The Simpsons: Hindu-American organisation responds after Matt Groening says he’s ‘proud’ of Apu

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A Hindu-American organisation has spoken out in response to The Simpsons creator Matt Groening’s recent defence of the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.

Apu has faced condemnation in recent years as an offensive depiction of an an Indian-American Hindu. Until recently, he was voiced by white actor Hank Azaria.

Speaking to USA Today, Groening said: “I think the Apu stories are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a silly two-dimensional cartoon show.”

He added: “So, yeah I’m proud of Apu. I’m trying not to open up another chasm of criticism, but it doesn’t matter what I say. I’ll get it anyway.”

In response, a spokesperson for Hindu-American.org told TMZ that Apu’s depiction on the series had resulted in American Hindus being “marginalised”.

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The organisation also said that the stereotypes presented in Apu’s character were linked to an increase in bullying of Hindu children, online and in person. As a way to ameliorate the problem, the organisation suggested adding Hindu writers to the show’s writing staff, and hiring an Indian actor to voice Apu.

Apu’s role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Indians and Hindus was scrutinised by comedian Hari Kondabolu in the 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu.

The documentary’s success prompted a response in the series itself. In the 2018 episode “No Good Read Goes Unpunished”, Lisa Simpson is seen addressing the viewers, saying: “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive, is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”

Marge then says “some things will be dealt with at a later date,” before Lisa adds: “If at all.”

After the The Problem with Apu ignited the debate over Apu’s offensiveness, however, the character was quietly sidelined, and the role will not be voiced by Azaria again.

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The Simpsons announced last year that it would no longer use white voice actors to voice non-white roles.

The characters of Carl Carlson and Dr Julius Hibbert have already been re-cast, with new voice actors Alex Désert and Kevin Michael Richardson stepping into the roles.