Many children over the past 40 years have grown up watching the popular children’s program Sesame Street.
The memorable characters and guest appearances of public figures have engaged viewers for years, and the show has maintained its status as a staple in early childhood memories.
However, the show has not escaped some speculation and debate. Two puppets in particular, Bert and Ernie, have had their sexuality questioned on multiple occasions.
There has recently been a petition posted online that is pushing for the writers of Sesame Street to “out” the characters Bert and Ernie as homosexual, and even marry them on an upcoming show.
Even if Sesame Street does not include Bert and Ernie’s marriage in any upcoming episodes, the petition is also calling for Sesame Street to create a gay or lesbian character.
The creators of the petition believe this will help teach children to be more accepting and tolerant of others.
Sesame Street insists they are just two puppets that are close friends and roommates; they are just puppets, not lovers.
The fact that a petition like this exists is ridiculous and a waste of time.
Using a children’s television show to promote a political agenda should not be put up with.
The use of the program to teach acceptance of others who seem different is already in play. All of the characters are different and have different personalities, but show the viewers they can all get along.
Straight-laced Bert and the more silly Ernie were originally created with the idea to teach children how to be friends with people who have different personality types.
Little kids watching the show most often do not care about the sexuality of the characters, and they usually do not assume either way. I grew up watching Sesame Street as a kid, and I know I did not make any assumptions about Bert and Ernie being gay.
The enchantment of children’s programs is that little kids still have the imagination and innocence to enjoy them.
We adults have lost this as we have grown up. To us, Big Bird is just a guy in a costume; to kids, he is actually a bird.
If the writers decide to have Bert and Ernie come out of the closet and carry out their wedding on the show, should we try to break the illusions of the other characters on Sesame Street as well?
Is Cookie Monster a puppet with sweet tooth, or a character with an uncontrollable eating disorder?
Is Oscar the Grouch the grumpy but still loveable puppet, or a cynical homeless person?
And just what the heck is Elmo supposed to be?
Children grow up so fast as it is, we should not be looking for more ways to cause their loss of innocence.
Yes, Sesame Street is a program that is meant to be educational for children. It is educational for teaching them the basics, like the alphabet, counting numbers, and using good manners when interacting with other children.
It is not something we as adults can use to force children to accept a political agenda. Let puppets be puppets, and let kids enjoy their shows while they still can.
