By Russell Roberts.
Striking at racism before it gets a foothold in our children; the popular educational TV show Sesame Street added a new Hispanic character to its diverse cast.
Ismael Cruz, who watched Sesame Street as a child in Puerto Rico, joins the show as a character called Armando, or “Mando.”
"I grew up watching the show,” Cruz said, “and for me it was a place that really existed and to which as a child I aspired to go, a place so diverse that I could see myself in the faces of the people that were there. Being on the set now is that, but with cameras."
Spreading the idea and message of diversity to children is one of the best ways to combat racism, because today’s accepting child is tomorrow’s accepting adult. Sesame Street has a long history of being a leader in promoting tolerance.
"It's a show that's always cutting edge, always aware of what's going on with the population, so by including a young (Latino) character, with new (cultural) perspectives, (it) brings that new generation, (and) it carries on with that message," Cruz said.
The show wants to reflect the changing U.S. population, in which Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority. Sesame Street also has Asian, African-American, and Native American characters. Cruz’s character is a Brooklyn writer who is also a fan of technology and social media.
Sesame Street already contains several Hispanic characters. Maria and Luis debuted on "Sesame Street" in 1971 as human characters, while Rosita is a turquoise monster who joined in 1993. “Mando” will make his debut on the 44th season of Sesame Street, which begins on September 16, 2013.
Featured Photo Credit: kdhnews.com
Article reprinted with permission of USAonRace.com
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