‘The Simpsons’ Criticized For Their Response To ‘The Problem With Apu’
Following the release of The Problem With Apu, a documentary that dissects the racial issues that The Simpsons character Apu creates, the show attempted to dismiss the controversy in a recent episode – but now the show is facing a backlash.
The Problem With Apu asserts that the character focuses on negative stereotypes of South Asians, which causes non-South Asian people to pick up racial microaggression and slurs against them.
On Sunday’s episode of The Simpsons, the shows creators addressed the criticism by completely dismissing it. The episode shows Marge wanting to share her favorite childhood book with Lisa, but realizes the book’s stereotypical depictions are more offensive than she recalls. She tries to read the book without all the offensive bits, but it leaves the book lacking its original appeal.
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Lisa responds to Marge’s efforts by saying, “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 responds.
Lisa adds, “If at all.”
Then it is revealed that the two were sitting next to a framed photo of Apu with it inscribed on the bottom, “Don’t have a cow, Apu.”
The Simpsons executive producer and writer Al Jean knew that the episode would spark controversy, before the episode aired he tweeted, “Twitter explosion in act three.”
.@TheSimpsons New Simpsons in five minutes. Twitter explosion in act three.
— Al Jean (@AlJean) April 8, 2018
Jean predicted the reaction correctly, as people did not respond well to the show’s response.
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Many people were disturbed by the fact that the line was delivered by Lisa, one of the show’s most progressive characters.
The fact that The Simpsons had Lisa (!) be the one to slap down the legitimate conversation around Apu is maybe the grossest part of this
— Dana Schwartz (@DanaSchwartzzz) April 9, 2018
Disappointed in The Simpsons. @harikondabolu‘s doc was fair and articulate about media representation of South Asians.
The Simpsons’ writers shat on it by getting the most progressive character (Lisa) to dismiss it as “politically incorrect” & followed up with a Hindu/cow joke. https://t.co/HePO5qspTk
— Areeq Chowdhury (@AreeqChowdhury) April 9, 2018
Other fans defended the show and acknowledges that the show is often used to be a satire to the current society.
The outrage over Apu from the Simpsons astounds me. He’s a stereotype, who on that show isn’t? The show is a satirical reflection on suburban American living. Either you’re against the show stereotyping literally everybody or your not. You can’t hang your hat only on Apu
— Dan gets it (@danbrickes) April 9, 2018
The writer and star of The Problem with Apu Hari Kondabolu also took to Twitter following the episode’s premiere. He stated that their dismissive attitude towards his documentary was “sad.”
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
He also states that he does not see the episode as a jab towards him, but to the progress against racial stereotypes.
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
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