Muppet Tossing His Cookies
05-04-2005
by Amy E. Dixon

Hold on to your childhood record collection. “C is for Cookie” will soon become an oldie but a goodie.

Sesame Street began its 36th season this month under a yearlong curriculum of “Healthy Habits For Life.” One of this season’s segments will encourage Cookie Monster to eat fewer cookies. According to The Sesame Workshop press release, children, along with Cookie Monster, will be taught that cookies are a “sometimes food,” as opposed to fruits and vegetables which are “anytime” foods.

The goal of the Sesame Workshop is understandable, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with it, but who among us has actually gobbled down piles-full of chocolate chip cookies, serving plates and kitchen tables included, just because Cookie Monster did? I don’t remember any kids who moved into trashcans because Oscar The Grouch lived in one. I’m sorry that such a beloved Muppet character is looking some of his personality because children aren’t learning good habits from the proper places like they used to.

Perhaps I underestimate the power of Cookie Monster’s influence upon his audience. (Though, I don’t believe a “Lima Bean Monster” would ever have instilled in me a love for legumes. Ick!)