'Simpsons' reference to Apu criticism sparks backlash

"The Simpsons" has briefly addressed criticism of its portrayal of its Indian shop owner, Apu. But a comedian who helped spark a conversation about the character calls the show's response "sad" and attacked the show on Twitter for reducing a discussion about racism to political correctness.

Sunday's episode featured Marge sharing her favorite childhood book with her daughter, Lisa. Marge realises the book is more racist and offensive than she remembered and attempts to edit it as she reads.

The story, titled "The Princess in the Garden," contains stereotypes about people of Irish and Latin American descent. Lisa reacts to the story by saying, "Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?" A photo of Apu appears and Marge says, "Some things will be dealt with at a later date" and Lisa adds, "if at all."
"The Simpsons response tonight is not a jab at me, but at what many of us consider progress."
After journalists reached out to Kondabolu following Sunday's episode, he tweeted, "Congratulations to the Simpsons for being talked about & being seen as relevant again."
On the show, Apu runs the Kwik-E-Mart, where he sells expired food, rips off customers and delivers the sing-songy slogan, "Thank you, come again."