Lisa the Iconoclast Everyone experiences dilemmas, choices that alter our lives. In the Simpsons episode of “Lisa the Iconoclast”, written by Jonathan Collier, aired in Feb. 1996, Lisa, a young resident of Springfield, faces a predicament: should she reveal the truth about her town’s hero, or remain silent? As part of a school assignment, she digs into the deceiving past of Jebediah Springfield, the town hero known for taming a rogue buffalo. In the Springfield Historical Society, she soon finds a confession by Jebediah explaining the atrocities he committed. Determined to expose the truth, Lisa faces several dismissive comments from the citizens of Springfield. During the town’s local parade in remembrance of Jebediah, Lisa was presented with an opportunity to show …show more content…
Hoover. Ms. Hoover remarks, “This is nothing but dead white male bashing from a P.C. thug. It’s women like you who keep the rest of us from landing a husband.” This statement shows the disappointment in Lisa. She thinks that Lisa is being a bad example of a woman when she makes these ridiculous statements. If Lisa lets all of Springfield know how Jebediah was a fraud, she may receive many similar recoils, just like Ms. Hoover’s reaction. Lisa telling Springfield could upset people who have spent their lives thinking he was a hero. During Lisa’s confrontation with Hollis Hurlbut, she says, “You couldn’t stand that you devoted your life to fraud, so you covered it up didn’t you? Didn’t you?” Hurlbut responds by defending himself, “When I pried open the coffin it was there – that shiny tongue sticking out of his mouth, razzing my entire career, my – my entire life!” If Hurlbut knew the whole truth about Jebediah and decided to keep the truth hidden, then maybe Lisa should do the same. Hurlbut made the choice to keep the secret to himself. Furthermore, if Lisa reveals the truth, Hurlbut’s job will be taken as more of a