Still, this episode of Sesame Street seems like it may have done more harm than good. It’s certainly important that kids understand how classism affects our world.
This contentious opening scene was followed by a math segment in which the Count asked the gathered children to count along with him as he made fun of Elmo’s dental hygiene. “ONE, missing tooth, TWO missing tooth, THREE missing tooth!” he intoned, encouraging the kids to point at Elmo’s empty mouth. Watching the Count angrily berate Elmo for his drug-addled appearance and seemingly poor grasp of the English language definitely held a mirror up to certain societal issues in the U.S., but some critics are saying it may not have been appropriate for the show’s toddler audience. “All you ever do is scribble all over your meth shack in crayon and talk to your goldfish! ‘Elmo love tickle?!’ Why don’t you get off the floor and go get your GED so you can learn to talk, you inbred loser!” “Keep it down, you white trash bitch! I am trying count, and I can’t focus with all your hillbilly yelling and carrying on,” The Count shouted at Elmo in his imperious Transylvanian accent. “Take a look!” He then pointed at Elmo’s residence, and the Sesame Street kids watched with rapt attention as Elmo rolled around laughing and tickling himself on the floor, yelling “Me Elmo! Elmo love tickle!” After a moment, the Count approached and banged on his door.
“Did you know that people are often looked down upon due to their socioeconomic class?” Big Bird asked the kids.
The controversial episode began when Big Bird held up a giant letter C and announced “Today’s episode is sponsored by the letter C! C is for classism!” to a group of cheering children, who he then led over to Elmo’s apartment.
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