Don’t Mess With Big Bird

Don’t Mess With Big Bird

10/5/2012

link

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/opinion/blow-dont-mess-with-big-bird.html

summary

In this opinion piece from The New York Times, the author discusses the controversy surrounding Big Bird during the 2012 United States presidential campaign. The article explores how Big Bird, a character from the children's television show Sesame Street, became a symbol for the debate over government funding for public broadcasting. The author argues that attacking Big Bird was a distraction from more important issues and criticizes politicians for using the character as a political tool. The article emphasizes the importance of investing in education and cultural programs for children, and highlights the positive impact that Sesame Street has had on generations of viewers.

tags

big bird ꞏ sesame street ꞏ children's television ꞏ public broadcasting ꞏ funding cuts ꞏ educational programming ꞏ political satire ꞏ presidential debate ꞏ campaign issues ꞏ government spending ꞏ media influence ꞏ children's entertainment ꞏ cultural impact ꞏ nostalgia ꞏ popular culture ꞏ iconic characters ꞏ childhood memories ꞏ public opinion ꞏ media coverage ꞏ political commentary ꞏ social media ꞏ internet memes ꞏ 2012 election ꞏ media manipulation ꞏ public figure ꞏ children's education ꞏ budget priorities ꞏ political theater ꞏ cultural criticism ꞏ media bias ꞏ comedic activism ꞏ iconic tv shows ꞏ puppetry ꞏ social responsibility ꞏ media literacy ꞏ educational value ꞏ public support ꞏ grassroots movements ꞏ political targeting ꞏ campaign strategies ꞏ advocacy ꞏ television personalities ꞏ media campaigns ꞏ political rhetoric