Is Hari Kondabolu racist towards Indians or is it just everyone else that he hates?
To quote Lisa Simpson "Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?"
With this documentary denying outmoded stereotypes it could easily be implied that Hari is robbing Indian immigrants to the US a beacon of the eternally optimistic character who is hard working, loved by all and is seen as a vital part of the fictional Springfield universe.
I can give an ear to the concept that Apu is perhaps too nice, too trusting or too hard working but these all seem like good qualities to me. Willie the groundskeeper is always angry and always raring for a fight - His being Scottish only aids his stereotype. Homer being a pudgy, lazy oaf in charge of overseeing safety in a very dangerous nuclear facility only aids his stereotype. McBane being a musclebound idea action hero actor only makes him funnier. Lisa being a sincerely serious academic type looking to nurture the best of the world makes her sweeter and more likeable.
Considering all these stereotypes were already outdated in the 30 years the show has been airing and were making light of how we are all different and celebrating us being so does Hari's documentary deny the real life plights of those who became the Apu we each see across modern America? Does he hate his own identity or does he think everyone else has somehow wronged him for noticing that Apu has an accent?
Thanks for reading.