Family Guy: Violence, Dark Humor & Marxist Lens Theory - Essay Sample

Introduction

The American animation movie Family Guy has been the target of indecency and numerous taste grievances. The show is mainly known due to the later seasons that include violent, disturbing images, offensive jokes, and gory. The sexual themes and dark humor in the show had led to a reaction from other association which mostly relate to Marxist lens theory. Moreover, to the critic of the show's perceived aggressive or provocative content, the critic has also targeted the spectacle's overreliance on cutaway jokes. The show also receives criticism of having derivative storytelling and a one-dimensional character.

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The show also uses politically incorrect satire and jokes that make it controversial. Those jokes that receive controversy are in the cutaway jokes in most of the episodes. Like in the chapter on 'The Cleveland-Loretta Quagmire,' it is found that a barbershop quartet and peter dance and sing all around a bed that had a man who was staged to have AIDS. This is from the Marxist lens theory on sociology as the disease is something that troubles the people in society, whereas Peter and the barbershop quartet are making fun on the side of a sick man. This kind of joke is an example of the sociality in the Marxist theory as the older man was passing through a lot on the bed.

Marxist lens theory is also used in the show, whereby many people are related to transgender issues. This is evident in the episode on 'Quagmire's Dad,' where Dan Quagmire undergoes a surgery where he changes his gender status and later changes his name (Pinsky). Moreover, in the show, there are many cases where people practice guys and lesbianism, which are cases that are practiced by most people in real life. This is part of the Marxist theory on sociology as it critics the sense of gender in the show. The show there is another social immorality that is evidence, which relates to the lens theory.

The show also relates many religious activities, Marxist lens theory is seen where there is criticism from groups and people. The show had adverse treatment of religion, particularly in the way it portrayed Jesus and God (Pinsky). In the episode 'The Courtship of Stewie's Father' put it's clear whereby there is a joke describing God as a dull old man who has sex with a prostitute all while scrubbing off young Jesus. The show critics that Jesus expressively cons other people so that he can have sex with their wives. This is part of Marxist Lens theory on sociology as it post a conflict between Jesus and the people in the movie.

Domestic violence is another factor that is in the show, which is mainly portrayed in the episode 'Screams of Silence.' This is the case where Brenda is beaten up by her boyfriend due to small mistakes that she had made. Domestic violence is a factor that is in the Marxist theory on sociology, and it is well related to the movie (Mendes 29). Peter commits physique murder in the 'Turban Cowboy' episode, whereby he plows his car over the runners. He shows an act of violence among people, which, on the other hand, is on the theory of sociology. Moreover, in the episode 'The Simpsons Guy,' there is an act on rape which is aired in the film. This is also a kind of violence that relates to the theory.

Works Cited

Mendes, Philip. "Marxist and feminist critiques of child protection: To protect children or to change society?." Children Australia 24.2 (1999): 27-31.

Pinsky, Mark I. The gospel according to the Simpsons: Bigger and possibly even better! Edition with a new afterword exploring South park, Family guy, and other animated TV shows. Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.