The Simpsons has been criticised for its response to the controversy surrounding its beloved Kwik-E-Mart operator Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
The show’s latest episode addressed issues surrounding Apu which were raised in the 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu by comedian Hari Kondabolu, including accusations that the character (voiced by Hank Azaria) is a racist stereotype.
During the episode, as Marge Simpson shares her favourite childhood books with Lisa, she realises that some of the books are more offensive than she remembers. In response, Lisa says, “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”
“Some things will be dealt with at a later date,” Marge replies, to which Lisa says, “If at all.”
A framed photo of Apu is also seen in the scene (below), with the words “Don’t have a cow, Apu” across it.
#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
Kondabolu has since responded to the episode by saying it is “sad” the show responded in such a way.
“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,” he said on Twitter.
“The Simpsons response tonight is not a jab at me, but at what many of us consider progress.”
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
TO THE JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE ASKED ME FOR A PUBLIC STATEMENT ABOUT LAST NIGHT’S SIMPSONS EPISODE, I JUST WANT SAY: “Congratulations to the Simpsons for being talked about & being seen as relevant again.”
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) April 9, 2018
Others have also taken issue with the fact that Lisa was the character used to share the show’s message:
https://twitter.com/DanaSchwartzzz/status/983360714386501638
“Those annoying oversensitive social justice warriors!!” – Lisa Simpson, apparently
— Dana Schwartz (@DanaSchwartzzz) April 9, 2018
The funniest thing about The Simpsons Apu outrage is the self righteous "Lisa would never say that" crowd.
Lisa is a stereotype of you, she's always been a stereotype of you. The "real Lisa Simpson" wasn't betrayed you dummies. pic.twitter.com/24U0Gpwj5L
— Harshmelo (@Harshmelo) April 9, 2018
the implication that lisa keeps a signed photo of apu on her nightstand is what's driving me insane the most
— Alex Geoffroy (@EsPyramid) April 9, 2018
The Simpsons dismissing The Problem With Apu as "political correctness" was bad enough, but having it come from Lisa Simpson felt cruel.
Lisa has always been about open-mindedness and re-examining her values when challenged by perspective.
Real Lisa would not approve. pic.twitter.com/FpmAArAcUe— Beth Elderkin (@BethElderkin) April 9, 2018
In January, Hank Azaria addressed the controversy surrounding Apu during the Television Critics Assn. Press tour, saying, “The idea that anybody, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased or worse based on the character of Apu on ‘The Simpsons,’ the voice or any other tropes of the character is distressing.
“The idea that anybody was marginalized based on it or had a hard time was very upsetting to me personally and professionally.”
The Simpsons‘ producers are yet to comment.
