Independent Lens Season 8 Episode 2 The World According to Sesame Street

The World According to Sesame Street is the second episode of the eighth season of Independent Lens. This episode takes a closer look at the beloved children's show, Sesame Street, and explores its global impact. The documentary examines how Sesame Street has been adapted to local cultures and transformed to reflect the issues that are unique to each country.

The show begins by introducing its viewers to the founders and creators of Sesame Street, Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. Viewers learn about the original mission of the show, which was to help prepare young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, for school. The documentary then transports viewers to various locations around the world, where they get to see how Sesame Street is tailored to meet the needs of different cultures.

One of the first stops is Bangladesh. Here, viewers meet the creators of Sisimpur, the Bangladeshi version of Sesame Street. The episode explores how the show is tailored to a country where over half the population is illiterate and where access to education is severely limited. Sisimpur focuses heavily on teaching Bangla and English literacy skills, as well as addressing social issues, such as gender equality and women's rights.

Next, the documentary travels to Kosovo, where Sesame Street is used as a tool for reconciliation. Kosovo is a country that has been ravaged by years of ethnic conflict, and Sesame Street is used to promote tolerance and coexistence between ethnic Albanians and Serbs. The show features puppets that represent both ethnic groups, and episodes often include themes of understanding and respect.

The episode also explores how Sesame Street is used in South Africa, where the show tackles issues such as HIV/AIDS and poverty. In South Africa, the show is called Takalani Sesame, and it features a character named Kami, who is HIV-positive. Kami was created to help reduce the stigma associated with the disease and to encourage testing and treatment.

One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to Palestine, where the creators of Shara'a Simsim, the Palestinian version of Sesame Street, are interviewed. The show launched in 1996 and became a critical tool for education during the first and second Intifadas. The documentary explores how the show was used to help children process their experiences of conflict and violence, as well as how it inspires a sense of community in Palestinian children.

Overall, The World According to Sesame Street is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at the power of children's television to create meaningful change in the world. The episode is filled with interviews with creators, puppeteers, and educators from around the world, who all share a common vision of using Sesame Street as a tool for learning and education. The show's impact on global cultures is undeniable, and this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of children's media.