"Sesame Street" Introduces Two Black Muppets for Powerful Series on Race

For years, Sesame Street has been noted for it's exceptional programming for children. Recently, they have made steps to uphold that reputation. The popular TV series just introduced two new muppets, Wesley Walker and his father Elijah, to educate children on race relations. This subject matter couldn't have come at a better time.

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Issues surrounding race have always been a huge problem in America yet racial tensions have been high in more recent years. With the countless unjust murders of black men, women and children being filmed and spread throughout mainstream media it was only a matter of time before we discussed this problem with kids. As adults we may sometimes forget just how smart children are. Kids internalize what is happening in their environment and if we are not careful we will continue to repeat the hatred of other groups for simply existing.

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So how we do talk to them? It's as simple as first acknowledging there is a problem. We cannot ignore the fact that we have different complexions, religions and cultures. The next step would be celebrating those differences. Our differences are what make our society that much richer as we all have something valuable and unique to offer the world.

 

Once that has been established we can help children understand how we are all still connected by practicing empathy. Unfortunately, some people are not likely change their hateful views and practices and it is important for children to understand this as well. They need to know they are only responsible for themselves. 

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Racism is an issue that will not be resolved overnight but we can work to shift narratives on all fronts and work to change our future by better shaping the minds of our children. Let's continue to push forward to end this destructive cycle of hate.

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