Watch The Problem with Apu

The Problem with Apu, a 2017 documentary by comedian Hari Kondabolu, explores the impact of the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon from the long-running animated sitcom, The Simpsons. The film sets out to answer the question of whether Apu, an Indian convenience store owner with a thick accent, perpetuates harmful stereotypes of South Asian people.

Kondabolu, a fan of The Simpsons, grew up watching the show and loved it. But as he got older, he began to see the character of Apu in a different light. He started to realize that the character was a one-dimensional stereotype, and that the show was using Apu's accent and mannerisms for cheap laughs. Kondabolu set out to explore how this stereotype affected South Asian people, particularly children who grew up watching the show.

The documentary features interviews with a range of South Asian actors, comedians, and activists, as well as fans of The Simpsons. Kondabolu speaks with comedian W. Kamau Bell, who shares his own experiences growing up as a black fan of the show. Bell argues that the problem with Apu is not just that he is a stereotype, but that he is the only representation of South Asian people on the show. He notes that other minority groups are represented by a range of characters, while South Asian representation is limited to Apu.

The film also features interviews with Kal Penn, the actor and activist known for his roles in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and House; Sakina Jaffrey, an actress known for her work on House of Cards and The Mindy Project; and Maulik Pancholy, an actor known for his roles on 30 Rock and Weeds. Each of these interviews provides insight into the challenges faced by South Asian actors in Hollywood, and the importance of representation.

Kondabolu also speaks with academics and activists about the larger implications of the Apu stereotype. He interviews Dr. Nancy Wang Yuen, a sociologist and author of the book Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism, who argues that the Apu stereotype is just one example of how Hollywood perpetuates negative stereotypes of minority groups. Kondabolu also speaks with Manjusha Kulkarni, the executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, who discusses the impact of the Apu stereotype on South Asian children.

Throughout the film, Kondabolu maintains a humorous but pointed tone, using clips from The Simpsons to illustrate his points. He also interviews Hank Azaria, the white actor who voices Apu, as well as other writers and producers from the show. Azaria and the other producers are defensive about the Apu character, arguing that he is meant to be lovable and that they never intended to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. But as Kondabolu points out, intention isn't the same as impact, and the impact of the Apu stereotype is clear.

The Problem with Apu is a thought-provoking and humorous documentary that raises important questions about representation and power in Hollywood. It asks whether it's possible to love a show like The Simpsons while also acknowledging its flaws, and whether the show's creators have a responsibility to do better. The film doesn't provide easy answers, but it does make a strong case that representation matters, and that stereotypes can do real harm.