Pilkey said he had “intended to showcase diversity, equality and nonviolent conflict resolution...But this week it was brought to my attention that this book also contains harmful racial stereotypes and passively racist imagery. I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for this. It was and is wrong and harmful to my Asian readers, friends, and family, and to all Asian people.”
The report follows the decision by the estate of Dr. Seuss to pull off the shelves six books by the author for allegedly containing racist imagery and a growing critical stand now being taken towards popular culture produced decades earlier.The creators of the Simpsons announced they will no longer ask voice actor Hank Azaria to “speak” as Apu Nahasapeemapetilon following complaints the much-liked character is offensive to Indian-Americans due to his pronounced accent.The character is usually depicted in a positive light, yet some Indian and Pakistani-Americans reported they found the cartoon offensive.
'Captain Underpants' creator removes 'passively racist' book off shelves
Pilkey apologized and said he would donate the profits from the book to various groups meant to advance Asian-Americans and diversity in publishing.
