Editorial

This is a piece I wrote for my print class. We had to write an editorial and I decided to do it on the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street.

Sesame Street:
Standing the test of time, 40 years later

40 years ago, Neil Armstrong was televised live around the globe as he made the first man-made steps on the lunar surface. Apollo 11’s moon landing is remembered as a once in a lifetime event in history. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of another television phenomenon; the premier of Sesame Street – one of the longest running children’s television show of all time. As the first moon landing remains a moment caught in time, Sesame Street has evolved in its 40 years and has, quite possibly, gotten better.

With an array of role models who are multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies, the urbanized community of Sesame Street has coexisted in peace, teaching valuable life lessons to young viewers and bringing forth the idea that everyone can add a unique trait to their community.

Sesame Street has never changed its dedication to children around the world, explaining why it has spanned the globe and has become a household name in more than 120 countries. Parents love it because it teaches children about their physical and social environment and children love it for its colorful characters, skits and memorable songs (who can forget Put down the Duckie?).

In fact, the program has evolved by promoting present day situations and expands on the issues, making them understandable for children of all ages. For example, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, producers of the show made it a priority that their next season would discuss issues from terrorism to the loss of family members. It is rare to find children’s television shows that value the well-being and emotions of its viewers.

The presence of Sesame Street in our society has become pertinent in children’s everyday life, preparing them for the ‘real world.’ What the program effectively does is reflect everyday situations and uses them as a launch pad for the issues children may face as they get older. Some issues may be more relevant within different cultures.

In 2002, the South African Sesame Street introduced a character named Kami, Sesame Street’s first HIV-positive Muppet. Kami was created to provide a better understanding about the HIV virus and what life is like living with it. Sesame Street gladly takes on heavy subject matter in order to help parents discuss these issues with their children.

Perhaps the most recent evolution Sesame Street has engineered is its online community. Its website launched a new program called “Family Connections”; an interactive, on-line community specialized for children dealing with familial changes brought on by war. While dealing with effects of deployment, a parent returning home or the death of a family member, children are encouraged to share their stories, photos and videos with each other to help explain that no one is alone in their situation.

Looking back, Sesame Street has remained a constant for millions of children worldwide. Instead of celebrating one moment in time, we are able to celebrate its continuing evolution. Whether you’re on Plaza Sesamo, Sesamstrass or Bonjour Sesame, the same applies even 40 years later – that the sun will never set on Sesame Street.