This image is the cover of the February 5, 2001 issue of Christianity Today magazine.
WATCO and Enthymeme
What are the consequences of the character of Ned Flanders on mainstream America’s view of evangelical Christians?
Having Ned Flanders as a character on The Simpsons elevates mainstream America’s view of evangelical Christians because the “saintly” way Ned lives his life reflects an accurate (if comical) depiction of a typical evangelical Christian.
Audience
Christians (most likely evangelicals) who do not watch The Simpsons, probably because they see it as making light of Christianity.
Goal
Get these Christians to open up the magazine and read the article which tries to demonstrate the positive attention that Ned Flanders provides for viewers of The Simpsons towards Christianity.
How?
The archaic nature of the painting makes it seem like something you would find in an old church. This appeals to the ethos of church-goers by suggesting that Ned Flanders is a righteous beacon in an otherwise godless program.
The other objects in the painting itself make for a sufficient argument. Flanders is holding a Bible, which is a common occurrence in his appearances on the show. Furthermore, the saintly “halo” surrounding his head further emphasizes his saintly nature on a seemingly devilish show.
Even though the style of the painting is archaic, the depiction of the characters is still accurate. Marge still has her blue hair up. Homer has his traditional stubble, along with his trademark donuts. Ned’s wardrobe of pink shirt with green sweater is also accurate, with a priestly robe added for emphasis. In a sense, it’s showing Ned’s potential impact on the show’s other characters and, perhaps, on other viewers questioning Christianity.
Effectiveness
Honestly, a lot of the anti-Simpson Christians who saw this would probably think the image was borderline blasphemy. However, they probably did open up the magazine to read the article, even if it was to disparage its claims.
No comments:
Post a Comment