Had an interesting discussion in my English 101 class today. Apparently, Sesame street is about to unveil an HIV positive Muppet in Africa for kids to learn tolerance towards people with HIV. Education about HIV doesn't seem to be the problem but more the stigma that goes along with having HIV. The Muppet will teach kids tolerance and an understanding of the sickness. This raises some interesting questions. Should TV be teaching our kids? What are parents doing while the TV is teaching their kids? I know not all of these questions apply directly to the situation in Africa where by next year there will be almost 2 million orphans due to the AIDS epidemic. But is it ok, in certain situations for television to teach our kids? A child will undoubtedly learn from a television, whether we like it or not but is it OK for parents to substitute teaching a child about HIV or anything for a TV to teach a child?
