Goodbye Apu – here’s what you meant to us
Getting rid of Apu may well be the handiest way to end the criticism around the stereotypical aspects of Apu’s character. But was it the right move, asks Faiza Hirji in this crossposting from The Conversation?
The Simpsons’ Apu may be dead, but stereotyping of South Asians most certainly is not. In fact, from the debates that preceded the conflicting report of his demise, we can conclude a few things about Hollywood.
One, Hollywood doesn’t know how to address criticism of its racism; two, Hollywood doesn’t know how to recognize racism even when it consciously perpetuates it; and three, as audiences, we sometimes perpetuate the cycle of racist portrayals because our options seem so limited.
Even if Apu, the Indian-American convenience store owner who speaks with an exaggerated accent, is leaving, his exit would only signal the end of a character, not the end of what Apu and other South Asian characters on television have signified.
The world has gone mad.
As have some professors it would appear.
Every character on The Simpsons is a stereotype – Apu just happens to be brown and accented.
This generation has gone mad. Stop taking yourselves so seriously. Those of Indian heritage don’t give a shit. I know this because I’m one of them.
What a complete load of shit. How is this author a professor? But be at some third tier SJW university pumping out useless degrees.
This is complete and utter bullshit. Every Simpsons character is a stereotype! Whether it be Bumblebee man, Cleatus or the Simpsons family themselves. Add to that the long list of celebrities that have lent themselves to the show to be cast as parodies or stereotypes. If you don’t understand or recognise what the Simpsons is about then I suggest you go back to your cultural studies and try again.
The thereshold for Professors is clearly very low these days.
“I’m not personally offended, therefore stereotyping isn’t racist.”
This.
As above, a person within this industry and of Indian heritage spoke up on this.
While they may not represent the whole subcontinent, I am sure their opinion is more valid yours, Mr Standard White Creative From The Eastern Suburbs.
Well you have lost a viewer in me Matt Groening. Political correct BS. Lest lose Nelson the White Trash stereotype, Willy the angry Scotsman and the list goes on
Next they’ll be coming after Nancy Cartwright.
“How dare that woman voice the part of a young boy……..and he’s not even transgender!!!”
Won’t somebody please think of the children!
This comment thread gives me hope.
By the way, if you’re offended on behalf of minorities or ‘victims’ who aren’t offended themselves… you might actually be the racist one.
If you take the author’s line of argument, you literally cannot accept any satire based on this rationale. You cannot stereotype. You cannot mimic. Literally the art of comedy would be dead in your life. I would hate to see the kind of mundane, grey drab that would pass as humour in the author’s life.
I am yet to see any official release from Fox or Exec Producers of The Simpsons actually confirming that Apu is out.
I’ve seen tweets from Al Jean saying about that nuff nuff “comedian” wanting Apu out – and basically saying he does not speak for the producers (and basically to f-off *assumption*)