The character of Apu, while over-the-top and a strong caricature, fits with The Simpsons’ wider narrative of exaggerated and comical characters that are parodies of themselves and what they represent, infers Nam Winston of Mama Mia. Winston is of Indian descent and never found Apu to be offensive. In fact, Apu often comes across as more serious and put-together next to the inept Homer Simpson. The show looks at many different groups, from teachers, police officers, alcoholics, the rich, gay people and other ethnic minorities, and makes fun of them equally relentlessly. Apu fits in with this trend and doesn’t stand out as overly offensive.