[51109]

> I am genuinely surprised that I am even slightly offended by this... its not a rational choice.

Racism is not rational. You feeling offended could have more to do with your own prejudice being exposed (the joke worked) than feeling sorry for the arabs that may have been offended by this (there is, as of yet, no sign pointing to that).

Humor uses stereotypes. That's why the owner of the Kwik-E-Mart is an Indian illegal immigrant named Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. If such humor makes one uncomfortable, do you really think that is out of empathy for the Indians? I think it is more likely that one has a thin skin or does not want to see their own stereotypes confirmed.

Also the context is important here (see the Comodo Hacker). The choice for a foreign name and an untrustworthy-sounding business name was not willy-nilly. Finally: Have a hacker tip of the day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAQqrnX7BsM

[jheriko]

just to clear up. i am actually an arab.

i think apu's name is a joke on the exceptionally long names of sri lankans... and yes, it is casually racist - or at least pokes fun at a nationality if not a race (whatever the case, its not a good joke imo).

+1 for video.

[brighteyes]

No, Apu's name is not "casual racism".

First of all, it's not casual. It's not an offhand, unintended remark that nonetheless reveals a hidden negative bias. Apu's name was very deliberately - the opposite of casually - chosen by the show creators.

Second of all, it's not racist. The name, by itself, imports nothing negative about Apu. It does not say Apu is inferior, nor does it show an intention of harm against Apu.

What does the name do? It shows an interesting human difference, that in some cultures, it is common to have much longer names than in others. The name points that out, and to most viewers that is amusing because they aren't used to such names. Their culture's average name length is far shorter.

But there is nothing positive nor negative about having a shorter or a longer name. Apu's name isn't making a negative statement about Apu - unless you have a bias against long names / south Asian names. If you do, then Apu is just directing your attention to your own bias.

[jheriko]

this is a good point. thanks for taking the time to try and educate me :)