News has reached me that Sesame Street is to introduce an HIV-Positive Muppet in South Africa.
This story explains how the muppet, which has yet to have a name or final color or form, will be female, have high self esteem and will be fully part of the community.
The program is aimed at children from 3 to 7 and the messages delivered by the new character will be “appropriate,” said Schneider, meaning that there will be no explicit mention of sex.
“Not every show will deal explicitly with HIV/AIDS,” Schneider said. “We want to show that here is an HIV-positive member of our community who you can touch and interact with.
“We will be very careful to fashion our messages so they are appropriate to the age group. What do I do when I cut my finger? What do I do when you cut your finger? That sort of thing.”
Given the massive problem that the southern African states, and indeed most of Africa, has with AIDS I think that this a welcome, and very brave, move.
I’d be happy if they just made a figure or plush toy for Pepe the shrimp. Where’s their priorities?