Changing the world, one letter at a time
America's continuing use of "muppet diplomacy" shows that it plays an effective role in resolving conflict and fighting discrimination against women. BY HARISH MEHTA
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AMERICA has been quietly conducting its "muppet diplomacy" around the world by using the hit television series, Sesame Street. The innovative initiative is aimed not just at entertaining children abroad; it is helping resolve conflicts globally, and promoting a slew of programmes in education and health.
The long-running television show has something to teach us all, young and old alike, the show's promoters have declared.
In April this year, the US State Department announced its latest episodes in the ongoing Sesame Street programme, adapted as Baghch-e-Simsim in Afghanistan. It features Zari, a hijab-clad six-year-old muppet, in the programme that was first produced in consultation with Afghanistan's Ministry of Education in 2011 and broadcast in both Dari and Pashto languages.
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