New Poverty Puppet on Sesame Street

[JessicaR]

How will they not understand? You just said they'll be sad she doesn't have food - they'd have to understand to understand that.

The point is that plenty of kids who watch Sesame Street are in her position and may feel alone or ashamed. Others, yes, should know that not everyone has what they do. If they're sad she doesn't have food, perfect opportunity to explain that no, everyone doesn't have as much as we do, let's collect some things for the food bank or collect some toys for kids in the shelter who don't have any or etc. Kids that age are plenty capable of understanding that level of basic - we have enough, some people don't, we can share - concept.

I mean if your kid sees a homeless person and asks you why they're asleep on the street do you say they're really tired or do you explain that some people don't have the money for a house and etc.?[/QUOTE]

My husband and I have been in this position. NYC homeless has always been a rude awakening. We were brutally honest. That was many years ago. Today both children are aware. Both choose to donate time at the local soup kitchens. They also put aside toys, games, movies and anything else that may benefit another child.

 

[JessicaR]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";42870326]They will understand she is hungry yes because the puppet will state that...but the 4year olds will think to themselves..if your hungry than eat....they won't get the dynamics of not having food...

They will not get the deep nest of all that is involved....and they shouldnt have to....give them till they are a little older ...it's Sesame street for goodness sakes...theach them tje ABCand 123 ...not something they are to young to understand and change....Ate age 4 or younger....

They have plenty of time to worry about such things when they get older...

I don't know how SS will use the piper so until than I guess will have to wait and see...I have not seen this so guess I will watch than voice my opinion...[/QUOTE]

Give the children more credit. Trust me, they know.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did anybody read the srticle recently? I'm not going to give the link again, that's in the first post; but since so many people are questioning the wisdom of introducing this character to preschoolers:
Pink-faced Muppet Lily, whose family deals with food insecurity, will join Big Bird, Elmo and other favorites on a one-hour prime-time special featuring country star Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley called "Growing Hope Against Hunger," to air Oct 9.

The new Muppet will bring awareness to the ongoing hunger struggles that families face in the United States, the show said.

Much of the earlier discussion in this thread has been forgotten in the recent bickering . Okay, fine, Sesame Street has a target audience - not a restricted one. You don't HAVE to be a low-income three-to-five year old whatever other demographics y'all are stating, to watch Sesame Street. Older kids do. Kids from families that can provide better do. Parents do.

That Lily is being introduced in a prime time special, along with what I quoted, demonstrates that her purpose is to let people of all ages, from all sociology-economic groups, that this problem exists. Maybe instead of sitting on our butts arguing about political correctness or whether a three year old will understand 'food insecurity', let's get out and get some food. Start filling the food pantry shelves, or give a supermarket gift card to someone you know needs help.

 

[DebIreland]

I think she's adorable.

I also think you are never too young to learn empathy. It doesn't always come naturally. Empathy has to be taught. The younger the better.

 

[PeterPan09]

How will they not understand? You just said they'll be sad she doesn't have food - they'd have to understand to understand that.

The point is that plenty of kids who watch Sesame Street are in her position and may feel alone or ashamed. Others, yes, should know that not everyone has what they do. If they're sad she doesn't have food, perfect opportunity to explain that no, everyone doesn't have as much as we do, let's collect some things for the food bank or collect some toys for kids in the shelter who don't have any or etc. Kids that age are plenty capable of understanding that level of basic - we have enough, some people don't, we can share - concept.

I mean if your kid sees a homeless person and asks you why they're asleep on the street do you say they're really tired or do you explain that some people don't have the money for a house and etc.?

From what I've noticed, children have a much better concept of sharing and fairness than many adults.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I think she's adorable.

I also think you are never too young to learn empathy. It doesn't always come naturally. Empathy has to be taught. The younger the better.

Hear, hear!

 

[C.Ann]

. Maybe instead of sitting on our butts arguing about political correctness or whether a three year old will understand 'food insecurity', let's get out and get some food. Start filling the food pantry shelves, or give a supermarket gift card to someone you know needs help.

When I leave the lake this year I'm not going to bring any of the non-perishables back to DD's - they will be going someplace where they are desperately needed up here.. I have quite a bit (got a little carried away with stock piling for "just in case"), so I'm hoping that several families will benefit from it..

The idea of anyone going without food in this country - child OR adult - is just maddening to me..

 

[CPT Tripss]

snip

Maybe instead of sitting on our butts arguing about political correctness or whether a three year old will understand 'food insecurity', let's get out and get some food. Start filling the food pantry shelves, or give a supermarket gift card to someone you know needs help.

You are so on target with that line!

 

[Oreo Cookie]

How will they not understand? You just said they'll be sad she doesn't have food - they'd have to understand to understand that.

