The Simpsons celebrate 25th Anniversary
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.”
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.
Other fans defended the show and acknowledges that the show is often used to be a satire to the current society.
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.”
He also states that he does not see the episode as a jab towards him, but to the progress against racial stereotypes.
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