Sesame Street Brings On HIV-Muppet, Kami
When tv shows air in different countries, things may be slightly different. Sesame Street in Africa, "Takalani Sesame," is no longer teaching children only their 1,2,3's and A,B,C's. They have a new puppet from South Africa, Kami (short for the Setswana word "Kamogelo" which means "acceptance"), and she's a 5-year-old HIV-muppet.
The Frisky reports Kami is a nervous orphan who's afraid she wouldn't be accepted because of her disease. With her neighbors embrace, Kami has become a role model in South Africa providing hope for 28,000 HIV-positive children and 1.4 million orphans and teaching others about the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS.
And if you think she's just a puppet, think again. Kami has been named a UNICEF ambassador for children - however, Kami will not be visiting the American "Sesame Street" anytime soon. Apparently American parents don't find Kami appropriate for their children.
What do you think? Should Kami visit America's "Sesame Street?"
I think Kami should visit Sesame Street. Even here in the US there are kids with diseases like HIV - it's not like they were doing HIV drugs. It would be cool if Kami was from Africa though, to keep a little with her theme.
ABSOLUTELY Kami should come to American Sesame Street! Many of today's parents don't have the time or inclination to teach their children about things that may effect them as they go through life. HIV is a very real part of today's society. Perhaps letting children experience an HIV person through this medium will prepare them for possible future interaction with a living HIV infected person.
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