There has been much controversy surrounding a recent episode of the popular children's television show Sesame Street. In this particular episode, a diabolical witch character was introduced, causing parents and viewers alike to raise concerns about the appropriateness of the content. The main idea in this note is the controversy surrounding a diabolical witch character on Sesame Street. Sesame Street has been a beloved and trusted program for generations, known for its engaging and educational content. However, the addition of a diabolical witch character seems to be a departure from the show's typical themes of friendship, learning, and positive values. Parents worry that the inclusion of a witch character could introduce ideas of magic and witchcraft to young children, possibly leading to confusion or fear.
Divine or Natural? Marvelous or Deviant? Monstrous Bodies in European History, 1500-1700
Constructing and finding the monsters responsible for death, diseases, dying farm animals, and ruined crops became a mission for theologians, natural philosophers, jurists, and clergymen. The uploader didn t share where they d found the episode, but Mashable has reached out for comment and we will update this article if we receive a response.
Parents worry that the inclusion of a witch character could introduce ideas of magic and witchcraft to young children, possibly leading to confusion or fear. They argue that it may not align with the show's mission to educate and entertain in a safe and appropriate manner. Proponents of the character claim that it is important to expose children to a diverse range of characters and storylines.
Monsters!
Witches occupy a central place in our popular culture and continue to be one of the most recognizable “monsters.” However, every monster is born at a specific historical moment. Out of the religious and political crises of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries emerged the idea of the diabolical “witch.” The Protestant Reformation and Wars of Religion produced fears over the devil’s work in the earthly world and the desire to root out and abolish any remnants of “pagan” beliefs. Constructing and finding the “monsters” responsible for death, diseases, dying farm animals, and ruined crops became a mission for theologians, natural philosophers, jurists, and clergymen. Why were they were convinced that women, in particular, practiced maleficia, or evil spells? Why did authorities believe that women’s bodies consorted with demons and the devil to renounce Christianity, cast spells, and harm their neighbors? Massive witch hunts began to seek out “witches” and resulted in horrific consequences for over one-hundred thousand women across Europe. The creation of monstrous women, of “witches,” was a way to place blame, enforce social norms, and create order and stability during crises.
October 9
Dr. Joseph D. Bryan, Assistant Professor of History, MSU Billings
Divine or Natural? Marvelous or Deviant? Monstrous Bodies in European History, 1500-1700
From the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, European fascination with the “monstrous” grew and explanations of “monsters” evolved in response to the discovery of the Americas and increased knowledge of human and animal bodies. The bounds of nature were stretched to fit such seeming aberrations as gigantic sea serpents, a child born with the head of a frog, a colt with a human face, and bodies of indeterminate sex (“hermaphrodites” in early-modern terminology). What did it mean, then, to be a “monster” in early-modern Europe? From what sources did Europeans draw knowledge of monsters? Where was the line between the natural and the unnatural, wonder and abomination? In order to answer these questions, this presentation will examine sea and land creatures from foreign continents, the creation of misshapen beings through reproductive defects (the “maternal imagination”), and the perceptions of “hermaphrodites” as both naturally monstrous and socially deviant. In early-modern Europe, monsters not only represented disorders in nature and supernatural omens; they also prescribed boundaries for social and sexual behavior.
October 16
Dr, Jay M. Smith, Professor, Department of History, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Imagining the Monstrous in Eighteenth-Century France: The Case of the Beast of the Gévaudan
In early-modern Europe, wolves--both the rabid and the non-rabid kind--caused the deaths of thousands of people, most of them rural laborers who toiled in fields and meadows. In south-central France in the middle 1760s, peasant women and children suffered a seemingly endless series of attacks by a beast that eventually claimed over one hundred lives. As the tragedy unfolded, the great majority of those who paid attention, whether in the Gévaudan region that was home to the attacks or elsewhere throughout the country, agreed that the predator causing these ravages could only be understood as a "monster." Why did they make this assumption? How did the assumption inform their responses to the emergency? Why did French people cling so insistently to the belief that a monster had to be culpable for the depredations, even as accumulating evidence pointed to wolves? Was there something about the age of Enlightenment--the 1760s saw the high water mark of this "modern" cultural phenomenon--that made people particularly susceptible to beliefs many would later label as irrational? Using the example of an unusually famous French monster, this lecture will explore the borders between lightness and darkness, knowledge and speculation, order and disorder, and the normal and the fantastic at the dawn of modernity.
