By MARY WARD
Cookie Monster has been a much-loved character of children’s television for over fifty years.
He appeared in Sesame Street’s first episode, back in 1969, where his love of cookies – frequently oatmeal, but occasionally choc-chip – became an integral part of the show.
Then – around the mid-2000s – Cookie Monster started to change.
His catchphrase shifted from: “Cookies! Om nom nom nom nom.” To: “Cookies are a sometimes food.”
Which was fine. Because cookies are a sometimes food (for humans – the jury’s still out on the nutritional needs of muppets.) And, although he was being a little more responsible about it, Cookie Monster still got to eat his cookies and create the crumbly mess and experience the thrill that can only come from throwing cookies into your muppet mouth with such gay abandon.
But now, Sesame Street have taken the whole ‘muppets as responsible role models’ thing a little too far and done this:
I have three responses:
1) Cookie Monster already has a song.
It’s called ‘C is for Cookie.’ And it’s good enough for me.
‘C is for Cookie’ is a great song. It teaches kids the third letter of the alphabet. And what letter to look out for when purchasing cookies at the supermarket.
Both of which are important and appropriate learning goals for a preschoolers’ television program to promote.
Top Comments
Oh, Sesame Street. I watched you in the later 80's and Cookie Monster was my favourite character. How can you resist a puppet shoving a handful of cookies in his mouth and watching the crumbs fly back onto the floor? My son hasn't watched it yet, but I'll be sad when he does and Cookie Monster isn't saying 'nom nom nom' anymore.
But he does. Why would you think he doesn't?
Also, might want to look at your maths - 50 years and 1969 aren't the same thing.
This post just triggered an urge in me to stroke that fictional, purple, crumb sprayed, hairy puppet in sympathy and soothingly say 'there there'. :o)
I'm confused.
"NO".
One of the most powerful words in parenting. It sets boundaries.
If your kids have had one or two cookies/biscuits, the next one they ask/beg for can be declined with a simple "no" and a reason.
Marketing to children has become incredibly sophisticated and they rely on the 'nag factor' to increase sales. Just say "no". Even if you sound like a broken record. They will get it eventually. This is how you break through the myriad of marketing messages aimed at the kids and render them ineffective.
Can be hard to do when you look down at that little, pleading face sometimes, but stick to your guns!
P.S. I prefer the Cookie Monster just the way he used to be.