Welcome at last, Ms Muppet
I know, I know, over-analysing “cult” children’s television is the worst sort of pseudo-intellectual nostalgia. But anyway. Sesame Street has unveiled its first new female muppet in 13 years. At last, a fragrant companion for Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, Grover, Oscar and the Count.
For a show that prides itself on promoting diversity, liberal values and inclusiveness, the dearth of female characters is inexplicable. But now it has Abby Cadabby, a pink fairy with long eyelashes, a squeaky voice and a floaty dress. Naturally, this is all about smashing those pesky gender stereotypes — a “challenge”, according to the show’s producer, because lady muppets have to be “reflective of girls and their character but also strong and smart and funny”. Impossible, surely!