YOUTUBE: I LOVE MY HAIR SESAME STREET
A recent episode of Sesame Street introduced a segment that caused quit the stir amongst parents nation wide. The now raved Youtube sensation entitled "I love my hair" is an upbeat charismatic video in which an African American Muppet dances and sings. Through out the video the Muppet plays with her kinky and curly brown hair while singing the following catchy tune: "Don't need a trip to the beauty shop cause I love what I got on top/ It's curly and its brown, and its right up there; you know what I love? That's right, my kinky hair!"
Joey Mazzarino, the head writer of Sesame street, was the brain child of the popular segment. Though of Caucasian decent himself, both Mazarin and his wife parent a four year old daughter Segi; originally from Ethiopia. Both parents watched as Segi became increasingly interested in the doll. Not just any doll, Segi had taken an interest in playing specifically with the doll that came adorned with a head of straight, long, blond hair. The Mazzarinos originally worried that Segi's newly developed admiration for her dolls hair was an issue specific to those parenting African American children. Though upon closer examination, Mazzarino found that it was much larger then his personal life and rather an issue of beauty amongst all little girls.
With that, "I love my hair" was born! A format for an innovative and yet simplistically carried out message knows no better home then Sesame Street. The show is not only one of the longest running children's programs in history but has earned a coveted soft spot in hearts of all ages nation wide. Falling in line with the current trend of subliminal imagery, the skit is composed of a culmination of sounds, pictures, and various images. All of which allow for the message to be evident through a kid friendly spectrum. The finished jingle is unarguably catchy; and portrays a sense of universal beauty
From a personal standpoint, I can sympathize with media's constant pressure as to what you are "supposed" to look like. No matter the age of the woman, pressure is evident anywhere from commericals to magazines. Sadly, a girl is faced with a constant media stream telling her she needs to be just about every thing except herself. Complexes and insecurities in women are relevant because its what composes a girls self confidence. Sesame street creating healthy messages and morals is fun for everyone, but most importantly, it spreads the importance of loving you for you.
Acknowledgment and appreciation for all our differences are prevalent in allowing for a a less self critical society. Because we are a nation consisting of all types of people, its our responsibility to not ignore differences amongst races, but to rather embrace them. This will allow for a wider spectrum for the perception of beauty rather than pigeon holing it into one idea.
