[Akash Singh]Apu shouldn't have been canceled, Indians love him

He may actually be the most likable on the show and universally beloved. Yes, there may have been caricature/stereotype moments, which was essentially the show's bread and butter where no group was spared. There were also pretty conscientious. Apu-centric episodes that may be one of the first national television shows to tell an Indian American story in any meaningful way..

It sucks that some kids got called Apu on the playground by bullies and **** like that, but I have a hard time believing that bullying wouldn't have happened without Apu. My opinion probably isn't all that valid on this, but I'm just not buying that Apu's existence was a net-negative in the world.

To be clear, I'm separating Hank Azaria voicing Apu as a separate issue, but maybe that's not possible.

 

I've always thought the Simpsons were the definition of Americana.

If you are represented in the show, you have "made it" as a normal, accepted part of the culture.

Getting made fun in the show is largely a gesture of affection. You're part of the club.

It's ironic in this instance because Apu is actually one of the most stand-up, model characters on the show. He's responsible, family-oriented, and mature. The same can't nearly be said for the other minor characters.

 

Apu wasn't canceled, Azaria retired. Simpsons may be bringing Apu back.

 

Azaria essentially said he was pressured by wokism to cancel and “retired” as a result. Watching Indians in support of the character is nice

 

It's usually whites that take it upon themselves to feel offended on behalf of other races, who often are not offended at all. Ironic because thinking you know how a different race ought to feel, instead of deferring to the actual members of that race to think and decide for themselves is...racist.

 

From Azaria's own mouth, this is not true.

 

That's not what he essentially said.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/04/13/hank-azaria-apology-apu-simpsons/

 

Read above (I don't have a time subscription)

 

That is one perspective for sure, and I certainly see and feel that. As an Indian American, I've always had mixed feelings about Apu - it is entertaining and what you say here is true.

But there is another side. And to completely deny that side as simply "wokism" isn't right. There's no reason why everyone here can't see both sides and understand that there isn't one truth, but truth in both perspectives simultaneously.