In case you missed it, last November, Apu (voiced by Hank Azaria), a recurring character on The Simpsons, came under criticism in a documentary called ‘The Problem With Apu’ from comedian Hari Kondabolu.
In the doc, the comedian pointed out the numerous stereotypes the character perpetuates and said: "The Simpsons is an important work of art that has influenced so many, including myself. Apu was the only Indian we had on TV at all so I was happy for any representation as a kid. And of course he’s funny, but that doesn’t mean this representation is accurate or right or righteous. "
Hank Azaria has himself since commented: "I think the documentary made some really interesting points and gave us a lot to think about and we really are thinking about it. Definitely anybody that was hurt or offended by it, or by any character or vocal performance, it's really upsetting that it was offensive or hurtful to anybody."
In a new episode of The Simpsons, those behind the show have had their say on the controversy. Titled ‘No Good Read Goes Unpunished,’ the episode sees Marge edit her favourite book from childhood when she realises how many stereotypes are in it. However, in making it less offensive for a contemporary audience, including her daughter, Lisa, she realises the book has lost its charm.
You can see a pointed clip from the episode here:
#TheSimpsons completely toothless response to @harikondabolu #TheProblemWithApu about the racist character Apu:
"Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect... What can you do?" pic.twitter.com/Bj7qE2FXWN
— Soham (@soham_burger) April 9, 2018
Fans have been unhappy with the way the show addressed the issues raised in ‘The Problem with Apu.’ Hari Kondabolu had this to say:
Wow. “Politically Incorrect?” That’s the takeaway from my movie & the discussion it sparked? Man, I really loved this show. This is sad. https://t.co/lYFH5LguEJ
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) April 9, 2018
In “The Problem with Apu,” I used Apu & The Simpsons as an entry point into a larger conversation about the representation of marginalized groups & why this is important. The Simpsons response tonight is not a jab at me, but at what many of us consider progress.
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) April 9, 2018
Other Tweeters were also disappointed:
I think the fact that they put this "argument" in the mouth of Lisa's character, the character who usually champions the underdogs and is supposed to be the most thoughtful and liberal, is what makes this the most ridiculous (as in worthy of ridicule) and toothless response.
— Wakanda Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) April 9, 2018
No this is the ultimate slap in the face. Delivering it through Lisa is their way of saying: “this *is* the reasoned, progressive and culturally sensitive perspective.” https://t.co/2naBrnAJi3
— William Mullally (@whmullally) April 9, 2018
I now live in a world I never thought was possible, a world where @TheSimpsons let me down. Why did you choose to respond that way?! Ugh. https://t.co/MG48ia2kYt
— HUSE MADHAVJI (@HuseM) April 9, 2018
They should and could have done an entire episode with Apu responding to @harikondabolu's movie. They wouldn't have to agree with him but they missed a huge opportunity to add in more layers and be topical. Instead, they went the lazy route and did this. https://t.co/ciUq39A4t6
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) April 9, 2018
Beyond sad... they even threw this in for good measure pic.twitter.com/qjYthF0ckz
— Soham (@soham_burger) April 9, 2018
I always tell the #UnitedShades crew that comedy can fix any creative issues. That's what comedy's for. It can't fix real world issues. But it can get you out of a creative jam. The Simpson's, 1 OF THE GREATEST COMEDIES OF ALL TIME, coulda dug deep & wrote their way out of this.
— Wakanda Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) April 9, 2018
