Racist Sesame Street Characters
The mother of the two Black children who appeared to be ignored by a costumed figure during a procession at a Pennsylvania Sesame Street theme park thinks the resort’s description of the situation as a “misunderstanding” is insufficient. On Tuesday, Jodi Brown and her attorney claimed that Rosita from Sesame Street purposefully treated her niece and daughter in a discriminatory manner. Her daughter and niece are seen reaching out to Rosita’s character in the nine-second video that Brown posted on Instagram. In the video, Rosita is seen giving high-fives to other people before appearing to point towards an unnamed person, shaking her head no at Brown’s daughter and niece, and then backing away.
Characteristics Of Sesame Street Characters
Brown told in an interview that Rosita purposefully neglected her daughter and niece while waddling around the parade route while giving high fives and bear hugs to other kids. Brown told in an interview that Rosita purposefully neglected her daughter and niece while waddling around the parade route while giving high fives and bear hugs to other kids. Right after the figure passed them, a young child of a different race was standing next to them, and [Rosita] hugged her, according to Brown.
She claimed that the figure gave the other child a two-armed hug.
“At that time I had already stopped recording the video. … I was upset so I stopped the video because I was like ‘what just happened?'”
How Does Sesame Street React?
Sesame Place claimed they reached out to the family on Sunday, apologized for the incident they had, reimbursed expenditures, and extended an invitation for a follow-up visit in a fresh statement on Tuesday night.
Following the incident on Saturday, Brown posted a video, which soon sparked criticism. Initial statements from Sesame Place Philadelphia on Monday described the situation as a “misunderstanding.” “The performer portraying the Rosita character has confirmed that the ‘no’ hand gesture seen several times in the video was not directed to any specific person, rather it was a response to multiple requests from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo which is not permitted. The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding.”
Sesame Place Philadelphia emailed CNN an “updated statement,” which was also shared on Instagram on Monday night, in response to questions from CNN regarding what the park meant by the “misunderstanding.” It said:
“We sincerely apologize to the family for their experience in our park on Saturday; we know that it’s not ok. We are taking actions to do better. We are committed to making this right. We will conduct training for our employees so they better understand, recognize, and deliver an inclusive, equitable, and entertaining experience to our guests.
“For over 40 years Sesame Place has worked to uphold the values of respect, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to doing a better job making children and families feel special, seen, and included when they come to our parks.”
This Isn’t Enough
The family’s attorney, B’Ivory LaMarr, said that the park’s response was unsatisfactory. The mother referred to the occurrence as “disgusting” in the video’s caption. The mother, who posts as Jodiii on Instagram, declared, “I will never step foot in @sesameplace ever again !”
“And please feel free to repost this. Actually, run me my money back.” LaMarr highlighted that he is still looking into what happened and exploring all of their options.
“At this point we’re calling for a genuine, authentic, apology, acknowledging the harm that has been caused in outrageousness of the actions and to do right, to make amends with the damage that’s been caused to these two young girls,” LaMarr said.
Brown claims that when she showed the worker near the park’s exit the video evidence, the employee informed her that there was no supervisor at the park she could talk to.
“My daughter was only depressed. What did I do, mum? she enquired. I responded, “You didn’t do anything, so what happened? Some individuals are merely cruel, “Black added.
Sesame Workshop, also issued a statement on Monday night, stating: “Sesame Workshop is aware of the recent incident at Sesame Place Philadelphia, which we take very seriously. What these children experienced is unacceptable.”
“We have been in contact with Sesame Place, our licensed park partner, and they have assured us that they will conduct bias training and a thorough review of the ways in which they engage with families and guests,” they added.
Does Sesame Street Ignore Black Kids?
Followed by this, many people started posting several such experiences on Sesame Street. Here are a few clips!
Many Celebrities Reacted
The video has gained widespread attention and sparked concern over the disparity in treatment, especially from Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child.
Rowland reposted the mother’s video to her Instagram account, saying the incident enraged her.
Raymond Santana, activist posted: “I’m sorry but this park will never get my money…being a #girldad. I definitely took this personal.”
Comedian DL Hughley posted on Twitter: “It’s not shocking when someone in a costume at #SesamePlace gets to act racist! Why do think they wear hoods?? #TeamDl”
Racist Sesame Street Characters
Characteristics Of Sesame Street Characters
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