I Love Sesame Street

Friday, May 16, 2008
I admit it. I love Sesame Street.

I so enjoyed watching this show with my kids when they were small. Everyone who was anyone, from Jim Carrey to C-3PO to R.E.M. to the Tokyo String Quartet would guest star on Sesame Street, working for a pittance in order to join this select group, and, I suspect, to please the little people in their lives.

I was sad when my own kids grew too old to enjoy Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, the Count, Oscar the Grouch and Aloysius Snuffleupagus.

I was pleased and proud when the Children's Television Workshop decided to tackle the issue of AIDS through the HIV positive Muppet Kami.

And now Sesame Street has decided to take on the issues of military deployment, separation, war injury and homecoming.

In a series of short videos, Elmo, Tully, Rosita and their pals discuss the challenges of military life from a small child's point of view. Tackling such issues as separation, war injury and the inevitable changes that come to families when a member is deployed, Sesame Street attempts to help families ease the transition and address kids' concerns.

Age appropriate but honest, these videos give families a framework from which to start discussions, and also a way to reassure kids they're not alone in their feelings or situation.

Go, Sesame Street! You rule.

I love Sesame Street. I wish I could live there.

But since I can't, I'll be happy for the generations of kids whose lives were enriched by the presence of these characters. Nice work, guys.

12 comments:

Jim Wright said...

I used to watch SS with my son when he was little, but frankly it damned near drove me crazy - it's the little piping voices that do it :)

But, yeah, great show and very well done.

Cindi in CO said...

When Sesame Street premiered, you were at just the right age to get the most out of it. You watched it every day, and I enjoyed it too, because it was so much fun.

"I love Sesame Street. I wish I could live there.

But since I can't, I'll be happy for the generations of kids whose lives were enriched by the presence of these characters. Nice work, guys."

What you said.

Janiece said...

Cindi, if memory serves, you were more of an "Electric Company" kind of gal.

Hmm...Cookies.

Random Michelle K said...

I also preferred the Electric Company.

Nothing against Sesame Street, I think it's because Electric Company was louder and sillier.

"It's the plumber! I've come to fix the sink!"

Cindi in CO said...

Actually, my fondest memories are of Mr. Rogers and The Captain. Kangaroo, of course.

Both of whom were war heroes, as it turns out. :)

And Michelle - Morgan Freeman!

Cindi in CO said...

Oh, I forgot to add that J. always did love the Cookie Monster.

Janiece said...

Morgan Freeman was cool before I even knew what cool was.

Hmmm....Cookies!

Random Michelle K said...

Morgan Freemen is *inherently* cool.

He makes even not so great movies worth watching (Robin Hood anyone?) just so you can watch him.

Cindi in CO said...

I would probably listen to Morgan Freeman read from the phone book.

Random Michelle K said...

It'd be better if we could *watch* him read from the phone book.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

I saw a clip (which was deemed "not appropriate for general viewing" and is only in the box set) of Stevie Wonder. He is one of his numbers from Songs In The Key of Life, and in the background is this little girl with a killer 'fro just rockin' her little heart out. She rules.

kimby said...

Did you know that they are redoing Electric Company.
I hope they don't mess it up.
(like they did with the strictly Canadian Sesame Park. THAT WAS WRONG)