Who are the real monsters of Public Broadcasting?

 

 

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) are vital resources for our country. The early educational programs showcased by PBS Kids reflect a wide range of diversity and inclusion. At the same time, they play news and documentaries that teach the general public about different cultures and traditions that we are not exposed to I remember seeing children with physical disabilities on shows like *Sesame Street* and *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood*. I thought it was wonderful that there were characters like me represented which is, as I pointed out in my video . Nickelodeon Game Shows didn't include ALL kids!

However, some members of Congress want to deprive children of these valuable educational resources due to their bigoted and homophobic views. Shows like *Sesame Street* feature a diverse cast of both human and puppet characters, intentionally including African American, Asian American, and Mexican American characters, as well as those with physical disabilities. Even as a child, I believed that the characters Bert and Ernie were more than just “roommates,” and it didn’t bother me or my parents.  Roommates, as good platonic friends as they are, would eventually move out. 

These shows do an excellent job of teaching critical concepts like the alphabet and the base ten number system (0-9). Additionally, a show like *Arthur*, aimed at an older demographic, was revolutionary when it depicted Nigel Ratburn marrying Patrick the chocolate seller (an aardvark), even though MatPat from Film Theory pointed out the absurdity of rabbit children being adopted by other species, which everyone accepted as normal.

Teaching diversity to young children fosters a more inclusive environment once they start school. Those exposed to different types of people are less likely to uphold stereotypes. It is not about “grooming” children; it’s about ensuring that everyone is welcomed and has an equal opportunity to be their best selves. 

The real predators on television are the televangelists who pretend to be “Christian” while spewing hate and bigotry under the disguised of preaching the Gospel while swindling money from vulnerable individuals, including elderly people relying on social security. The Christian Broadcast Network’s cartoon, Superbook, features two white privileged children who, by their uniforms, go to a private Christian school.  They harm children by encouraging their parents to send them to conversion therapy, which is not only harmful but can lead to tragic outcomes, such as suicide. They want to ignore the fact that King David was bi-sexual.  Many LGBTQ+ youth have lost their lives due to unsupportive faith communities.

Drag queens—men who dress in women's clothing—are adult entertainers, and I agree they have no place in children's television. If they do appear on TV, their message should be one of love and acceptance, but such appearances should be rare reading LGBTQ friendly books with their parents close by. It is up to parents to educate them about different communities.  Yes, showing different family structures will help ease the tension.     

The Public Broadcasting Service should be representing the public, all members of the public and not those who, in the Republican view, are dangerous to children.  Morals start at home and teaching them about diversity at an early age will help them later in life.