Discuss three aspects of Western Society that have been ironically commented upon in the episode of The Simpson's, "Bart the Murderer".

The Simpson’s episode “Bart the Murderer” iconoclastically attacks many elements of western society; however makes elaborated social comment on the recurrent themes of parental inadequacy, incompetence of law enforcement officers and greed. The episode follows the events of a unfortunate day for the protagonist, Bart Simpson, as he misses out on an ideal field trip to the chocolate factory after forgetting his permission slip. Instead, he is forced to lick envelopes all day for Principal Skinner. Whilst skateboarding home, Bart inadvertently finds himself at the Legitimate Businessman’s Social Club, the hideout of the Springfield Mafia. He is hired by the leader, Fat Tony, as a bartender, and gradually acquires more of the traits of those surrounding him. Bart’s father, Homer, approves of his son’s employers; however Principal Skinner goes missing soon after making Bart late for work. Police and the general public suspect that Bart and the mafia are responsible, as indicated by the rumour that “Bart had Skinner killed by gangsters”.

Clockwise from top left: Marge, Homer, Bart, Santa...

English: The Simpsons star in Hollywood Walk of Fa...

Joe Mantegna at a National Memorial Day parade

Fat Tony’s gang uses Bart as a scapegoat, claiming him as Don. Skinner emerges just before sentencing, however, claiming that Bart and the Mobsters didn’t do anything to him, resulting in their release.

The theme of parental inadequacy is explored in this episode through the character of Homer. Homer is stereotyped to be an unintelligent American father with the ironic inversion of parent-child roles due to Homer’s immature behavior. This becomes evident as Bart childishly hunts through a cereal box saying “looks like I've got me a genuine glow-in-the-dark police badge! Hey, it's not in here. You stole it!” Lisa claims that no one wants his “stupid” police badge, juxtaposed with Homer’s entrance and announcement of “Hey, look what I got! A genuine official police badge!” Ironically, Homer laughs to himself as he says "Calling...