Jack Baker, columnist

I have no problem with certain Simpsons episodes being censored in order to avoid jokes that could make fun of what is a very serious situation in Japan. In fact, I don’t think it goes far enough. I think they should just censor out the last 10 years of the show, so that the only episodes shown are from when the show was actually good and still relevant.

Aaron Brooks, columnist

What does a firefly and a worker at Fukushima have in common? They both glow in the dark. Censoring The Simpsons for its satire of nuclear safety is ridiculous. The whole point of said satire is to point out that nuclear power plants are subject to human and mechanical error. To censor a message that makes people aware of those hazards is counterproductive to improving nuclear safety. Furthermore, the Simpsons references are not nearly as offensive as the horrible joke I began with.

Nathan Fulkerson, columnist

I almost understand reluctance to air such episodes, but why Germany, Austria and Switzerland? I know that feelings are sensitive after any tragedy, and the natural response is to try and block out any reminders of the event. Ultimately, I don’t know how much good this will do. You’d have to censor a lot of television to remove any potentially upsetting references to nuclear power or earthquakes.

Portia Kerr-Newman, columnist

I think the idea of nuclear references being censored out of Simpsons episodes is reasonable. With all that’s going on around the world, I’m sure Japan and Europe are sensitive to the topic of anything involving disasters. If broadcasters feel it is best to censor certain things from their shows, they are only being careful not to offend their viewers.

Kathryn Minniti, columnist

Well first off, I am just surprised The Simpsons is still on TV; it’s been like 30 years. Honestly, I don’t really care. If broadcasters in other countries want it to be censored, then let it be. It’s their choice.

Alyssa Pracz, columnist

I think the idea of nuclear references being censored out of Simpsons episodes is an overreaction. First of all, the main character in the show works at a nuclear power plant so you’re potentially censoring out a lot of episodes. Secondly, the show is meant for entertainment and I don’t think censoring out things that are potentially offensive will solve or aid the problem in any way.

Logan Short, columnist

It’s funny that countries which allow near-porn on public television have a problem with a cartoon that is known for being offensive. I sort of see their point, though. Intentionally airing the Perfect Storm or The Day After Tomorrow shortly after Hurricane Katrina happened would be in bad taste, but if one of those Simpsons episodes just so happens to be in the lineup, I don’t think it’s worth the effort to take it off and reschedule.