Simpsons fans unimpressed by the show's response to Apu controversy

Fans of The Simpsons are really not happy. The reason: the most recent episode of the Fox animation offered a reply to critics of the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. And it's simply “Don’t have a cow”.

This is in part a response to the documentary by Indian-American standup comic Hari Kondabolu, The Problem with Apu, which highlighted how the character – voiced by white actor Hank Azaria since 1990 – led to widespread stereotyping of south Asian people.

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https://youtu.be/lgEbGuf-Snc

A scene in episode No Good Read Goes Unpunished sees the show acknowledge the controversy, with Marge trying to read Lisa a book she loved when she was a girl, before realising it is filled with racist stereotypes. Marge then revises the story to include a “cisgender girl named Clara” fighting for wild horse rescue, which Lisa says has stripped the character of her emotional journey.

“Well, what am I supposed to do?” Marge replies. Turning to the camera, Lisa then says: “It’s hard to say. Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?”

A photo of Apu, inscribed with the words “Don’t have a cow” is then shown on Lisa’s bedside table. The phrase is a favourite of Bart's, meaning don't get all upset about it.

“Some things will be dealt with at a later date,” Marge promises.

“If at all,” Lisa adds.

https://twitter.com/LevineJonathan/status/983350019892891648

Kondabolu himself soon criticised the “sad” scene, claiming it was simply a “jab” at progress.

https://twitter.com/harikondabolu/status/983204141114654721

https://twitter.com/harikondabolu/status/983211404214714368

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGzvEqBvkP8

Others have also pointed to the problem of Lisa, considered one of the show’s most progressive characters, delivering such dialogue…

https://twitter.com/DanaSchwartzzz/status/983360714386501638

https://twitter.com/SkeltonsHead/status/983269069934735361

https://twitter.com/actuallyalice/status/983417082414059520

https://twitter.com/wkamaubell/status/983222003439230976

And while others defended the show, saying it stereotypes all characters…