Amid discussion about whether Apu is an Indian stereotype, Mr. Groening shares his feelings about the character and explains why the criticism caught him off guard.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2018/07/18/arts/television/simpsons-matt-groening-apu.html
I’ve posted about this before but The Simpsons makes fun of a variety of ethnic and racial and religious types. The most offensive is probably Krusty, who is a rapacious asshole of a Jew who dresses as a clown but is full of hatred and self-loathing. Jews don’t complain about that. I think most Jews find it funny. The basic characters are Protestant Americans portrayed as dumb-asses and weasels with low intelligence and iffy morals. I could go on. Apu may be the least offensive character on the show. My feeling: criticizing The Simpsons got publicity.
jomi: playing with perception 