The point is that plenty of kids who watch Sesame Street are in her position and may feel alone or ashamed. Others, yes, should know that not everyone has what they do. If they're sad she doesn't have food, perfect opportunity to explain that no, everyone doesn't have as much as we do, let's collect some things for the food bank or collect some toys for kids in the shelter who don't have any or etc. Kids that age are plenty capable of understanding that level of basic - we have enough, some people don't, we can share - concept.

I mean if your kid sees a homeless person and asks you why they're asleep on the street do you say they're really tired or do you explain that some people don't have the money for a house and etc.?

I agree.

I do not think this is a political statement. Foor insecurity and hunger do not discriminate, many people and children deal with this issue everyday. Chances are everyone, including children, knows a person or family who is struggling with this issue.

 

[sweetdana]

How can so many people be agreeing this is good? Making a child feel it is a norm to not have food in the US?

Thinking it is the norm to be hungry, is not okay. There are tons of places where people can get free and discounted food to get them most of their needs. Aside from that, if you are hungry or your child.. there is family members and churches you can ask. For me I would pick up 2nd, 3rd and 4th job if needed. I would sell had made blankets/or something on Ebay.

I understand it is hard to get a job right now paying 35K a yr, but it is not hard to get a job paying 7$ an hour. Picking up a fast food job, or a cashier at a grocery store, or a waitress at a rest, if that is what you need to feed your family.
But by allowing them to be hungry, you are making a choice to not feed them. If someone cannot provide the extra to make sure their families are not hungry, they should not be caring for them. They should be in foster care, or with a family member, until the parents realize it is not okay to be hungry.

.. okay before you go ahead and flame me and yes I am certain it is coming..
Let me add.. I was hungry as a kid, (1 of 4) There were days that we had bread sandwiches cause there was not even butter to go inbetween, and my mom was a SAHM.... Looking back, I would have not made the same choices.. I would have gotten a job,.. mcds, 7-11, somewhere walking dist. .. and made sure there was cheese between the bread, and chicken noodle soup in a bowl next to it. I would have moved into a smaller home, without a swimming pool, and never had spent a cent on cigeretts.. ... this should not be the norm or okay.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

For me, Sesame Street has always had a focus on education and diversity. I'm pretty sure I learned how to count just by watching this show. I can see how adding characters who have a particular focus would be part of their mission.

 

[kaytieeldr]

How can so many people be agreeing this is good? Making a child feel it is a norm to not have food in the US?

Try reading. People are agreeing it's good this character is being introduced in a PRIME TIME SPECIAL Sunday night, intended/expected to be viewed by people of ALL ages from ALL sociology-economic groups. It's a problem many people don't realize exists, and one many others think can be solved by some silly suggestions on an Internet forum.

Thinking it is the norm to be hungry, is not okay. There are tons of places where people can get free and discounted food to get them most of their needs. Aside from that, if you are hungry or your child.. there is family members and churches

Again, those "tons of places" are quickly running out of food and funding - and having to provide for more people. If a family is in a dire financial situation, chances are the extended family isn't able to help much; and the church, again, has many parishioners in similar situations.

For me I would pick up 2nd, 3rd and 4th job if needed. I would sell had made blankets/or something on Ebay

This level of confidence is impressive; but with nearly 10% of the population not being able to find first jobs... someone selling handmade anything would first need the money to purchase materials - money which would probably be better spent on groceries when the base problem is food insecurity - and at some point, you run out of things to sell on eBay.

I understand it is hard to get a job right now paying 35K a yr, but it is not hard to get a job paying 7$ an hour. Picking up a fast food job, or a cashier at a grocery store, or a waitress at a rest, if that is what you need to feed your family.

Okay. Now that you have the food covered, where do you propose that family get the money for other basic needs? Heat, light, clothes, housing...

But by allowing them to be hungry, you are making a choice to not feed them. If someone cannot provide the extra to make sure their families are not hungry, they should not be caring for them. They should be in foster care, or with a family member, until the parents realize it is not okay to be hungry.

Really? Do you actually believe there are parents who don't realize it's not okay to [let their kids] be hungry?? You think foster care is better? Are you sure there are safe, caring foster homes available for every hungry kid? Or will they go to group homes? And

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

We've done school food drives and Girl Scout/Boy Scout food drives since the kids were in Kindergarten, so I'm curious how many people really don't know about it. Are there really areas where the Scouts aren't collecting or the schools or libraries don't collect? Outside the Shoprite, Stop n Shop, etc. there always seems to be someone collecting for the food banks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Looking back, I would have not made the same choices..

