The online petition started by Lair Scott, in which he insists that two old friends Bert and Ernie should get married generated a lot of buzz recently. Here’s what petition letter said:
“In this horrific age of LGBT kids taking their own lives, they need to know that they ARE BEAUTIFUL and their lives are worth living. Aside from those that are committing suicide, the bullies that facilitate these tragedies need to learn that homophobia is NOT okay. They need to know that acceptance of their fellow human beings would indeed plant a seed of peace that will reverberate throughout the world. We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful by allowing Bert & Ernie to marry. It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives.”
In respond to that Sesame Street Workshop issued the following statement:
“Bert and Ernie are best friends.They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most ‘Sesame Street’ Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”
So it appears that Bert and Ernie won’t be getting married any time soon and will remain just two best friends who happened to be a long time roommates.
The petition, however, had more than 7,000 signatures behind it and had a lot of supporters as well as criticism. Check out some responds inside and tell us where you stand on this?
Continue reading
