Sesame Street: Try a Little Kindness

For decades, Sesame Street has been known for its ability to bring joy and education to children of all backgrounds. One of the ways they achieve this is by featuring diverse characters and storylines that reflect the real world. In recent years, the show has made a conscious effort to improve diversity on the set, including introducing a Hispanic neighbor character.

Shola Lynch, a filmmaker who appeared on Sesame Street between the ages of 2 and 6, recalls her experience on the show fondly. 'They select kids that interact and are good at make-believe and will play along,' she said in an interview. Lynch notes that the show's producers were looking for children who would be able to connect with the Muppets as equals.

The audition process for Sesame Street is rigorous, involving a series of auditions and callbacks. Actors must demonstrate their comedic skills, charisma, and ability to sing in both English and Spanish. Ismael Cruz Córdova, who played Mando on the show, told NPR that the audition process was like 'American Idol,' but for Sesame Street.

The show's executive producer at the time, Carol-Lynn Parente, recognized the importance of diversity and ran the first-ever open casting call for a Hispanic neighbor role in 2012. This move was met with great enthusiasm from parents and children alike, who saw themselves reflected on screen.

Parente notes that Sesame Street has always modeled diversity from its inception. 'We know that the Hispanic population in the U.S. is growing, and we have always tried to reflect that,' she said.

The show's commitment to diversity is evident not only in its casting but also in its storylines. Recent episodes have tackled topics such as immigration, bilingualism, and cultural differences. These themes help children develop empathy and understanding for others, and Sesame Street is proud to be at the forefront of this effort.

In conclusion, Sesame Street's try a little kindness approach has led to a more diverse and inclusive show that reflects the real world. By featuring characters from all backgrounds and tackling tough topics, the show is helping to shape the minds of future generations.

Sesame street try a little kindness