Sesame Street Brought to You by Corporate America

Like so many people who grew up in the 70s and 80s, some of my fondest and strongest memories of childhood surround watching Sesame Street. I trusted it. It was safe.

So how crazy is it that a show that preaches eating healthy food is now sponsored by McDonalds?! Its viewers are forced to watch the ads as they start the show off with a 30-second clip with Muppets before rolling through a series of advertisements.

What are the ads?

1. Sandals Resorts—this I have no problem with.
2. McDonalds—remember in Supersize me when they talk about Ronald McDonald and his effect on kids?
3. A website that gives you information about your kids asthma.
4. An organic food company pitching organic baby formula. (Thank goodness they have an organic sponsor.)

We just picked up a DVD set called "Sesame Street Old School,", which shows episodes, songs, and clips from way back in the day. It's a very refreshing change and reminds me of what made Sesame Street so unique. Instead of corporate sponsors, the show was famously brought to you today by the letter "R" and the number "7." Instead it's being brought to you by big pharma and the fast food industry.

Dr. Sidenberg