Simpsons star Hank Azaria says he is willing to step down as Apu
Hank Azaria has said he is willing to give up the role of 'Apu' in the famous TV show 'The Simpsons' in the wake of the controversy the character has triggered, especially in the Indian-American community.
Indian-origin comedian Hari Kondabolu made a documentary called 'The Problem With Apu', which highlights the harmful stereotype that the character propagates.
Speaking on the Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, Azaria who voices a number of characters on the show, said, "I think the most important thing is we have to listen to South Asian people, Indian people in this country, when they talk about what they feel and how they think about this character, and what their American experience of it has been… Listening to voices means inclusion in the writers’ room. I really want to see Indian, South Asian writers in the writers’ room, not in a token way, but genuinely informing whatever new direction this character may take, including how it is voiced or not voiced.”
After which he volunteered to stop playing the role of 'Apu' till the problem is solved.
“I’m perfectly willing to step aside. It just feels like the right thing to do to me,” he said.
Given the conversation around the character and Kondabolu's documentary, The Simpson's tried to address the issue in an April 8 episode, but not many were satisfied.
The episode involved Marge reading Lisa a book that she had liked in her childhood. But as she reads it she realizes that it contains incidents and language that may not be appropriate for current times. So she edits the book to make it acceptable for current times.
The point of the story is worded by Lisa, who turns to the camera and says, “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”
While she delivers that line, she looks at a picture of Apu that includes Bart’s catchphrase, “Don’t have a cow!”
Marge then says, “Some things will be dealt with at a later date,” to which Lisa adds: “If it all.”
There were strong reactions to the episode. Some where shocked at the dismissal of the issue by the show and others believed it to be another political agenda.
The Simpson's showrunner Al Jean refused to comment on the controversy but later tweeted that the episode "speaks for itself".