This document discusses the impact of the Sesame Street episode where Mr. Hooper dies. It describes how Big Bird struggled to understand death, upsetting millions of children. The episode helped the author explain death to their cousin later in life. Sesame Street is praised for addressing difficult topics like death in a thoughtful way for children. It fosters important conversations between families. The show is nearly 50 years old but remains relevant by handling topics such as divorce and 9/11, making it a timeless educational resource for children and their parents worldwide.
1. GOODBYE, MR. HOOPER.
MY FIRST INTRODUCTION TO DEATH AND THE CONFUSION OF IT,
AND IT ALL HAPPENED ON SESAME STREET.
2. In this episode of Sesame Street aired in 1917, Big Bird struggles to understand the finality of death
and the emotions that come with it, along with millions of children watching, myself included. I
remember this scene vividly, I remember becoming upset and pleading with my mother to say that it
wasn’t real, like other things I’d seen on television, but she wouldn’t. This has always stayed with me
into adulthood. It is what I used to help explain my Grandfather’s passing to my cousin.
3. ”
“ We can remember him, and remember him
and remember him as much as we want
to. But I don’t like it. It makes me
sad.
~Big Bird.
Sesame Street is a valuable, enduring use of media because of how universal and inclusive the
subject matter is. This children’s show included education on math, the alphabet, Spanish, which
is all important but what makes the show one of a kind is the way it addresses the harder
subjects that kids really need guidance through. Mr. Hooper’s passing started a dialogue with my
family. Sesame Street fosters important tough conversations. Children deal with in death in their
own lives so having it explained in a thoughtful way is universally helpful.
5. Its no accident that Sesame Street is coming up on its 47th season.
Since 1969 a lot has changed in America especially media but one
thing remains the same, whether it be on an ipad or an old fashion
television set millions of American children watch Sesame Street
on a regular basis. This is because its name is one families trust. It
continues to handle hard topics like divorce, adoption, racial
concepts of beauty, even aired a trauma episode after 9/11.
Sesame Street is a form of media that is loved all over the globe because of its mix of silly fun
Muppets and real people, the message of differences not effecting friendships is continuous.
Sesame Street is timeless and valuable because there will always be kids with parents and the
show helps bridge generation gaps.
6. Bibliography
A&E Televison Networks. (2015). This Day in History. Retrieved from The History Channel: www.history.com
Daily News Reporter. (2010, November 10). Feeling Broody? Ryan Reynolds Sings and Dances like a wannabe Dad on Sesame Street. Retrieved from Daily News: www.Dailynews.com
Genung, S. S. (2010, January 10). Review: Sesame Steet Season 43, Part 3. Retrieved from The Muppet Mindset: www.muppetmindset.wordspress.com
jeromeekern. (2009, June 18). Classic Sesame Street: I'm sure going to miss you Mr.Hooper. Retrieved from Youtube: www.Youtube.come
Music Merchant. (2010). Collectable Sesame Street Cds on Compact Dics. Retrieved from Music Merchant : www.musicmerchant.com
Styles, N. (2014, December 12). Sesame Street Writer. (A. Faillace, Interviewer)