It stinks that's how you were raised, but you - we all - need to remember our parents did the best possible job they could raising us. Their parents did the best they could raising them, we the best possible raising our kids, and so on...
There's no training manual.
We can resent the decisions they made, or we can realize they didnt know any better and get past it.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Back in the depression, my mother's parents actually put them in an orphanage at one point because they couldn't feed them. I think they were there for about 6 months or so before they came to get them back.

 

[Acklander]

We've done school food drives and Girl Scout/Boy Scout food drives since the kids were in Kindergarten, so I'm curious how many people really don't know about it. Are there really areas where the Scouts aren't collecting or the schools or libraries don't collect? Outside the Shoprite, Stop n Shop, etc. there always seems to be someone collecting for the food banks.

I saw the character interviewed on the today show this morning and she explained that she hoped that kids seeing her would realize that being food insecure is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Yes there are food drives, but if you figure someone has enough food to get thru Wednesday, but doesn't get paid until Friday that leaves Thursday to worry about. Maybe there's something at the food bank- maybe not. That's where the insecurity comes from. So if the food bank is out of stock. The child may get breakfast or lunch at school but no dinner. On Friday things will be back to normal, so all is good, so to speak.
The character just wants kids who live this kind of existence to understand they don't have to be ashamed of it. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[luvsJack]

How can so many people be agreeing this is good? Making a child feel it is a norm to not have food in the US?

Thinking it is the norm to be hungry, is not okay. There are tons of places where people can get free and discounted food to get them most of their needs. Aside from that, if you are hungry or your child.. there is family members and churches you can ask. For me I would pick up 2nd, 3rd and 4th job if needed. I would sell had made blankets/or something on Ebay.

I understand it is hard to get a job right now paying 35K a yr, but it is not hard to get a job paying 7$ an hour. Picking up a fast food job, or a cashier at a grocery store, or a waitress at a rest, if that is what you need to feed your family.
But by allowing them to be hungry, you are making a choice to not feed them. If someone cannot provide the extra to make sure their families are not hungry, they should not be caring for them. They should be in foster care, or with a family member, until the parents realize it is not okay to be hungry.

.. okay before you go ahead and flame me and yes I am certain it is coming..
Let me add.. I was hungry as a kid, (1 of 4) There were days that we had bread sandwiches cause there was not even butter to go inbetween, and my mom was a SAHM.... Looking back, I would have not made the same choices.. I would have gotten a job,.. mcds, 7-11, somewhere walking dist. .. and made sure there was cheese between the bread, and chicken noodle soup in a bowl next to it. I would have moved into a smaller home, without a swimming pool, and never had spent a cent on cigeretts.. ... this should not be the norm or okay.

Uhmmm....$7 an hour jobs are just as hard to come by as any other. Besides, $7 will hardly cover someone's rent much less utilities and food. Making blankets to sell will cost them for supplies.

Putting the children in an already over loaded foster system is hardly a fix to the situation besides these people have done nothing wrong but be poor.

You think you know what you mom did wrong, you think you know what "should" be done. Its not always that easy.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I thought Oscar was a poverty muppet? he lives in a garbage can doesn;t he?

Not only that, but Sesame Street isn't exactly the most ritzy looking street, either.

 

[luvmy3]

We've done school food drives and Girl Scout/Boy Scout food drives since the kids were in Kindergarten, so I'm curious how many people really don't know about it. Are there really areas where the Scouts aren't collecting or the schools or libraries don't collect? Outside the Shoprite, Stop n Shop, etc. there always seems to be someone collecting for the food banks.

We do them in pre-school here so my kids have always been aware of neighborhood friends that are in need of food. They may not know who they are personally, but they know they are in our own community. And like you said, once you hit public school K here, there are food drives for local families every year. We fill up parent's trucks to bring the food to local pantries.The BS do another one on top of that. I have to agree, making people aware sounds great, but really who isn't aware?
After reading the below post I see its more that just making people aware. As nice of a gesture it is to help kids not feel ashamed, I still hope the producers of that show are putting their money where their mouth is so to speak. They can promote the heck out this special so lets hope they can help feed some families to.

I saw the character interviewed on the today show this morning and she explained that she hoped that kids seeing her would realize that being food insecure is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Yes there are food drives, but if you figure someone has enough food to get thru Wednesday, but doesn't get paid until Friday that leaves Thursday to worry about. Maybe there's something at the food bank- maybe not. That's where the insecurity comes from. So if the food bank is out of stock. The child may get breakfast or lunch at school but no dinner. On Friday things will be back to normal, so all is good, so to speak.
The character just wants kids who live this kind of existence to understand they don't have to be ashamed of it. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Back in the depression, my mother's parents actually put them in an orphanage at one point because they couldn't feed them. I think they were there for about 6 months or so before they came to get them back.

Ahh, those were the good old days . . . celebrated on Broadway