An episode of "The Simpsons" is stirring a political uproar in Argentina -- even though it hasn't yet aired.
In the 10th episode of season 19, which has already screened in the U.S, Carl Carlson tells Homer that former Argentine President Juan Peron was a dictator, adding "When he disappeared you, you stayed disappeared."
"Of course, his wife was Madonna," Lenny Leonard says in reference to the singer-actress' role as Eva Peron in "Evita."
However, it wasn't the Peron regime but the 1976-83 military dictatorship that followed his rule that has been blamed for the disappearance of 30,000 citizens.
The episode isn't skedded to air until June or July on Telefe and Canal Fox in Argentina.
But the segment on YouTube had an estimated 12,000 viewings in Argentina over the weekend.
Lorenzo Pepe, a former congressman and now secretary general of the National Institute of Juan Peron, called on national broadcasting regulator Comfer to intervene.
It isn't clear what action Comfer could take. A spokesman for the regulator said censorship wasn't an option for "The Simpsons," which for years has been a top-rated import in Argentina.
From Variety MagazineThat Homer guy is always stirring things up! Homer for US President I say - better alternative to what's out there right now!
No, normally the trip from Bogota to Medellin is only like 9 hours and leaves several times a day, but we were unfortunate enough to hit the biggest landslide in 5 years, and so it took us a good deal longer. This is a general problem when traveling in the Andes in the rainy season. In 3 weeks of traversing the Andes from Peru to Colombia, we probably were stopped for more than an hour 4 times by landslides
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Good luck!
Thanks Merrill - will need to factor in landslide delays into our travel plans in that case!
ReplyDeleteJust another example of how American's totally suck at history! I mean didn't any of them see Evita? (maybe a sarcastic heads up on behalf of the Simpsons writers?)
ReplyDeleteBaino: There are a lot of folk out there that believe Peron was involved in dirty tricks well before he came to power (not unlike the dictatorship that is credited with the disappearances) - He also welcomed the Nazi's with open arms when they needed safehouses after the war. Those Simpsons writers are pretty sharp!
ReplyDeleteHey- I hate computers-this link works fine for me-
ReplyDeletehttp://books.guardian.co.uk/departments/politicsphilosophyandsociety/story/0,,2272125,00.html
And yes I'm a technophobe.
Peron let Josef Mengele into the country- it's ok to take the piss out of him. I hated Evita.
Thanks Shaunj: The link comes thru in the email but for some reason gets chopped off in the comments section.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stuff that ugly person tax but since I'm dashingly handsome meself I'd be strongly opposed to it!
Agree with you on Peron - he was a wolf in sheeps clothing.
do you all know that before Peron, workers have no rights at all?
ReplyDeletedo you know something about "el estatuto del peon"
He was not a dictator, he was elected by the people (maybe not by the rich people)
you hate Evita, ok, but please try to read something about argentine history before you judge so easily a period that was crucial for our country.
And if you have the time and the oportunity try to talk with some "peronistas" they will tell you that they're proud of Evita an Perón: after Peron the working class people, the forgotten, the poors, find their own voice in a movement that represents all of them.
Rocio: Welcome!
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt Peron and his wife, Evita did a lot of good for Argentina especially the poor, including implementing "el estatuto del peon" although it was actualy Jofré Thomas who was the author of that decree.
I believe the comment on "hating Evita" was about the movie not the person. I believe the Argentinians weren't too about Madonnas portrayal either.
But lets not forget, Peron was no saint (which politician ever is?) and there are many historians who believe his hard line tactics were at times brutal and people did disappear during his time in power.
Giving the Nazi's sanctuary after the war cannot be condoned.