TMC
10-30-2018, 07:53 PM
http://whatculture.com/tv/the-simpsons-10-greatest-apu-moments?rf=homepage
Producer Adi Shankar set Simpsons fans into a frenzy recently as he claimed Apu would soon be cut from the show. Al Jean, showrunner of The Simpsons, has since poured cold water on these rumours, stating that Shankar did not work for or speak for the show.
Apu’s been dogged by controversy in recent years, ever since Indian comedian Hari Kondabolu suggested the character was racist. Voice actor Hank Azaria has obviously exaggerated his accent for comedy. But also, Apu is one of the most developed characters the show has; he’s got a Doctorate in Computer Science, he’s a successful business owner and a married father of eight. Even the accent argument falls apart when compared to Cletus, Luigi and Groundskeeper Willie.
Some have even suggested Apu is an example of good representation, despite the accent. After all, jokes about Apu rarely have his Indian heritage as a punchline. Compare that to the much more recent character of Raj in The Big Bang Theory, and Apu looks like a paragon of TV Asians.
He’s had some terrific moments during his time in Springfield. It’s yet unknown what his fate will be, but whatever happens, he’s got one hell of a highlight (http://whatculture.com/tv/the-simpsons-10-greatest-apu-moments?page=2) reel (http://whatculture.com/tv/the-simpsons-10-greatest-apu-moments?page=3).
Producer Adi Shankar set Simpsons fans into a frenzy recently as he claimed Apu would soon be cut from the show. Al Jean, showrunner of The Simpsons, has since poured cold water on these rumours, stating that Shankar did not work for or speak for the show.
Apu’s been dogged by controversy in recent years, ever since Indian comedian Hari Kondabolu suggested the character was racist. Voice actor Hank Azaria has obviously exaggerated his accent for comedy. But also, Apu is one of the most developed characters the show has; he’s got a Doctorate in Computer Science, he’s a successful business owner and a married father of eight. Even the accent argument falls apart when compared to Cletus, Luigi and Groundskeeper Willie.
Some have even suggested Apu is an example of good representation, despite the accent. After all, jokes about Apu rarely have his Indian heritage as a punchline. Compare that to the much more recent character of Raj in The Big Bang Theory, and Apu looks like a paragon of TV Asians.
He’s had some terrific moments during his time in Springfield. It’s yet unknown what his fate will be, but whatever happens, he’s got one hell of a highlight (http://whatculture.com/tv/the-simpsons-10-greatest-apu-moments?page=2) reel (http://whatculture.com/tv/the-simpsons-10-greatest-apu-moments?page=3).