PBS Introduces 'Responsible' Cookie Monster

My two-year-old daughter is delighted by Sesame Street, especially by the spectacle of the Cookie Monster chomping on a plate of cookies with such fervor that crumbs fly every which way. Too bad she might have to get used to the furry one politely nibbling on a rice wafer. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, the makers of Sesame Street are rewriting the show to promote healthier eating habits. Seriously.

This season, each episode opens with a "health tip" about nutrition, exercise, hygiene and rest. [Rosemary] Truglio [the show's VP of research and education] said "Sesame Street" also will introduce new characters, such as talking eggplants and carrots, and offer parodies, such as "American Fruit Stand." Guest stars will address healthy activities, such as Alicia Keys talking and singing about the importance of physical activity. Even politicians have gotten into the act, filming public service announcements with "Sesame Street" residents. In one taping, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist taught Elmo to exercise — jumping up and down. In another, Sen. Hillary Clinton and the small red monster discuss the various textures and tastes of foods.

Bill Frist and Hillary Clinton! Not bad. They both should do fine as tried-and-true appetite killers.

Question, though: If PBS nannies killjoys top brass are so bloody concerned about what and how kids eat, shouldn't they start by telling one of the show's biggest sponsors, McDonald's, that the junk food giant's contributions are no longer welcome? Or is the mere fact that McDonald's now sells slices of apple enough to absolve it of its grease-pusher reputation?

Anyway, on the subject of politically correct do-gooders messing with the Cookie Monster's dietary intake, I concur with Eric Anderson of the Panic Blog:

If you don’t have a hand sticking up your backside making you talk, then you can’t eat as many cookies as your favorite sock does.  And if you do have someone’s hand sticking up your backside making you talk, it’s time to leave the Neverland Ranch.

Comments

[marsha kannry]

The initial reaction('Sacrilege' .. yelled out loud") of AP writer Chelsea Carter, concerning Cookie Monster
discovering discernment in eating, triggered a massive 'stomach-jerk' in the 'absolute Outrage - you touched my idol' portion of many 'Adult' brains, bringing them so close to 'losing their cookies' they panicked, dragging their children into it. While clever put-downs are being enjoyed by pundits, the ignorant misunderstanding of CTW's sincere efforts to help young
children learn discernment are lost. Shoot the mesenger, but dress him in your own ignorance first.
Then you can enjoy it more.
Get the truth first, then play later. Sorry to hear about CTW and McDonalds. I willcall them on that
Marrsha kannry, MSN (on Fox news, cut off from fully speaking on this issue. Fluff and sensationalism ruled the day.

[Rebekah]

I think you should bring back cookie monster.