The creator of “The Simpsons” seems to be suggesting that the setback for having a white actor Apu voice for all these years is really no big deal … in his eyes.
Animator Matt Groening did an interview with USA today in honor of the next episode 700, and he was asked about the controversy – that is, not having an Indian actor giving voice to the Indian character … not to mention the claims that Apu was portrayed as a walking stereotype.
Groening had some interesting answers … to begin with, he says he adopts the hiring of new voice actors in the name of diversity – the more the better, he explains. However, you can say that Matt is not as angry as some about Apu’s handling.
He was asked if the character’s nature and / or Apu’s stories would change in light of the criticism that he is two-dimensional, and MG says so … “I think Apu’s stories are fantastic, and he is one of the most nuanced characters in a silly two-dimensional cartoon show. So yes, I’m proud of Apu. “
He also adds this knowing that he could face a setback: “I am trying not to open another chasm of criticism, but no matter what I say. I will understand it anyway.” Matt goes on to say that the idea of having white actors give voice to non-white characters – which is what ‘Simpsons’ chose to do in the end – was not his idea, but that he is “fine with that”.
Matt also says that the original intention was not to have some actors give voice to some characters – they were just trying to use everyone’s talent to the fullest, but he says he understands. On whether the Simpsons’ bosses should have embraced this change years ago, he says … “Yes. And I heard they want to take Yosemite Sam’s weapons out. He’s a bit of a hot head.”
12/01/17
TMZ.com
Very revealing … especially since Apu’s longtime voice actor, Hank Azaria, it seemed very more empathetic to the concerns about diversity than Matt is here. Different scams, we suppose 🤷🏽♂️