Why is Apu on the Simpsons called that?

Question

Its kinda racist isnt it? I was just wondering, it doesnt offend me cause I am white, but its racist.

Also The Simpsons movie - That was really racist. Im just wondering where they come up with these wacky racist idea's and why they are allowed to do that.

And most people will come on this question and say - Its just a joke, they are just making fun of them as a joke - Well Its STILL racist...

Just wondering, anyway...

Answer 1

i dont think it is racist but, i have never met or known any indian person or person with an indian background named apu in real life i guess it is not that common

Answer 2

Like the first person said, they make fun out of a lot of things. Firstly, just to correct you, the character Apu is Indian not chinese and the name Apu is an Indian baby meaning pure, virtuous and divine. The name is not a racist offense it is actually just giving the Indian character an Indian name to go with his background. I don't actually think they deal with racist comments at all in the series or in the film. Any specifics you can give? They take the mick out of lazy and large Americans but no racism in there I don't think. Like I said, specifics would help.

Answer 3

Apu is INDIAN, not Chinese and Black.  His last name is Nahasapemapetalan (I may have spelled that incorrectly, by the way,) and there have been numerous references to his nationality and religious beliefs.  Many of them are done to specifically mock the general ignorance and intolerance that exists in society.

Interestingly, of all the Simpsons regular characters, Apu is one of the very few portrayed as smart and hard working.  In the most excellent episode where the residents of Springfield blamed illegal immigrants for a tax increase, Apu was WAY more knowledgeable about US history than the average citizen.  As a matter of fact, I was just chuckling to myself this morning about the scene when Homer asked Apu what the 47 stars on his American flag represent.  Apu, being the smart one, pointed out that not only was it the flag that was stolen from the library, but also it was absurdly out of date and then he cited the exact two states that represented the 47th and 48th stars on the flag.  Homer, just looked at him with a blank stare and said, "Uh... partial credit."

In other words, there is nothing particularly racist about the way Apu is presented on The Simpsons, although his character has frequently been used in stories that shine light on the racism that is all around us.

Answer 4

What's racist about the name "Apu"?  Am I missing something here?

Answer 5

To be honest, I think "a poo" is a little childish for The Simpson's. They probably realised that some people (who are 5 years old) may laugh but I always thought that it was a genuine Indian name. Perhaps The Simpson's are cutting it a bit fine with some of their jokes but in my opinion the show makes it clear that it doesn't intend the cause offense and takes the micky of the exaggerated personalities of the characters (and maybe the odd celebrity or two) and not the actual cultures they belong to. (it's nice that you are concerned about this though, I hope you continue watching this brilliant cartoon with a different outlook now however. :) ).  

Answer 6

Actually they make fun at many aspects of American culture: fat, lazy American, religious nut, corrupt government official, foreigners, to name a few. Everyone has a chance to be offended.