Introduction

Apu Takes A Bullet is a meme template featuring Apu from The Simpsons heroically jumping in front of a bullet aimed at another character. This image is often used to comment on misplaced loyalty.

Background

The meme captures a scene where Apu intervenes during a robbery at the Kwik-E Mart, showcasing his bravery. It has become a popular way to highlight situations where individuals defend others, often to their detriment.

Meme History

This meme originates from the episode titled "Homer and Apu," which is the 13th episode of season 5 of The Simpsons. In this episode, Apu jumps in front of a bullet meant for James Woods’ character during a robbery. The scene was uploaded to YouTube on October 4, 2015, by McClarver Productions, amassing over 730,000 views over several years. The first meme iteration surfaced on Imgur on July 11, 2018, by EdgyCreativeName, addressing defenders of Elon Musk before he became widely recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals.

Meme Evolution

For a few years, the meme saw limited application, primarily surfacing in response to events related to Musk. However, in mid-2022, its adaptability increased, with users applying the template to various contexts. A notable example appeared on Tumblr by user Ratgoo, where 'valid criticism' was labeled as the bullet and Harry Potter as the defended subject. Later, on September 7, 2022, Twitter user @notbind repurposed the meme to critique Windows defenders amidst discussions on its legacy hardware compatibility.