n a sense consuming it "correctly," the show caught on. But it took awhile before Americans chose to acknowledge "The Simpsons" for what it is, and not just a primetime cartoon.Over ten years ago, on December 17, 1989, "The Simpsons," which originally began in 1997 as short segments on "The Tracey Ullman Show," aired its first full-length show, the Christmas special, Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire. In the episode, Bart gets a tattoo, much to his mothers dismay. Marge spends the money the family had set aside for Christmas on laser removal of Barts tattoo. Though the idea of a child getting a tattoo may seem a bit outrageous, it is this exaggeration of everyday problems (tattoos and body piercing are a common topic for parents and teens) that gives "The Simpsons" its satirical strength.In the same episode, Homer, while still on his morning coffee break at 4:00 p.m., learns that he wont be receiving a Christmas bonus. After finding out that Marge is depending on the money for Christmas, he decides to do the Christmas shopping for the family. He buys panty hose for Marge, paper for Bart, crayons for Lisa, and a dog toy for Maggie. When he realizes that his gifts will be disappointing, he takes a job as a mall Santa for extra money. He steals a Christmas tree on the way home from work. The exaggeration here lies with the length of time it takes Homer to discover that his gifts are no good. This also parodies the cliche notion that men never know what gifts to buy.At the mall the next day, Bart sits on Homers lap and pulls down his fake Santa beard. Homer chokes Bart and makes him agree to help him improve the familys Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Homer receives his paycheck: only $13.70 for over 40 hours of work. Homer decides to take Bart to the dog track in a final attempt to recover their Christmas money. Again, the rather over-the-top nature of the story line continues.Homer and Bart believe they discover a steal in the thir...
