The Simpsons have finally hit back at claims of cultural intensity over Springfield’s favourite Kwik-E-Mark owner, Apu.
Hari Kondabolu’s documentary ‘The Problem With Apu’ called out the animated hit show for its representation of the Indian-American man. Since its release late last year, the film’s generated heated debate about how marginalised groups are represented on screen. At the time, voice of Apu Hank Azaria labelled the criticism ‘distressing’ and promised the show would address the claims.
Last night the show did respond – in a scene where Marge is trying to tell Lisa a bedtime story that fits 2018 ‘politically correct’ standards. ‘Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect’ Lisa replies. Basically, the show’s response had a ‘what can you do?’ vibe about it.
For Hari and critics of The Simpsons, it’s left a lot to be desired. The show’s been called out - again – for refusing to seriously address the issue.
The Simpsons has been on air for almost thirty years. It’s seen waves of cultural change and ‘new norms’. So is it time it updated the residents of Springfield to fit 2018 expectations… or is this political correctness gone too far?
