Note that the subtext of Mr. Burns's character is the Harvard - Yale rivalry. Most of the original writers of the Simpsons are Harvard grads (most were members of the Harvard Lampoon, a semi-secret organization that occasionally publishes what the Harvard Crimson calls a "so-called humor magazine"). Mr. Burns is an Eli, i.e. went to Yale, and as such is made out to be the most despicable character on the show.