Homer Simpson Goes to Washington

The modern landscape of American entertainment is filled with commentary on the state of the union. Viewers turn to The Daily Show instead of Fox News or CNN, satirical films such as Wag the Dog, cartoons like The Simpsons, or controversial action dramas similar to 24 to learn more about current events in the United States. Popular culture is educating America more than the nightly news, aiding viewers in their quest to understand the American political system.

Joseph J. Foy, assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, is a contributing author to The Philosophy of The X-Files and editor of Homer Simpson- Marches on Washington: Dissent through American Popular Culture.