I have a really old copy of a Sesame Street Christmas video.
I watch as Oscar the Grouch goes on a swearing tirade, but is drowned out by a passing train. I suddenly remember that part of watching Sesame Street as a child. Oscar was mean and nasty. He still is, if you watch the show, but he's definitely been censored. No more swearing tirades. Yes, Ernie and Bert seemed a little close and Bert was almost as nasty as Oscar. Snuffleupagus was only visible to Big Bird, now everyone can see him. That change to the story happened when I was in high school. But it was fun for Big Bird to have an imaginary friend!
My hunch is correct. Click here for an interesting look at Sesame Street's history.
I don't know what I think about this. I think much of the changes are the typical over sensitive types scared someone is going to complain and file a lawsuit or something. But I also think I don't want my kid's thinking that when they are mad, going into a rage is how to resolve it.
Did you know the same guy has been playing Big Bird since the beginning? That big huge outfit and he is retirement age. Also, did you know Big Bird and Oscar have the same person doing their voices? Did you know that the voice of Elmo is a big, strapping African American dude?
What do you think? Read the article and let me know.
3 comments:
I have such fond memories of Sesame Street, I don't quite understand the criticism in this article. I learned how to count, speak a little Spanish and sound out some words. The characters were funny and entertaining. I think we have gotten a bit to concerned about being PC. The purpose of Oscar and Bert was to point out how silly it is to always be negative. Or something like that.
okay..... mmmm mr rogers hasn't changed much. and my daughter loves him.
I grew up on the "old" seasme street" and I learned enough about tollerance that would stand up to todays standards.
so go figure eh?
and why can't we have imaginary friends? tell me one person who does not talk to themselves in the shower?
See I totally grew up on SS too! I didn't think it had changed that much until I read this article and found myself saying "Oh yeah, that's changed...oh, yeah....that's changed too." And the article confirms that SS started out more as a parody for adults. I don't understand the criticism either, in this article. I know I learned a lot from it as well, and also learned that my little white bred world was not the only place in the world. I know I have heard that Ernie and Bert were actually gay, but I suspect that is an urban legend too. But Bert is a pill, and I think Tracy is right, it also shows that a good attitude (Ernie) goes a long way. I agree with you all, why can't we have imaginary friends, why can't we have grumpy roommates, etc. The only thing I am glad they changed was Oscar going off and a strategically placed loud noise covering up his string of perceived four letter words. I am sad about this, and can't really put my finger on why.
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