Are 'The Simpsons' Black? New TikTok theory ponders on the cartoon family's true roots

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Could Springfield’s favorite family be more culturally colorful than you thought? A growing theory on TikTok has fans suggesting that The Simpsons might actually be Black, pointing to both visual clues and cultural nuances that align the beloved characters with Black culture.

 

One TikTok user, known as @cocoabutterofficial, offered up some interesting observations, particularly about Marge Simpson’s hair. According to the theory, Marge’s signature sky-high blue hair might actually be a stylized afro, explaining why her children—Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—also have hair that appears textured and grows upwards.

 

 

The argument doesn't end there. Marge's sisters, Patty and Selma, could also be seen as “no-nonsense Black aunties,” a characterization amplified by their blunt attitudes and ever-present cigarettes.

 

Another TikTok creator, iamthekayelle, added more fuel to the fire by reminding fans of Marge’s bedtime habits. She frequently wears bonnets to bed—something often associated with hair care practices common in Black communities. The theory goes even deeper when referencing a specific scene where Marge cuts her kids' hair and keeps the trimmings in the freezer, which could be seen as a nod to Creole traditions, perhaps hinting at Marge’s own heritage. Her maiden name, Bouvier, also adds to the intrigue, suggesting possible Creole roots.

 

 

Perhaps the most compelling piece of evidence for this theory comes from the Season 21 episode titled The Color Yellow. In this episode, Lisa Simpson discovers that her ancestor, Eliza Simpson, tried to help a runaway slave named Virgil escape to freedom. Although Eliza didn’t succeed, her mother, Mabel, managed to get Virgil to Canada, where they married and started a family. This revelation means that the Simpsons canonically have Black ancestry.

 

Of course, the show’s creators have never officially confirmed the race of the Simpsons, and most viewers have long assumed they were meant to be a satirical representation of a white, middle-class American family. However, this theory, backed by a mix of historical references and cultural cues, has definitely given fans a new lens through which to watch the show. 

 

The Simpsons has always been rich with social commentary, even potentially “predicting” major world events at times. Whether or not this new theory holds up, it’s clear that the series offers more than just laughs.

 

• https://kotaku.com/the-simpsons-black-tiktok-theory-1851687912 
• https://www.theroot.com/are-the-simpsons-actually-light-skin-black-people-bla-1851687616 

 

 

Opening image: Rokas Tenys | Dreamstime.com