The Simpsons have long been known for their ability to "predict the future." And at a time when the coronavirus is making the world paranoid, some people have taken the opportunity to point to an old episode of the series. This did not fail to react a former writer of the series: Bill Oakley. It is episode 21 of season 4 that has reacted many viewers. Indeed, the episode entitled Marge in Chains recounts the contamination of Springfield by a flu from Asia. This is the Osaka flu, transmitted by a Japanese worker who coughed into cans shipped to America. It didn't take more than that for some to make the connection with the coronavirus. https://twitter.com/lammy_lams/status/1234024683261120512 It all started with a photomontage, adding the words "Corona Virus" to an episode of The Simpsons. Except that's it! An amalgam quickly arrived and former screenwriter Bill Oakley decided to react:
"I don't like it [the episode] being used for nefarious purposes" "The idea of anyone misappropriating it in order to pass off the coronavirus as an Asian conspiracy is terrible! Blaming Asia for what is happening, I think it's disgusting."
Unequivocal words, which raise the question of the consequences that the virus can have on the Asian community. Indeed, remember that even in France, an upsurge of anti-Asian racism has been observed in recent weeks, pushing SOS Racisme to react.
"It was supposed to be a simple joke! It was supposed to be absurd that someone could cough into a box and the virus could survive for six to eight weeks locked in it… This is caricature! We intentionally made him cartoonish because we wanted him to be stupid and not scary."
Although The Simpsons are known for their more or less accurate predictions, remember that here, the virus comes from Japan and not China. And need I mention that the mention "Corona Virus" on the above information flash is photoshopped? In short: beware of rumors circulating, including under the guise of humor. What is certain, however, is that we will soon be able to find The Simpsons on the Disney+ SVOD platform. The latter arrives in our countries on March 24 and is likely to be a huge success, given the confinement imposed!
