Cookie Monster recently underwent a momentous mid-life crisis. Forced by PBS executives to assume more nutritious eating habits, the big-eyed blue monster reluctantly accepted his cookie-binging problem, and is now taking steps to healthily regulate his favorite pastime. Instead of haphazardly devouring mounds of chocolate-chip cookies in one sitting, Cookie Monster will now enjoy healthier fare, along with the occasional sugar-packed treat. Rather than belting out his usual song about the awe-inspiring qualities of the baked good, Cookie Monster will now harmonize to the lyrics of “A Cookie Is a Sometimes Food.” Talking eggplants, carrots, and arugulae will join the show to form a support group for the former carbaholic, and a nutritional tip will open each show to remind the furry monster to stay on track. All of these changes are steps by the producers of “Sesame Street” to combat childhood obesity by advocating healthy eating and exercise habits. Yet, by attempting the safeguard the future of America from expanding waistlines, PBS executives have killed off one of their funniest puppet-like heroes. Cookie Monster’s bouts of overeating were the essence of his existence from which his very “Cookie-Monster-ness” was derived. With his plethora of cookies now replaced by rabbit food, Cookie Monster is no longer a cookie monster, but a Captain Vegetable wanna-be and the younger generation’s new crusader for the food pyramid. This reversal of thirty-four years of “Sesame Street” history is contradictory to the very nature of the program. The show is constantly imploring children to remain true to themselves and to be proud of their heritage. Children are taught to be open to other races, cultures, and ethnicities, and to celebrate, rather then condemn, each other’s differences. Rosita, the Hispanic Muppet, is frequently reminded that her thick accent is what makes her unique and special in a multicultural world. No one has ever ordered her to change her voice, or ridiculed her for her aesthetic attributes. Why should Cookie Monster be treated any differently? Shouldn’t all Muppets be able to choose their own lifestyles without facing condemning judgments of right or wrong? “Sesame Street” used to entrust children with the ability to understand its stories, and to differentiate between the good and poor role models that it presented. Millions of youngsters have intently watched Cookie Monster gobble anything and everything from plates to Frisbees without being enticed to do the same. These children have understood the concept of Cookie Monster’s teaching by humorous counter-example, in the same way they have understood that Oscar the Grouch’s nasty behavior is not to be emulated. Part of maturing is learning to understand this fine distinction between right and wrong, a distinction which PBS’s social engineers no longer allow children to make. Apparently, modern-day “Sesame Street” characters can no longer teach any lessons that are not overtly straightforward. First, responsibility-shuning parents attacked Bert and Ernie for encouraging toddlers to lead homosexual and effeminate lifestyles. Now, they have launched a crusade against Cookie Monster for his insatiable appetite. Next thing you know, Oscar the Grouch will be pounded for his poor hygiene habits. Yet, although children emulate their favorite television characters to some extent, parental influence is what ultimately shapes the mannerisms of children, not polyester Muppets. Responsible parents should discipline their offspring to enjoy sweets in moderation, and not entrust their children’s moral values to be instilled by a thirty minute program. Many modern-day moms and dads have become so fixated by work that they have allowed their children to be raised by television shows and nannies, without bothering to communicate sound moral values. Certainly, it is imperative that youngsters to learn nutritious habits that will enable them to lead long and healthy lives. Children will certainly benefit from “Sesame Street’s” new emphasis on devouring nourishing foods. Yet executives went too far when they stripped Cookie Monster of his prolific yet lovable vice. Cookie Monster should be allowed to have his cookies, and eat them too.
