Homer Simpson, voiced by Dan Castellaneta, made the declaration in a recent episode titled 'McMansion & Wife', where he offered an explanation for his tight "grip"
Simpsons really did challenge culture and now it’s become culture.
That being said it was edgy for the reasons not because of a white man voicing Apu or Homer strangling Bart. The edginess were its ideas and satirical humour compared to anything else on TV at the time.
I’m in favour of Homer not strangling Bart and retiring Apu. Keeping these things wouldn’t help anyone, or suddenly make the show great again.
I don't think Homer strangling Bart is the same as the Apu thing.
The strangling was never depicted as acceptable behaviour. It was a cartoonish form of corporal punishment, and served to make Homer look bad tempered and not a great father. I don't think anyone, in the 90s or now, is taking parenting tips from Homer Simpson.
Its just another classic gag gone from a show that's a shell of its former self. I agree with what you said about it becoming the culture though, they really should've cancelled it 20 years ago.
See, Marge, strangling the boy has paid off," Homer quipped to his wife. "Just kidding. I don't do that anymore."
Homer then added with a smile, "Times have changed!"
I think it's a joke about liberal virtue signaling. He doesn't understand why times have changed nor does he tackle morality in his reasoning, he's just an idiot. But times have changed, so he's less abhorrent now.