When Scotland held its historic referendum on possible independence from the United Kingdom, a Simpsons video was going viral. Along with The Longest Daycare, Willie's Views On Scottish Independence suggests The Simpsons would have done better continuing as short films on special occasions, rather than as the long-running, past its best before date series it's become.
Starring Springfield's Scottish spokesman Groundskeeper Willie, the video is a commentary on the independence movement that actually drew comment on the news, at least in my country. It's a mixed bag, partly containing an economic argument- Willie claims two- thirds of Europe's oil is in Scotland. But it's also overly emotional and downright irrational. Willie proclaims "Aye or die," and complains about "British boots," even though Scots are hardly among the world's most oppressed peoples. He highlights Scottish whiskey, although that's not really a valid reason to break up a country. Willie also makes a power grab, pointing to himself as Scotland's ruler. There's humour in him asserting he won't learn the world's leaders, and he takes a shot at US politics. As The Simpsons creators have noted, they don't feel bad about making fun of other countries when every episode makes fun of the US. Willie may not have won Scottish independence, but he did make his voice heard.
