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Last post 21 years ago by daveyg2. 6 replies replies.
PC to the "rescue"
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tailgater Offline
#1 Posted: Mon, Jul 15 2002, 6:44 PM EST
Joined: 06-01-2000
Posts: 26,185
The children's television show Sesame Street will be adding a new character soon. One that is HIV positive.
Mixed emotions on this one. For the most part, children that test positive for HIV are the only true victims of that disease. Most adults who contract it do so by a lifestyle choice (sex or drugs). But just because my heart goes out to those children doesn't mean I want my kids to be somewhat desensitized to the disease. When kids play, body fluids get passed. Blood, tears, sweat, spit, not to mention the runny nose, etc. And most active kids will have at least one recent cut somewhere on their body. How will a show geared for 4 year olds deal with "bodily fluids"? I don't think it's appropriate. And I do think parents should be aware of any HIV positive children in the schools. As guilty as I feel saying that, it is MY KIDS LIVES that might depend on it.
jjohnson28 Offline
#2 Posted: Mon, Jul 15 2002, 8:49 PM EST
Joined: 09-12-2000
Posts: 7,914
I beleive the programs will first only be launched in Africa.That said I still think it's wrong for preschoolers to be subjected to what I'm sure will become nothing more than PC programing and desensitizing of extremely young minds.In otherwords I totally agree with your reasoning TG.Will the PC police stop at nothing?
jazzman Offline
#3 Posted: Tue, Jul 16 2002, 9:52 AM EST
Joined: 11-06-2000
Posts: 1,012
there are some innocent adult victims also. how about health care workers who get blood splashed in their eyes or accidental needle sticks...
xrundog Offline
#4 Posted: Tue, Jul 16 2002, 2:53 PM EST
Joined: 01-17-2002
Posts: 2,212
I don't know how the show will deal with it. For sure kids need to be taught not to risk their own health. They should also be taught to treat people with compassion. There are games that can be played without body fluids being an issue. Some kids and people generally just want somebody to talk to. Or just to be nice to them. Remember those kids who were singled out when you were a kid? I do. And when I occasionally think about my own behavior then....I am sometimes ashamed. I would like for my kids never to feel that way.
tailgater Offline
#5 Posted: Tue, Jul 16 2002, 5:53 PM EST
Joined: 06-01-2000
Posts: 26,185
I don't suggest an isolated colony for HIV victims. I just don't see the need for a TV show, even an educational one, to incorporate a character that will do no good other than satisfy the PC crowd, while doing potential harm by desensitizing the children to the hazards. Why not put a character with cystic fibrosis, where the lesson of treating all people with respect and compassion can be learned with no danger?
cwilhelmi Offline
#6 Posted: Tue, Jul 16 2002, 6:25 PM EST
Joined: 07-24-2001
Posts: 2,739
Just an FYI, it is only on the Africa version of Sesame Street, and unfortunately statistics say that 10% of African children have HIV. In light of these facts I can see why it could be a good thing to educate these children on the facts of HIV/AIDS. As far as using the same concept in the US, I don't know, it could be a good thing educate kids early as to the dangers of the world, but then again it's sad to have our children losing their innocence so young. Hard subject for sure, I don't think it can be immeditely chalked up to being PC though. Chris
daveyg2 Offline
#7 Posted: Tue, Jul 16 2002, 7:50 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2002
Posts: 288
FYI, they are bringing that character here too. its not only S. Africa because the U.S. is next on the list. it was said on the news already. This is all BULL****. I of course do not ever condone prejudice against HIV infected people. In fact it gets me angry when i hear jokes or anything else of the effect. I do not think that having the character HERE will be anymore helpful than bringing up oral sex with 4 year olds. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT AND WHY WOULD IT HELP? kids do not know the difference between someone with HIV and not. the ONLY way that kids will be tolerant of this will be if PARENTS AND FRIENDS do not send the message across that HIV is like cooties. do you really think that if a kid watches Sesame Street and sees some friggin puppet walking around with HIV, that his/her parents wont tell them that HIV IS DANGEROUS AND WILL KILL YOU??!!! Friggin PC schmucks out there thinking of more cultural masturbation for themselves. Find a new agenda and maybe put that energy into doing something more helpful like washing dishes or something.
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