Simpsons character sparks diversity discussion

The town of Springfield is home to many classic, loveable characters. Alongside the Simpsons family, characters such as Clumsy Police Chief Wiggum, the nerdy Professor Frink, and frazzled schoolteacher Edna Krabappel help to bring the world to life with tropes we can recognise from our own lives.

However, one character has sparked a debate that is having an impact in the world beyond the cartoon. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is an Indian immigrant who owns the local Kwik-E-Mart in Springfield and was introduced in the show’s eighth episode.

He became the subject of debate after Comedian Hari Kondabolu released a documentary detailing the impact Apu has had on his own life and the lives of other immigrants.

"There were no brown people making Apu, right,” Kondabolu told Wisconsin Public Radio. “White comedy writers, white executives, you know, white voice actor. So that's clearly a problem. The idea of being depicted without your say."