As further proof that American culture is overwhelming the planet, earlier this month, an Arab TV network began broadcasting an Arabic version of The Simpsons.
After 17 seasons of entertaining U.S. audiences, “The Simpsons” can now be seen on Arab television. While U.S. foreign policy is not always a hit overseas, there is a huge audience for American popular culture.
So the Arab satellite network MBC is bringing the cartoon saga of Springfield to the heart of the Arab world. “The Simpsons” has been exported overseas and is now called “Al Shamshoon.”
There have been a few changes, of course:
With Omar instead of Homer, and Badr substituting for Bart, MBC hopes to win coveted young viewers. After all, 60 percent of the Arab world is 20 years old or younger.
And that’s not all, there are those Islamic values to consider of course:
So MBC is making some changes as the characters go from American to Arab. They will remove references to things forbidden by the Koran, such as bacon, beer, and other references that might be construed as offensive.
Homer Simpson’s ubiquitous Duff beer will now be soda in the Arab version of the show.
Hot dogs will become Egyptian beef sausages, and donuts will become popular Arab cookies called “kahk.” Moe’s Bar has been completely written out of “Al Shamshoon.”
No beer ? My god, half of the episodes won’t make any sense if Homer spends his free time drinking soda ? No Moe ? I guess that means no Barney Gumble either. This is Un-American I tell you.
And then there’s this from Treehouse of Horror V
Homer: So what do you think, Marge? All I need is a title. I was thinking along the lines of “No TV and No Beer Make Homer” something something.
Marge: [timid] “Go Crazy”?
Homer: Don’t mind if I do!
