The Message Behind Oscar the Grouch
You are probably familiar with the grumpy, green "Sesame Street" character, who lives in a trash can − Oscar the Grouch. But did you ever stop to think why such a happy and child-friendly show like "Sesame Street" would ever want to include a character that appears so pessimistic and gloomy?
Caroll Spinney, who voices Oscar the Grouch, said that he got the inspiration for the character from a stereotypical taxi driver from New York. Spinney said, "Who could be more of a Grouch than a cab driver from the Bronx? I had my ideal model for my new character."
The reason behind including Oscar in the cast of characters was to put forth a message of acceptance and inclusion to young children. One of the producers of "Sesame Street" said that "it takes all kinds to make a world. And [Oscar's] just another kind." Robert W. Morrow explained that Oscar's purpose was "to dramatize tolerance for those who are different," by teaching children how to deal with diversity and differences through segments about conflicts between Oscar and other characters. The official description of Oscar the Grouch at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History says that the garbage-dwelling puppet's purpose is to teach "the importance of understanding, tolerance, and diversity." (Read more: Here's why happy show "Sesame Street" wanted Oscar the Grouch.
What do you think the long-term impacts of including a character like Oscar in a children's show are? In what ways can something as simple as a children's TV show help to build bridges? What are other important messages or characters that you think should be incorporated into children's shows today?
Video: Sesame Street - Oscar Finds a Grouchy Place
Great post, Rachel. Sesame Street is a terrific example of a show that uses simple approaches to teach students about very democratic values. This idea/example of acceptance is another great example.
ReplyDeleteCharacters such as Oscar the Grouch help create an entertaining way for kids to learn about important values such as compassion and acceptance. This helps creates bridges between children, leading to a more accepting generation of adults, as it influences them to be kind and good to others that are different than you. Children’s show today have strayed from teaching kids lessons. These shows are important as they captivate kids interest with funny characters, and are able teach them how to be a better person, as well as helping them improve other skills. I think an important lesson to continue to incorporate into these shows is acceptance, because there is so much hate in the world and people who are “different” are continually subject to it. If we preach acceptance and inclusivity to the children, then the following generations will be less hateful and more understanding.
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