There is a distinct danger of racial profiling, especially with store-owner Apu, a character heavily credited for the American perception of the Indian accent. Simpsons creator Matt Groening ran into such a store-owner 20-odd years ago, and this often-lampooned character (voiced by Hank Azaria) plays to stereotypes and jokes about illegal immigrants.
Serge Haitayan, a Fresno, California 7-11 franchisee, has been incensed by the deal, calling it an 'absolute embarrassment' and harmful to not just 7-11 as a brand but to Asians and immigrants in general, considering they form a vast majority of the 7-11 family.
Meanwhile, Kumar Assandas, a 28-year-old franchisee of Indian origin, has a different take. Kumar's proud of his Las Vegas Kwik-E-Mart.
'I know it's a stereotype, but it doesn't bother me. Everybody knows it's a joke,' Assandas told CNN. 'I'm a big Simpsons fan myself, and maybe subconsciously it even inspired me to become a 7-Eleven owner.'
What do you think, dear reader? Have The Simpsons gone too far? Or might people be taking offense over nothing? Tell us!
