I think it's more a matter of them starting to stretch reality more and more with them. Slightly more mature plots were imposed, but they were in a world that was more outlandish in general.
Although let's face it, Bart is Homer's age now.
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The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing. —Malcolm X
Just a reminder: under international law, an occupying power has no right of self-defense, and those who are occupied have the right and duty to liberate themselves by any means possible.