The TV-Show Futurama: Looking Backward at Present Day America

Examination Thesis , 2005 , 71 Pages , Grade: 2,7

American Studies - Miscellaneous

It is a valid question whether an animated cartoon can be subject to a dissertation or not. It is important that it consistently comprises of satirical jokes as well as having the aspiration of teaching its viewers something; it has to make them think. A cartoon does not necessarily only have to be entertainment, neither requesting critical review nor treatment.
Matt Groening describes Futurama like this:
"It's about a pizza delivery boy named Fry who, on New Year's Eve 1999, gets inadvertently frozen in a cryogenics lab and wakes up 1,000 years later. The themes: If you are a loser, is it possible to reinvent yourself? How do you deal with the desire for youth, for the return of dead loved ones, and what does it mean to be finite in the universe? Boy, is this too pretentious or what?" [...]
The idea of projecting problems of the present into the future has its genesis
in Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward 2000-18875. Unlike famous dystopias like
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, George Orwell’s 1984, H.G. Wells’ Time Machine, or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Looking Backward draws a positive picture of the future in order to encourage his coevals to work towards the society he depicts. In contrast to that, dystopias use current events, like technological breakthroughs or political changes, consider a possible development and present a
worst case scenario, which needs to be avoided. In the next two chapters it will be
discussed whether Futurama stands in a dystopian tradition and in how far allusions
to possible literary and other archetypes are important.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 1.1 Starting Point and Goals of this Thesis
• 1.2 Theoretical Background
• 1.2.1 Entertainment vs. Education
• 1.2.2 From 1984 to the year 3000
• 1.2.3 Allusion and Reference
• 2 The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
• 2.1 Elections, Parties and Presidents
• 2.1.1 Disenchantment with Politics: 2 Parties, 1 Vote, No Choice
• 2.1.2 Disliking Nixon: Antipathy beyond Watergate
• 2.1.3 The Presidents of the United States: Campaigning and Malpractice
• 2.2 Futurama and the Constitution
• 2.2.1 Amendment 1: Freedom and a Flag
• 2.2.2 Amendment 2: The Right to Bear Doomsday Devices
• 2.3 America’s Army: An Army of One?
• 2.3.1 Uncle Sam Wants You: Recruiting Practices
• 2.3.2 In the Army now: Offering Employment for Life
• 2.3.2a Decorated Heroes and Sacrificed Pawns
• 2.3.2b Futurama Boot Camp and Combat Action
• 2.3.2c Too Fit for Service? Women in the Military

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to examine the satirical critique of American society and politics present in the animated series Futurama, particularly its portrayal of American values, political institutions, and the military. By analyzing references, allusions, and recurring themes, it seeks to demonstrate how the series uses humor and exaggeration to comment on contemporary issues.
• The importance of voting and civic engagement in a democratic system.
• The satirical treatment of American political figures and their representation.
• The critique of military practices and the exploitation of soldiers for political gain.
• The complexities of freedom of expression and the role of symbolism in shaping public discourse.
• The issues of gender and sexuality in the military, particularly the discrimination faced by women and homosexuals.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the concept of Futurama as a work of science fiction that satirizes contemporary social and political issues. It explores the show's use of allusions and references, highlighting how it draws parallels between the fictional future and real-world problems. Chapter two delves into Futurama's portrayal of the United States' democratic system. It analyzes various aspects, including the electoral system, the office of President, and the military. The chapter highlights the show's criticisms of political campaigns, the two-party system, and the lack of meaningful choice for voters. It also examines the show's portrayal of controversial figures like Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, revealing how Futurama uses humor and exaggeration to critique their actions and legacy. Chapter three continues the examination of Futurama's satirical commentary on American politics and society, focusing on the U.S. military. It analyzes recruiting practices, the treatment of soldiers, and the show's depiction of the military as a discriminatory institution. The chapter highlights Futurama's critique of military culture, including the glorification of war, the exploitation of soldiers, and the disregard for human life.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Futurama, satire, American politics, democracy, electoral system, presidents, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, U.S. military, recruiting, soldiers, discrimination, freedom of expression, symbolism, gender, sexuality, humor, exaggeration, contemporary issues.

• College: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Amerikanistik)
• Course: Abschlussarbeit 1. Staatsexamen
• Grade: 2,7
• Author: Christian Schlegel (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 71
• Catalog Number: V215603
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656442059
• ISBN (Book): 9783656442387
• Language: English
• Tags: Futurama, Simpsons, Culture Studies, Politics, Amerikanistik, American Studies, Groening, pop culture, social criticism, Gesellschaftskritik, Politik, Military, Elections, US Wahlen, Nixon