‘The Simpsons’ in Arabic? Meet ‘Al Shamshoon.’
Travel Blog • Jim Benning • 12.12.05 | 12:14 PM ET
That’s right, that’s the name of “The Simpsons” in the Middle East, where an Arabic satellite channel has begun broadcasting the show with Arabic voiceovers. But the show has been “culturally modified,” too. Homer—make that Omar— doesn’t drink Duff beer, he drinks Duff juice. And he doesn’t hang out at a bar but a coffee shop. Fans in the region who are familiar with the original show aren’t happy.
Reports the Los Angeles Times today:
One month after the premiere of “Al Shamshoon,” voiced by some of Egypt’s top actors, many are asking whether this particular cultural divide can ever truly be bridged.
“They managed to make one of the funniest shows ever into something that is terribly unfunny, and one of the smartest shows around into something incredibly dumb,” ranted an Egyptian blogger who goes by the name Sandmonkey and who wants the show canceled. “Us Simpson lovers can’t take this abomination any longer.”
[snip]
“What’s Homer without beer?” Sandmonkey told The Times, preferring to be identified by his blogger name. “This is a fundamental issue!”
You have to feel for Sandmonkey and other “Simpsons” fundamentalists in the Middle East. Homer without beer is just wrong.
Related on World Hum:
* Rio de Janeiro vs. “The Simpsons”
* Update: “The Simpsons” Extends Olive Branch to Brazil
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Jim Benning is the editor and co-founder of World Hum.
