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The Simpsons addresses the Apu controversy in latest episode

The Simpsons addresses the Apu controversy in latest episode

But has The Simpsons ever not been politically incorrect?
09 Apr, 2018

Like promised, creators of The Simpsons have addressed Apu's stereotype controversy that came about late last year following a documentary highlighting the character's biased representation.

In the drama's latest episode "No Good Read Goes Unpunished" that aired this Sunday, Marge sits down to read an edited version of The Princess and The Garden to Lisa. The book was edited to make it inoffensive in 2018. "It takes a lot of work to take the spirit and character out of a book," she says. "But now it's as inoffensive as a Sunday in Cincinnati."

After the reading, Lisa points out to her mother that the character is "perfect". "But since she's already evolved, she doesn't really have an emotional journey to complete. Kinda means there's no point to the book," adds the 8-year-old.

Also read: It's very upsetting if my character caused suffering: Hank Azaria, the voice of Apu on The Simpsons

She then goes into a monologue addressing the audience directly about the Apu issue.

"Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect, what can you do?," she asks while looking at a picture of Apu.

Marge cuts in, "Some things will be dealt with at a later date."

"If at all," replies Lisa.

Late last year, comedian Hari Kondabolu released a documentary The Problem with Apu in which he interviews celebrities of South Asian descent on the Indian character from the animated sitcom. When Hank Azaria, the voice of Apu, was asked about the controversy surrounding his character, he expressed his concern about having distressed or caused pain to people through his character.

"It's really important when people express themselves about racial issues, what they feel is unfair or upsetting or distressing or makes them angry, sad or hurt. The Simpsons guys will definitely address — maybe publicly, certainly creatively within the context of the show — what they want to do, if anything, with the character," he had said.

Watch the clip from the episode here.