Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Ok so I know this is a stretch for a blog like mine. Sesame Street has little to do with religion, policy, or activism. But I couldn’t let the day pass without acknowledging its anniversary. As a child I grew up watching shows like Fraggle Rock, Reading Rainbow, Pinwheel and of course Sesame Street. These shows tended to be entertaining and educational. It really spurred imagination and even pushed the bounds of what is possible. In disarming ways, it has even addressed taboo social and political issues planting seeds of understanding in young minds who will one day help shape a new world as this video suggests.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Sesame Street is responsible for the election of the United States’ first president of color as this writer suggests; but it’s impact on society is undeniable and now 123 Sesame Street is even becoming an important stop for political types. (First Lady Michelle Obama will be on the show today to commemorate it’s anniversary.)

As a father, I’ve developed a renewed appreciation for Sesame Street after a hiatus from it for about 20 years. While trying to get my son to sleep earlier this year I got desperate and sat him down in front of the computer. I went to youtube and stumbled upon an Elmo video that lead me to another and another and another. My 1 year old son loved it! So now we spend quality father-son time together watching Elmo…and I must admit that not only does he love it, but I love it too. If we don’t get time in with Elmo at night, we sit down together at the computer in the morning and go to “school” while Mama is downstairs making breakfast. Elmo and India Arie have helped him to learn his alphabet. (We love the Patti Labelle version too!) And Elmo and his singing ducks have furthered his innate appreciation for music. The 20-plus videos that we watch make for great bonding time which I’m not sure that he’ll remember, but I know I’ll never forget.

So here’s to Sesame Street! Happy Birthday and may we share many more wonderful years together.

P.S. – SHOUT OUT TO THE CREATOR AND VOICE OF ELMO, MR. KEVIN CLASH – A PRODUCT OF TURNERS STATION, MARYLAND!

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