Kermit vs the "They" mountain...........

............not even close to moving it. What is it in life that makes us so tense and twisted up inside?? I mean, when it really comes down to it who is "they" and what is this hold "they" have on us??? You all know what i'm talking about. For example, we shouldn't eat too much sugar because "they" say it is bad for us. We shouldn't sit too close to the TV because "they" say we could damage our sight. We should only talk about certain issues or avoid others because "they" would say we were being politically incorrect or insensitive. Who is "they" and where did "they" get "their" power??

Has anyone seen any of the vintage Sesame Street shows recently? There's a disclaimer that states that those particular Sesame Street episodes are intended for adults and may not meet the needs of today's kids. Who decided to put that there and where did "they" come up with that idea?

Now - don't get me wrong, i'm for equality, respect, and the acceptance of others differences and ideas but come on - are we so afraid of something like Sesame Street? Was someone so emotionally scarred by Sesame Street when growing up that now - whoever that is - is in a position of such influence that "they" can see to a disclaimer being put on a kids show?? They're puppets for crying out loud!! Besides I grew up on Sesame Street and I don't think I turned out too badly.

As I see it, people are so afraid of getting into trouble by upsetting other people today that we have lost the ability to have an opinion, to have a perspective, to be able to intelligently represent a way of life. And to do this in such a fashion that it won't impose a set of beliefs onto another person but rather to educate and inform them of this lifestyle. People are so afraid of being called politically incorrect that we fumble over our words and how we act - just hoping that we don't say or do the "wrong" thing. And if we do divulge a different way of thinking or a different perspective that may go against the grain - WATCH OUT!!!!! All of a sudden we become close minded, intolerant, and discriminatory. How about those who are not willing to listen to this opposing perspective?? What do they become?? Justified by the majority?? -------------> I really believe that if we really dived into the true reason many people follow the "politically correct" line and watch their step - it's not because these people truly believe it - but rather it's because these people are afraid that "they" will label them. Here we are again faced with the "they". Who are "they" and exactly who is it that decides what is politically correct? Who makes the standard and who moves the line? It's quite true that the line does in fact move - don't let anyone tell you it doesn't. Case in point - Sesame Street..............who knew that 40 years ago Kermit the Frog was potentially committing a horrendous crime against Cookie Monster that today may land him in court with, at the very least, charges of assault when Kermit hit the Cookie Monster. This doesn't even take into account the inflammatory remarks Kermit made to Cookie when he got mad and called Cookie "stupid monster" - and if Cookie is in fact - "stupid" - then could those remarks be called discriminatory and a hate crime?____________________

Now listen everyone, i'm not saying it's okay to make discriminatory remarks, nor is it okay to insult anyone because of the way a person may be or live. I also do know that there is right and wrong in the world, people need to be accountable, and we are all ultimately responsible for our own actions (which is an entirely separate blog within itself that will see the light of day at a later time). I am aware as well that people choose which path to take for their lives - some more conservatively, some more liberally, some in the middle and that's fine. Certainly not the least, but also many many families choose to raise their children by the parents beliefs (and hopefully when the children are old enough to form opinions and perspectives of their own the parents will respect that and allow their kids as they get older to form their own belief system - no matter what that may be - which will definitely be part of the "resposible for own actions" blog coming soon to a website near you)----------------------->>> BUT - let's get a little perspective here people - if people are so concerned about what a kids show is portraying then where are the parents???? Why aren't the parents right there with the kids watching the show and then having a discussion with them about the show and actually seeing how the show came across to their child? Maybe even try talking about what you didn't like on the show and why - and don't just say "i'm the parent and I say so!" Actually interact with your child - maybe the same way you would interact with your Soap Opera, your Social Club, your drink, or even your Job. It's called PARENTING!! Get a clue ADULT!_________________Listen, if you can talk with your little child now about things such as a childrens show and what it means to them then trust me - later on during the dreaded teen years you will be so much further ahead because the openess has already been established. Just don't drop the ball!!

Anyhow - I took a little tangent there so I'll get off the soap box now and back to "they". Who are "they"?? How do "they" shape this political climate we live in - in such a way that Sesame Street can have a warning label put on like a graphic video game?? How do "they" get their influence?? Where is the source of "their" power???? And how do we once again establish our individuality without fear of reprisal, being looked down upon, labeled as intollerant, or just plain shunned??

Oooooooohhhhh to live in the days of Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, the Count, Gordon, Olivia, and Grover where all were accepted no matter how different they were. They weren't told no - you can't live like that or believe that. They weren't told that they could belong as long as you conform to our way of thinking and say and do things the way we think they should be done! On classic Sesame Street there was true diversity and not everyone always agreed with everyone else but they AGREED TO DISAGREE.

Does anyone know how we can regain this??
Maybe we should go next door and ask Mr. Rogers??