How political economy influences its content
Political economy is the study of how economic methods influence different social systems, such as capitalism, and how public policy is created and implemented.” In other words, political economy describes the interaction of politics and economics within a society. The text from popular culture I have chosen for this essay is “The Simpsons”. This cartoon has become a household name and a cultural phenomenon across the world. It is the longest running series in American history and has been so popular because the writers have blended together different forms of wit and humour to appeal to all types of people of all ages. The satirical humour and political neutrality makes the text so relatable …show more content…
The episode was first aired in 1996, but it is still very relevant today due to it’s accurate depiction of politicians and the masses. In this episode, the characters have to vote on a proposition to deport all illegal immigrants from the small town of Springfield. The framework of the episode echoes Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, where he infamously calls for a “total and complete shutdown of muslims entering the United States”. It can also be linked to the referendum vote, where Britons had to vote whether to remain in the European Union, but the situation became very confusing due to the media …show more content…
As Borjas (1994) points out, there are three policy questions surrounding immigration of which economists are uniquely qualified to answer. First, what role do immigrants play in their new country’s economy? Second, what sort of effects does the labor market success or failure of immigrants have on the job prospects for natives? Third, how can immigration policy best be structured to benefit the receiving country? All of these issues are present in The Simpsons episode “Much Apu about Nothing.”
Homer sticker in favour of Proposition
Homer, representing the classic American voter, is oblivious to the problems facing Apu and lays an arm on his shoulder sympathetically saying “I’ll really miss you” and straight after stapling a poster in favour of “Proposition 24” … The presence of media is vast - shows that Homer does show empathy but the media has made him think that Apu needs to go
Media sway the voters - become more hostile - Angry protesters outside Apu’s store - first customers in a
Political economy is the study of how economic methods influence different social systems, such as capitalism, and how public policy is created and implemented.” In other words, political economy describes the interaction of politics and economics within a society. The text from popular culture I have chosen for this essay is “The Simpsons”. This cartoon has become a household name and a cultural phenomenon across the world. It is the longest running series in American history and has been so popular because the writers have blended together different forms of wit and humour to appeal to all types of people of all ages. The satirical humour and political neutrality makes the text so relatable …show more content…
The episode was first aired in 1996, but it is still very relevant today due to it’s accurate depiction of politicians and the masses. In this episode, the characters have to vote on a proposition to deport all illegal immigrants from the small town of Springfield. The framework of the episode echoes Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, where he infamously calls for a “total and complete shutdown of muslims entering the United States”. It can also be linked to the referendum vote, where Britons had to vote whether to remain in the European Union, but the situation became very confusing due to the media …show more content…
As Borjas (1994) points out, there are three policy questions surrounding immigration of which economists are uniquely qualified to answer. First, what role do immigrants play in their new country’s economy? Second, what sort of effects does the labor market success or failure of immigrants have on the job prospects for natives? Third, how can immigration policy best be structured to benefit the receiving country? All of these issues are present in The Simpsons episode “Much Apu about Nothing.”
Homer sticker in favour of Proposition
Homer, representing the classic American voter, is oblivious to the problems facing Apu and lays an arm on his shoulder sympathetically saying “I’ll really miss you” and straight after stapling a poster in favour of “Proposition 24” … The presence of media is vast - shows that Homer does show empathy but the media has made him think that Apu needs to go
Media sway the voters - become more hostile - Angry protesters outside Apu’s store - first customers in a