Apu has been a favorite character on “The Simpsons” since the show’s debut. Now, Hank Azaria feels like he should apologize to every Indian American for being the voice of the hard-working and ever-reliable owner of Kwik E Mart.
The animated character came under fire for stereotypical behavior.
In today’s politically correct environment, it didn’t help that the Indian immigrant was voiced by a white actor.
Teenager’s Plea Got Azaria To Drop Apu
On the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Azaria explained how he came to the realization that he needed to step away from Apu.
An emotional teenager tugged at his heartstrings.
“I was speaking at my son’s school, I was talking to the Indian kids there because I wanted to get their input,” Azaria said . “A 17-year-old… he’s never even seen ‘The Simpsons’ but knows what Apu means. It’s practically a slur at this point. All he knows is that is how his people are thought of and represented to many people in this country.”
Hank Azaria has stood down from voicing Apu orfa The Simpsons after accusations of racial stereotyping.
Another predictably disheartening victory for the P.C. offencemonger wankers in their War Against Comedy. pic.twitter.com/bomDGtJlqq
— Alf Garnett (@FunnyAlfGarnett) January 18, 2020
Azaria reports the teen had tears in his eyes while begging the actor to relay to writers that these characters and their scripts greatly impact lives.
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman host the podcast. Azaria looked at Padman, who is Indian American, and offered an apology for his decades-long run as Apu.
“I really do apologize,” Azaria said. “It’s important. I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that. Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do.”
“The Simpsons” has a long history of mocking everyone. They are equal opportunity offenders. They even mocked Christians but never offered an apology. Still Azaria has tremendous guilt.
BACKSTORY: ‘The Simpsons’ Mocks Christians Calling Them ‘Right-Wing Ding Dongs’
Not Everyone Agrees With Azaria
Not everyone feels the same way as Azaria. Many fans saw Apu as an important part of the show.
For some reason @HankAzaria feels he has 2 apologise 2 Indian people for his portrayal of Apu in the #Simpsons.
Well, it’s called “Acting”; Pretending to be someone/something you’re not.#Racism comes from INTENTION, not from harmlessly impersonating someone of a different race pic.twitter.com/FWKxnGw3rH
— B/A (@ba_frequency) April 13, 2021
Azaria apparently didn’t have to apologize to every Indian American. In a tweeted screenshot, Vinatha Madhaven said Apu does not offend her.
“Oh please! I’m an Indian American and I was never offended by Apu. What does offend me is the fact that my kids have to get 450 (out of 1400) more points on the SAT than Afr Am to have a chance at elite schools,” she wrote. “I’m offended by elites that are trying to convince me that white supremacy is an existential threat. So Hank, please have your liberal elites crowd apologize for that.”
Hank Azaria on character Apu from The Simpsons: “I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that. Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize.”
The reply of an actual Indian American: pic.twitter.com/MGBBVxOOC1— Mihai Popa (@EMihaiP) April 13, 2021
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