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.
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
- 3 SUMMARY
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to analyze how the animated television series Futurama uses allusions and references to political and historical events, as well as popular and classical culture, to comment on contemporary issues, specifically focusing on America as a political entity. It will identify these references and discuss the points of criticism raised by the show. The analysis will be limited to the available seasons due to the show's premature cancellation.
- The contrast between utopian and dystopian elements in Futurama's depiction of the future.
- The use of satire and humor to critique contemporary American politics and society.
- The exploration of philosophical themes, such as the meaning of life and the nature of the universe, within a science fiction context.
- The portrayal of American military culture and its implications.
- The show's engagement with the conventions and clichés of science fiction.
Chapter Summaries
1 INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the thesis's central argument: that Futurama, despite its science fiction setting, engages with and critiques contemporary American society and politics through its abundant use of allusions and references. It introduces Matt Groening and David X. Cohen as creators, highlighting the show's unique approach compared to other science fiction classics like Star Trek. The chapter contrasts the utopian visions of other works with Futurama’s more cynical and satirical depiction of the future, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of specific themes and references within the show.
2 THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE: This chapter delves into Futurama's commentary on American politics, culture, and military. It explores the show’s satirical treatment of political systems, elections, and presidential figures, drawing parallels to real-world events and figures to highlight its critiques. The chapter further analyzes the show's portrayal of the US Constitution, specifically focusing on amendments related to freedom and the right to bear arms within a futuristic context. Finally, it examines the series’ representation of the American military, exploring its recruiting practices, the lives of its members, and the portrayal of military service, offering a critical perspective on these institutions within the show's satirical framework. The chapter draws connections between the show's fictional future and the contemporary realities of American society, revealing how the show uses its futuristic setting as a lens through which to reflect on current issues.
Keywords
Futurama, Matt Groening, science fiction satire, American politics, dystopia, utopia, military, social commentary, cultural references, political allusions, historical allusions, future, technology, philosophy.
Futurama: A Critical Analysis Through Allusions and References - FAQ
What is the main focus of this thesis?
This thesis analyzes how the animated series Futurama uses allusions and references to political and historical events, and popular/classical culture, to comment on contemporary issues, specifically focusing on America as a political entity. It identifies these references and discusses the show's points of criticism.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
The thesis explores several key themes, including the contrast between utopian and dystopian elements in Futurama's depiction of the future; the use of satire and humor to critique contemporary American politics and society; the exploration of philosophical themes (meaning of life, nature of the universe) within a science fiction context; the portrayal of American military culture and its implications; and the show's engagement with science fiction conventions and clichés.
What aspects of American society and politics does Futurama satirize?
Futurama satirizes various aspects, including political systems, elections, presidential figures, the US Constitution (particularly amendments related to freedom and the right to bear arms), and the American military (recruiting practices, military life, portrayal of service).
What is the scope of the analysis in this thesis?
The analysis is limited to the available seasons of Futurama due to its premature cancellation.
How does Futurama compare to other science fiction works?
The thesis contrasts Futurama's cynical and satirical depiction of the future with the utopian visions presented in other science fiction classics, such as Star Trek. It highlights the unique approach of creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis includes an introduction establishing its central argument, a chapter dedicated to Futurama's commentary on American politics, culture, and military, and a concluding summary. The table of contents provides a detailed outline.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include Futurama, Matt Groening, science fiction satire, American politics, dystopia, utopia, military, social commentary, cultural references, political allusions, historical allusions, future, technology, and philosophy.
What specific examples of allusions and references are analyzed in the thesis?
While the provided preview doesn't list every specific example, it indicates the analysis will cover references related to American political figures, historical events, and the US Constitution within the context of Futurama's satirical portrayal of the future.
Where can I find more details about the specific examples discussed?
The full thesis would provide detailed analysis of the specific allusions and references used in Futurama.
- Quote paper
- Christian Schlegel (Author), 2005, The TV-Show Futurama: Looking Backward at Present Day America, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/215603
