Jeff Hajny

    A week ago, I wrote about the wonder of the cartoon and how it has changed my life. I would now like to delve a little deeper into my appreciation for one of those cartoons, The Simpsons.
     The Simpsons originally started as a special cartoon on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987. In 1989, it was developed into a 30-minute weekly sitcom. It has not ceased to amaze me since.
     The Simpson family is an amazing study of the American family unit. Each member of the family has their own personality and quips.
     What amazes me is the writers' ability to develop so many supporting characters within The Simpsons cast. There are many characters within the program, such as the sweet but special Ralph Wiggum or the alcoholic Barney Gumble, who have become bigger household names than some of the members of the Simpson family.
     The most famous character on the show and arguably one of he most famous cartoon characters of all time is the father, Homer Simpson.
     Homer is the classic example of the All-American boob. He is lazy, stupid, a compulsive eater, and has been a hero of mine for years.
     Of course, I don't try to emulate Homer's antics, but I think that is the beauty of Homer Simpson. He teaches society in general how not to do things rather than attempting to preach to them how to live their lives.
     Throughout the later part of the 1990s, Homer Simpson influenced a large number of other TV dads, ranging from Family Guy's Peter Griffin to King of the Hill's Hank Hill.
     If it wasn't for The Simpsons, I would not have become the man I am today. They helped me form my own perspective on the world. I have met different people throughout my lifetime who remind me of different characters in the show. If someone can't find at least one person they have met that doesn't remind them of a character from The Simpsons, they are not looking very hard.
     In closing, all I can say is July 27 (the day The Simpsons Movie, which is about 15 years overdue, finally hits theatres) can't come fast enough. This night may very well be a defining moment in my life.