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'''''Family Guy''''' is an animated television program created by [[Seth MacFarlane]] and shown on the Fox television network, although it also has slots on TBS and Cartoon Network's [adult swim].  It documents the life of "the Griffins," a fictional family who live in Quahog, [[Rhode Island]]. The show, like ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and other cartoon shows on television, explores&mdash;from an extremely [[liberal]] angle&mdash;cultural and political themes that are important in the world today, as well as taking humorous approaches to past and present television shows.<ref>[http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/reports/top10bestandworst/main.asp Parents' Television Council]</ref> It takes an unfavorable view of creationists, focusing instead on the theory of evolution.<ref>[http://www.answersingenesis.org/us/newsletters/0107lead.asp Answers in Genesis]</ref> ''Family Guy'' is known for its constant use of rude and profane speech, violent and crude humor, and [[liberal deceit]]. In that vein, the show has made numerous off-color jokes about teen pregnancy, bestiality, abortion, homosexuality, the Holocaust, mental illness, suicide and religion, among other topics.

'''''Family Guy''''' is an animated television program created by [[Seth MacFarlane]] and shown on the Fox television network, although it also has slots on TBS and Cartoon Network's [adult swim].  It documents the life of "the Griffins," a fictional family who live in Quahog, [[Rhode Island]]. The show, like ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and other cartoon shows on television, explores&mdash;from an extremely [[liberal]] angle&mdash;cultural and political themes that are important in the world today, as well as taking humorous approaches to past and present television shows.<ref>[http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/reports/top10bestandworst/main.asp Parents' Television Council]</ref> It takes an unfavorable view of creationists, focusing instead on the theory of evolution.<ref>[http://www.answersingenesis.org/us/newsletters/0107lead.asp Answers in Genesis]</ref> ''Family Guy'' is known for its constant use of rude and profane speech, violent and crude humor, and [[liberal deceit]]. In that vein, the show has made numerous off-color jokes about teen pregnancy, bestiality, abortion, homosexuality, the Holocaust, mental illness, suicide and religion, among other topics.

One notorious episode entitled ''When You Wish Upon a Weinstein,'' was banned due to its offensive stereotyping of Jews.<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0576978/</ref> Another likened McCain-Palin supporters to Nazis. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIWTB8POnkg ''Family Guy'' on YouTube]</ref> The show frequently uses jokes referencing Hitler and the Nazis, relying on shock tactics over genuine comedy.

One notorious episode entitled ''When You Wish Upon a Weinstein,'' was banned because Fox .<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0576978/</ref> Another likened McCain-Palin supporters to Nazis. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIWTB8POnkg ''Family Guy'' on YouTube]</ref> The show frequently uses jokes referencing Hitler and the Nazis.

Another episode introduced a girl with [[Down Syndrome]]. During a conversation, she remarked that [[Sarah Palin|her mother]] was the governer of [[Alaska]], an obvious attempt to smear the reputation of the [[Republican Party]].

Another episode introduced a girl with [[Down Syndrome]]. During a conversation, she remarked that [[Sarah Palin|her mother]] was the governer of [[Alaska]]. Another episode featured a repeated catchphrase "[[Laura Bush]] Killed A Guy!"<ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/12/08/2008-12-08_family_guy_stirs_controversy_with_laura_.html NY Daily News: "Family Guy" stirs controversy with "Laura Bush killed a guy" catch phrase]</ref> This was a misleading statement, mocking a tragic car accident which occurred when she was 17 years old. Laura Welch, as she was known then, ran a stop sign and crashed into another car, killing its only occupant, 17-year-old Michael Douglas.<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/laura.asp Snopes]</ref>

 

Another episode featured a repeated catchphrase "[[Laura Bush]] Killed A Guy!"<ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/12/08/2008-12-08_family_guy_stirs_controversy_with_laura_.html NY Daily News: "Family Guy" stirs controversy with "Laura Bush killed a guy" catch phrase]</ref> This was a misleading statement, mocking a tragic car accident which occurred when she was 17 years old. Laura Welch, as she was known then, ran a stop sign and crashed into another car, killing its only occupant, 17-year-old Michael Douglas.<ref>[http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/laura.asp Snopes]</ref>

On the other hand, the show has made fun of liberal politicians as well. The episode ''Bill and Peter's Bogus Journey'' portrays former president [[Bill Clinton]] as a hedonistic sex fiend and a drug user.<ref>[http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/772/772102p1.html Family Guy: ''Bill and Peter's Bogus Journey'' Review]</ref>

On the other hand, the show has made fun of liberal politicians as well. The episode ''Bill and Peter's Bogus Journey'' portrays former president [[Bill Clinton]] as a hedonistic sex fiend and a drug user.<ref>[http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/772/772102p1.html Family Guy: ''Bill and Peter's Bogus Journey'' Review]</ref>

On that note, in an episode Quagmire scolds Brian for his "textbook liberal agenda," and then points out he doesn't do anything to actually help. Quagmire also points out Brian has no right to say religion is for idiots because Brian failed college twice.<ref>http://www.hulu.com/watch/111154/family-guy-quagmire-goes-off</ref>

On that note, in one episode Quagmire criticizes Brian for his "textbook liberal agenda," and then points out he doesn't do anything to actually help. Quagmire also points out Brian has no right to say religion is for idiots because Brian failed college twice, as well as Brian's hypocrisy in saying homelessness is an important issue while doing nothing to help the homeless.<ref>http://www.hulu.com/watch/111154/family-guy-quagmire-goes-off</ref>

== Unoriginality ==

== Criticism ==

''Family Guy'' and its creators have been savaged by media and fans for its lack of originality and, in some cases, outright plagiarism, particularly from the vastly more popular show, ''The Simpsons''. The basic model of the family - a fat, drunk, stupid, yet good-hearted husband with an attractive, yet nagging wife - is a direct copy of Homer and Marge Simpson. The show has stolen numerous plot ideas from ''The Simpsons,'' including the wife developing a gambling addiction.<ref>http://familyguysteals.blogspot.com/</ref>

''Family Guy'' and its creators have been savaged by media and fans for its lack of originality and, in some cases, outright plagiarism, particularly from the vastly more popular show, ''The Simpsons''. The basic model of the family - a fat, drunk, stupid, yet good-hearted husband with an attractive, yet nagging wife - is a direct copy of Homer and Marge Simpson. The show has stolen numerous plot ideas from ''The Simpsons,'' including the wife developing a gambling addiction.<ref>http://familyguysteals.blogspot.com/</ref>

''The Simpsons'' and ''South Park'' have openly mocked ''Family Guy'' for its lack of creativity and frequent derivative sequences. One episode of ''South Park'' portrayed ''Family Guy'' as being written by manatees who would randomly select balls inscribed with a noun, verb and pop culture reference, thus creating all the jokes for the show.

''The Simpsons'' and ''South Park'' have openly mocked ''Family Guy'' for its lack of creativity and frequent derivative sequences. One episode of ''South Park'' portrayed ''Family Guy'' as being written by manatees who would randomly select balls inscribed with a noun, verb and pop culture reference, thus creating all the jokes for the show.

==References==

==References==