# Cults Capitalizing on Cartoons Bart Simpson's Voice Used to Sell Scientology Event By Cecilia Biemann | Published 2009-01-29 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cults-capitalizing-on-cartoons-bart-simpson-voice-sells-scientology-event References: [dailyfill](http://www.dailyfill.com/article.aspx?id=12288&cid=13) Capitalizing on the popularity of the incredibly successful [television cartoon The Simpsons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-x-hismile), the voice of the globally popular character Bart Simpson has been used to promote a Scientology event in Los Angeles. The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, has used her famous cartoon character’s name and voice to create a [recorded phone pitch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santas-voice-message) to people in which she says: “This is Bart Simpson,” before saying she’s just kidding and identifying herself correctly. Cartwright, who is scheduled to be a guest speaker at the event, then continues speaking in the voice of Bart Simpson while announcing the Scientology event. “It’s gonna be a blast, man!” she says, followed by the [trademark Bart Simpson laugh](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-tote-bag). She then asks listeners to call and confirm their attendance at the Hollywood event. A lot of people are ‘having a cow’ over this, so much so that the issue even received air time on breakfast radio programs in Australia this morning. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Celebrity Endorsements in Unconventional Industries:** Using the voice of a popular cartoon character to promote a religious event highlights the potential for celebrities to endorse products or services in unexpected and unconventional industries. - **Utilizing Nostalgia in Marketing:** Capitalizing on the popularity of a beloved cartoon character demonstrates the power of nostalgia in marketing campaigns, opening up opportunities for brands to tap into consumers' fond memories. - **Controversial Advertising Strategies:** The use of a controversial character like Bart Simpson to promote a Scientology event raises questions about the effectiveness of provocative advertising tactics and their potential to generate buzz and attention for a brand or cause. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Advertising:** The Bart Simpson Scientology promotion showcases the potential for innovative advertising techniques to capture consumers' attention and create memorable campaigns. - **Entertainment:** The crossover between The Simpsons and Scientology highlights the possibility for collaboration and partnerships between different segments of the entertainment industry, contributing to unique and engaging experiences for audiences. - **Religion/spirituality:** The use of a cartoon character to promote a religious event raises discussions about the role of marketing and technology in spreading and promoting religious ideologies, creating room for disruptive innovation in the realm of faith-based organizations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Animated Streetwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-x-family-mart.md) - [Cartoon Franchise-Inspired Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-classic-clog.md) - [TV Personality-Backed Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominos-6.md) - [Religious Mascot Official Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce.md) - [Centenary Candy Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfinger-celebrates-100-years.md) - [Video Game-Themed Audio Messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dj-caras.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelpo.md) - [Slushie-Inspired Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-x-hismile.md) - [Humorous Drink Cart Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/titos-spokescart.md)