Satire or just silly?

           Satire is a tool used to drive humor as an outlet for consumers to not only be entertained but to poke fun at some preconceived notions or criticize vices ranging from a vast variety of issues. Just as E.B White claimed, "Humor can be dissected, as a frog can, but the thing die in the process" (Some Remarks on Humor, pp. 174). Yet that is not the case in the sense of The Simpsons. After 29 seasons The Simpsons has proven that satirical comedy has longevity. 
          The perfect blend of something for everyone is what makes this show so special because in all its years it has kept us engaged and laughing but has also brought forth a unique approach to a variety of issues ranging from gun control, religion, collusion in the government, immigration, unemployment, etc. Behind the veil of the characters we have grown to know the show offers its satire in a much more digestible manner. So as pinning Homer as this overtly dumb thoughtless father who works a factory job, the subject matter is portrayed with a more comedic light. Yet with this sort of a structure for a show this brings me to question whether a satirical show like The Simpsons is nihilistic by nature. Although I feel that it is when dealing with certain topics like religion and aliens, it may not be an approach suited for the show as a whole. 
          Taking a look as the series as a whole it has taken some flak in the past for how it has portrayed certain groups of people, whether it be on a basis of race, profession or social class; but when you pair that with its satirical nature it points to the ridiculousness of these characters' portrayal as a commentary on why we see these characters in the way we do. Hence channeling how they interact with characters like Homer, Lisa, Ned, Apu, Moe, Wiggum, etc. That being said I feel that there are two ways to look at The Simpsons, the most common being just taking it for what it is at a base value as a funny show that pokes fun at aspects of our lives, or you can "dissect the frog" so to speak and risk sacrificing the humor for a peak behind the curtain. Regardless of how you enjoy the show it has  been a staple in primetime American TV for as long as I have been alive and will surely go down as one of the greatest forms of entertainment ever.