Hank Azaria voiced a character named Apu in ‘The Simpsons’. He has been accused of spreading racism.
Hank Azaria (File Photo)
Actor Hank Azaria, who voiced a character named Apu in America’s famous cartoon series The Simpsons, has apologized to every Indian person. Azaria gave her voice to the character of Apu since the show started in 1989 until last year. But last year he faced criticism for spreading racial stereotypes, after which he left the show. He has said that he is responsible for the negative result of this character.
In fact, while discussing a podcast with Indian American Monica Padman and actor Dax Shepard on Monday, 56-year-old Azaria said that the show ‘The Simpsons’ was brought up with a good intention. This exposed the structural racism occurring in America. He said that it took him some time to realize that his character of Apu Nahasapempetilon was disrespectful to the Indian American community.
Good intention was behind bringing ‘The Simpsons’: Azaria
Hank Azaria said, I did not know better about this. I had not thought about it. I was unaware of how much I have gained in this country as a white child born in Queens. Having good intentions behind bringing this show does not mean that it did not have negative consequences. I am responsible for all the negative results of this show. Looking at Padman, he said that I apologize for this behavior.
I apologize personally to every Indian: Azaria
Azaria said, I know that nobody is doing me to apologize, but it is necessary. I am sorry to be a part of it. It was not right to be a part of this show and to increase racial discrimination. He said that my heart says that I should go to every Indian living in this country and apologize to them in private. In fact, in 2017, an Indian-American comedian made a documentary titled ‘The Problem with Apu’, about how Indians are being discriminated against through this show.
What was disputed in the role of Apu?
It was shown in ‘The Simpsons’ show that Apu is a diaspora who reached America from West Bengal. He has a doctorate degree in computer science and runs a Quick-e-Mart store in Springfield. The way Apu was shown in the show has always been disputed. One episode showed that the mayor of the city wanted to evacuate people living without valid documents. Knowing this, Apu gets a fake birth certificate made. Apart from this, his manner of speaking has also been made fun of.
Also read: Myanmar is on the verge of becoming ‘second Syria’, UN Human Rights body warns
.