October 23
Dr. Rachael Waller, Associate Professor of Education, MSU Billings
Dr. Melanie Reaves, Assistant Professor of Education, MSU Billings
Let's Talk About the Snuffleupagus in the Room: The Influence of Monsters in Children's Social Worlds
Sesame Street is watched by 6 million children each week; there are more than 82 million Sesame Street “graduates” who grew up watching the show that debuted in 1969. This groundbreaking show has featured over 125 monster characters who are part of shaping the social, emotional, and academic lives of its viewers. Using video examples, Dr. Rachael Waller and Dr. Melanie Reaves demonstrate how the monsters of this show work to intentionally construct a set of shared meanings as everyday resources for cultural life.
October 30
Dr. James Barron, Professor, Biological and Physical Sciences, MSU Billings
Cryptozoology – The Search for Monsters: Critical Thinking and the Probability of Unique Existence
This lecture examines the topic of cryptozoology through the lenses of logic, critical thinking and probability. Several well-known examples (Sasquatch, Loch Ness Monster etc.) are discussed.
NOTE: There is no audio recording available for Dr. Barron's presentation.
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Billings, MT 59101
Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside Oscar the Grouch in a still from the episode.
They argue that the witch character can be used as a tool to teach children about empathy, understanding, and difference. They suggest that parents should use this as an opportunity to engage in open discussions with their children about the nature of fictional characters and the importance of distinguishing between fantasy and reality. As a result of the controversy, Sesame Street producers have responded, assuring viewers that the inclusion of the witch character was intended to provide new educational opportunities and that they will be mindful of the concerns raised. They have also encouraged parents and caregivers to take an active role in discussing the content of the show with their children. In conclusion, the introduction of a diabolical witch character on Sesame Street has sparked a heated debate among parents and viewers. While some worry about the potential negative effects of such a character, others see it as an opportunity for valuable discussions and learning experiences. Ultimately, it is up to parents and caregivers to decide what is appropriate for their children and to use moments like this to teach them important lessons about discernment and critical thinking..
Reviews for "Spellbinding Puppetry: The Mastery Behind Sesame Street's Diabolical Witch"
1. Linda - 1 star
Unfortunately, "Sesame Street Diabolical Witch" failed to capture my interest. As a long-time fan of the show, I was disappointed by the storyline, which felt disjointed and confusing. The characters' interactions seemed forced, and the addition of a witch character felt out of place in the Sesame Street universe. Overall, the episode lacked the educational and entertaining value that I have come to expect from Sesame Street.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I have always been a fan of Sesame Street, but "Sesame Street Diabolical Witch" left me underwhelmed. The episode felt like a departure from the show's usual format and themes. The witch character, instead of teaching valuable lessons, seemed to create unnecessary chaos and conflict. The plot was lacking depth and failed to engage both children and adults. Personally, I would not recommend this episode to anyone familiar with the classic Sesame Street episodes.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Sesame Street Diabolical Witch" missed the mark for me. The addition of a witch character felt forced and out of sync with the show's usual positive and educational themes. The episode lacked the charm and cleverness I expect from Sesame Street. The storyline felt rushed and failed to leave a lasting impression. While some children may enjoy the witch character, I believe there are much better episodes out there that provide a more valuable and enjoyable viewing experience.
4. David - 1 star
I found "Sesame Street Diabolical Witch" to be out of touch with what has made the show so beloved for decades. The introduction of a witch character felt unnecessary and didn't fit well within the established Sesame Street universe. The episode lacked substance and failed to teach any meaningful lessons. The plotline felt weak and poorly thought-out. Overall, I was left disappointed and would not recommend this episode to anyone looking for a quality Sesame Street experience.