and clumsy nature is something that is recognized by millions of Americans in one way or another. His tendencies towards remarkable events also identify with the longings and yearnings of the American man. His struggles to please his boss and provide for his family are identifiable traits with the every man that he has developed to be over the years.

Dan Catellaneta is the voice of Homer Simpson and has been for more than twenty years. Through that time the voice and character of Homer Simpson has been reflecting popular society and in turn has become an indelible piece of the American pop culture fabric. Homer lives in a world that is very similar to our own yet exploited to the realm of the fantastic. He is easily outsmarted but manages to escape serious harm and hold together his family unit. He has tendencies towards alcoholism, rage, and impulsive habits that can be appreciated to a certain degree by many men to a lesser extent.