www.asiansinmedia.org

October 12, 2005: While many East Indian Americans feel insulted by the Simpsons Asian Hindu character Apu, Rohin Francis, a medical student and author of this article, puts a different spin on the perception of Apu. Francis explains, “I think Apu is a positive character for Asians – particularly those living outside India. One could legitimately claim that Apu is a fascinating case study of Indians immigrants, their trials, tribulations and triumphs. Had The Simpsons been a live-action show, Apu would have represented the first regular South Asian character on a prime time show outside the subcontinent. I still find it quite remarkable that way back at the start of the 90s, the makers of The Simpsons decided to include him. To argue that he is a stereotype is to miss the whole point of the cartoon. Everyone is a stereotype, that’s how The Simpsons works – it plays up to our stereotypes to create a realistic microcosm of America’s social structure. Springfield is populated with all walks of life – I’m sure we all know a Barney – propping up the bar, a Ned Flanders – goodie two-shoes bible-basher, a Wiggum – incompetent cop and like it or not, we all know Apu; just go to your corner shop. With a computer science PhD, he is freakishly over-qualified for his job, due to the fact he was unable to land anything paying more as an immigrant. The topic of his arranged marriage was dealt with in a realistic, although somewhat twee (British slang for “excessively or affectedly quaint”) way – he was reluctant to acquiesce to his mum’s request, but met his bride-to-be and fell in love. At a time when many Westerners equate arranged marriage with forced marriage, this was a welcome plot. Apu hasn’t sacrificed any of his cultural identity, he displays a statue of Ganesh proudly and is a strict vegan, yet he has become an integral cog in the small town somewhere in America’s heartland.” For this long and interesting article, click “source.”

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