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“In our collaboration with Google, among today's top rising searches is a different kind of milestone – Big Bird’s birthday – that’s a little misleading because fans of the show know that the big bird is perpetually six. But it’s rising because 'Sesame Street' is now celebrating 40 years of sunny days.” (ABC News)
The number for the day is 40. "Sesame Street" celebrates its 40th anniversary next Tuesday, Nov. 10. We look at sources that discuss how "Sesame Street’s" image has morphed since the one of the past, and how it remains relevant for today’s children and adults.
We look at perspectives from the New York Times, CNN, The San Francisco Chronicle, Fox News Detroit, Buffalo News and Jimmy Kimmel.
Although the basic teaching methods of the series have not changed – and do not change in this season premiere – its tone and characters have evolved over time. A New York Times article elaborates.
“The famous set, brownstones and garbage bins, has lost the messy graffiti and gritty smudges of city life over the years. Now there are green spaces, tofu and yoga.”
Michelle Obama makes a guest appearance on the season premiere and teaches kids about planting and eating vegetables.
“Hi everyone! We're here digging up soil because we're about to plant a garden. So we can grow our very own food. Right, we're planting vegetables, like these right here, and veggies taste so good when they come right from the garden, don't they?"
Sources are saying this is a far cry from classic "Sesame Street," which began to air in 1969.
The original purpose was different, states The San Francisco Chronicle.
"This was a “a choice that was 'unprecedented' at the time. Their intent was to attract inner-city viewers with a realistic city street, complete with peeling paint, alleys, and front stoops.”
"Sesame Street" is the most widely viewed children's television show in the world and The Buffalo News says it was groundbreaking in the beginning because of its diversity.
“The show was filled with girls and boys, young and old, and people of all races and backgrounds. Nobody had ever before featured a neighborhood full of friends from different cultures.”
However, sources say classic "Sesame Street" would not meet today’s standards.
“Cookie Monster can be seen in his 'Monsterpiece Theatre' segment smoking a pipe.” … “Oscar the Grouch is just plain nasty, children are seen riding their bikes without helmets, and there's even a sketch where the human character of Gordon can be seen approaching a little girl on the street.”
The classic "Sesame Street" episodes on DVD, in fact, do contain a video disclaimer for parents. FOX 2 Detroit questions early Sesame Street content.
"On these DVDs, 'Sesame Street: Old School' Vol. 1 and 2, you won't find any warning stickers on the outside, but once you buy them and play them at home, a disclaimer comes up that warns parents, 'These early "Sesame Street" episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today's preschool child.' Do you think 'Sesame Street' from back in the day should be Generation x, nostalgia only, or is this a case of overprotectiveness?”
"Sesame Street" and its characters are still visible in the social context and are real people to many.
“Our next guest is only six years old. He’s tall. He's yellow and brought to you by the letters B and B…next Tuesday marks the 40th season of 'Sesame Street'…”
CNN tries to explain "Sesame Street’s" longevity.
“But one thing hasn't changed on 'Sesame Street': the unflinchingly genuine attitudes of its residents.” “All the while, those characters have remained sincere.”
So what do you think? Is it possible to convey important social messages through children’s shows? Amid controversy, is Sesame Street still relevant to today’s child?
Writer: Katlin Chadwick
Producer: Newsy Staff
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