As the children’s show Sesame Street celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, the website Global Voices Online took some time to reflect on the cute, cuddly Muppet named Kami. The golden-yellow Kami is part of the South African edition of Sesame Street and is the world’s first HIV-positive Muppet.
Sesame Street is seen in over 140 countries and each version addresses local issues and has different Muppets. Kami made her debut on the South African Sesame Street co-production, called Takalani Sesame, in 2002 in response to the country’s HIV/AIDS problem. South Africa is believed to have the highest number of people infected with HIV in the world — an estimated 5.7 million people. Approximately 280,000 of those infected are children 14 and younger.
Kami helps educate kids about the disease and confronts issues related to being HIV-positive. In addition to the physical complications of having HIV, there’s also the stigma that comes with having the disease, which makes it harder for people to receive adequate treatment and support. The name Kami is derived from the Setswana word “Kamogelo,” meaning “acceptance.”
Though she’s proven to be a successful character, Kami has never appeared on the American Sesame Street and some people are outraged at the suggestion. What do you think?
Do you believe adding a character like Kami to Sesame Street or other popular shows for kids would help educate youngsters on HIV and its effects or is this topic inappropriate and too complicated for a children’s show?