The beloved Sesame Street may seem like a heartwarming kids’ show filled with light-hearted fun and simple lessons.
But once we look a bit deeper, the television series appears to have a much deeper message.
Rumours have constantly buzzed around the true nature of Bert and Ernie’s relationship. They do share the same bedroom, after all.
Bert, “Can we finally push the beds together now?”#BertandErnie #goodforyou pic.twitter.com/vjaXt7kXyS
— Justin Wright (@HW_jwright) 18 September 2018
However, the show’s creators have finally released a statement revealing the truth about the friend’s tie to one another.
“As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves.
“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation,” they explained.
Please see our statement below regarding Bert and Ernie. pic.twitter.com/6r2j0XrKYu
— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) 18 September 2018
The adored children’s show chooses to focus on the puppets’ friendship above all else.
Their intention for creating the dynamic duo was to promote diversity and show young kids that a friend can be found in anyone, no matter how unalike they are from you.
“Sesame Street has always stood for inclusion and acceptance,” the series’ statement continued.
“It’s a place where people of all cultures and backgrounds are welcome. Bert and Ernie were created to be best friends, and to teach young children that people can get along with those who are very different from themselves.”
Please see our most recent statement regarding Bert and Ernie below. pic.twitter.com/gWTF2k1y83
— Sesame Workshop (@SesameWorkshop) 18 September 2018
So, while the creators jokingly remind us that the puppets “do not have a sexual orientation”, they also convey an important message at the heart of the two’s relationship.
It’s like Ernie says: “The key to a lasting friendship is always respecting each other, listening to each other, and caring about what the other person thinks and feels.”
