If there’s one thing that fires up a Newfoundlander, it’s having the province score a mention on an American television show.
Such was the case over the weekend, when the venerable Fox cartoon ‘The Simpsons’ featured an episode about Canada.
Local social media exploded after one of the characters called another a ‘stupid Newfie’, followed by a stuffed toy seal being beaten with a club.
Though the joke appears to be pointing out Canadian hypocrisy, presenting the country as tolerant while mocking Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, many took offense, still others seemed indifferent, saying it was a comedy show that makes similar jokes across the board.
Last evening, @TheSimpsons – aired it's D'Oh Canada episode that reignited the Newfie-Stereotype controversy.
What are your thoughts? Text 709-273-5211 pic.twitter.com/W8L5wFRJys
— YOUR VOCM (@590VOCM) April 29, 2019
There is a very real possibility that The Simpsons becomes an election campaign issue in Newfoundland and Labrador today, following the show's use of the "stupid Newfie" trope last night.
— 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙈𝙘𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙙 (@jamespmcleod) April 29, 2019
Oh hell no! Sure for years we have been telling Newfie jokes. Lol
— McMudder 🇨🇦 (@McMudder71) April 29, 2019
People being upset over the Simpsons Newfie joke is so stupid to me. It’s a comedic show! They’ve made worse jokes about other cultures and as soon as it’s yours that’s brought up you have a problem. I guess they’re not aloud to make jokes anymore.
— Trenton Hayse (@Haysesy_) April 29, 2019
Current status of NL: pic.twitter.com/nyd3kQa3gj
— Cape Shore Memes (@capeshorememes) April 29, 2019
At least The Simpsons settled once and for all whether "Newfie" is some term of endearment for a pet or a slur.
— Edward L. Riche (@EdwardLRiche) April 29, 2019
Im not upset about the ‘newfie’ joke @mrtimlong wrote for tonight’s @Simpson’s episode so much as surprised that in all my 45 years, the lamest, least-interesting ‘Newfie’ joke I’ve heard was on @thesimpsons
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) April 29, 2019
