Bart Simpson and the Decline of the Slacker

Bart Simpson: America’s Bad Boy. From the moment The Simpsons debuted in 1989, Bart emerged as a powerful, even dangerous symbol of youthful rebellion. His attitude felt revolutionary, announcing a symbolic shift toward the outlook of the Gen X Slacker. Now, more than 30 years later, does his free-wheeling slacker spirit still resonate? Or does his community’s habit of laughing off his behavior with the mantra “Boys will be Boys” feel out of step with our times?