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Simpsons creator Matt Groening on Apu: 'People love to pretend they're offended'

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ElectricBlanketFire

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Oct 25, 2017
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What a tone-deaf response:

Evening Standard said:
The creator of The Simpsons has finally responded to the racism row surrounding fan favourite Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. Matt Groening, who came up with America's beloved cartoon family in the late 1980s, appeared to dodge criticisms in a recent interview with USA Today. The show's portrayal of a Indian convenience store clerk came under intense scrutiny after comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary 'The Problem with Apu' last year.

Asked if he had any thoughts on the criticisms of Apu as a stereotype, Mr Groening said: "Not really. I'm proud of what we do on the show.

"And I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended...We'll let the show speak for itself."
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To be clear, I'm not "offended" by Apu, but I do find his complete dismissal of any criticism wrong.
 
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Demogorgon

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He's 100% correct. This shit is getting ridiculous already.
 
Syder

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What sort of answer is that?

'is this racist?'

'not really'

Well, is it or isn't it?
 

Paterique

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Amen, completely agree with Matt
 
DrewFu

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I don't disagree with that sentiment, but I can certainly see both sides.
 
weekev

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He is right in the fact that we currently live in a culture of outrage, but I understand the theory behind "the problem with Apu" and the fact it was used as a reference point for Indians living in America for so long that it became a playground taunt for a lot of kids growing up and thats how it has become problematic. I dont like the fact he isnt acknowledging this and instead is choosing to handwave it away.
 
TheGhost

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His show he can do what he wants, people can also decide to stop watching and they will but I don't think it will be enough to tank the show but I could be wrong.
 
Gotdatmoney

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The show was a product of its time. Times have changed. There is nothing wrong with accepting that. Instead you just act like an ass.
 
NotLiquid

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I don't think people who instantly try to rebuke that Apu documentary with "uHhhHhH people wanna be offended at EVERYTHING" actually watched the documentary
 
Coolwhip

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In the era of social media people love to pretend to have better morals than others, its hilarious.
 
Tickling

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Absolutely brilliant response. There is no middle ground as the responses on this thread have shown. You think it's a brilliant response or you think it's awful
 

Cybersai

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He's wrong, Apu is still a stereotype either way. I mean I love Apu, but Matt Groeing really shouldn't speak for Indian people when he's not one himself.

Granted all the characters in Simpsons are stereotypes either way.
 
aerie

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Way to completely ignore the legitimate issues that Hari has raised. Weakly handwaving it away.
 
FroMonk

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Let the show speak for itself, huh?

Let me know when its worth watching again. Oh wait, that hasn't happened in 20 years.
 
Atomic Playboy

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I mean, I get it if it's somebody white knighting on behalf of a group they aren't part of. But this was a project by an Indian American who talked to other people of Indian descent about their experience specifically with racist caricatures. Who is "pretending" to be offended in that situation? Pretty lazy response from Groening.
 

Deleted member 3542

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Makes Azaria's response that much better - something measured and willing to listen instead of handwaving it away like a coward.
 
Elliott

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"let the show speak for itself"

Given the state of the show I don't think that's such a good idea, Matt.
 
Lord Brady

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Good for him standing behind his work. If he's proud of it, he shouldn't bow to anyone. Hopefully he'll allow Hank to stop giving the character his voice if Hank isn't proud of his own work.
 
TheMadTitan

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Personally, I take this statement as him just bypassing the minority backlash and focusing on white people acting offended because it's easier to address off the cuff.
 

JDSN

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I dont get why these comedians are always complaining about shit in such a pathetic way, like some dude makes a sobering, boring documentary about not being cool with Apu and this obviously must means that minorities are hiding their true feelings like the shady, dishonest and emotional people we are.
 
meppi64

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This has been a problem for several years now and it's getting to ridiculous levels lately.
 
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