Favorite of
both adults and children, and a long-running classic on PBS, "Sesame
Street," bridged many cultural gaps by presenting a fun show to share with
kids. Big Bird teaches children colors, numbers, and even the alphabet with a
star-studded cast of characters. Bert and Ernie, Oscar, and GLooper are some of
the other animals involved in the show, located on the street in New York City.
Viewers can come in to watch the show either in the early morning or late
evening hours, depending on what block it is on. It is a perfect vehicle for
preschoolers to learn about the world around them and prepare themselves for
preschool graduation.
When Big Bird gets lost in the big city, he calls Ernie, asking him where they are going. Ernie responds, "To Sesame Street." To this, Big Bird replies, "That's not what I meant! We're going to see some sights that a lot of people won't ever see in their lifetimes!"
In keeping with the theme of education, the presenters all have words for the audience's different age groups. For instance, Big Bird asks, "What's your age?" and is followed up with, "Yours is too young! I'm Ernie from Kansas City."
Cookie Monster asks, "How old are you?" to which the suave, hip-flexing secretary replied, "Not very, honey. I'm the Cookie Monster."
Many of the
words used by the characters on this same are commonly associated with
teenagers and young adults. That includes phrases such as "drugs, drinks,
sex, and rock and roll." In a later episode, after Cookie Monster has
gotten the coke she wants, he says to a surprised Mom, "I know I got a
hold of something you wouldn't normally see on Sesame Street." The message
is that drug use is wrong. Sex and Rock and Roll are great, though.
The characters have taken on quite a life-changing role in this popular children's television program, which continues thirty-two episodes a week. They have become beloved figures to the kids who watch them. Children grow up listening to the words they speak and seeing their dancing, singing, and acting. Their wholesome humor and educational lessons have influenced millions of young Americans.
Viewers of Sesame Street are always learning. Their attention is directed to the many visual and performing arts areas, where they can learn about colors, music, movement, and theater. They are always trying to find out why other people are doing what they do. They are not censored or punished for talking, as they would be in a public school. Instead, their actions are respected and taught right.
Viewers are not the only ones who are affected by the wonderful things happening on Sesame Street. Many young adults and even their children are influenced by the incredible work put forth by Kevin Clash. He brings fresh and new energy to the world of television by bringing a positive and inspiring message of tolerance and understanding to millions of children. He is truly a child prodigy. His work on Sesame Street has helped to make the world a more accepting place.