/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6192943932fe00c55b2a79f4/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=1902&cropY1=0&cropY2=1069 "‘Sesame Street’ Adds First Asian-American Muppet")
Topline
Sesame Street announced Monday its first Asian-American Muppet, Ji-Young, a 7-year-old Korean-American character whose introduction will help broach the topic of anti-Asian racism amid a surge of reported incidents since the beginning of the Covid pandemic — the latest milestone for a show long known for addressing important and sometimes fraught social issues.
Ernie appears with new character Ji-Young on the “Sesame Street” set in New York on Nov. 1, 2021. … [+]
Key Facts
Ji-Young will debut in the upcoming Thanksgiving Day episode, “See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special,” which will also feature celebrity guests including Padma Lakshmi, Naomi Osaka and Simu Liu.
In it, Ji-Young deals with the fallout after being told to “go home” in an offscreen incident.
The character will be performed by puppeteer Kathleen Kim, Sesame Street said in a press release.
It’s part of the show’s “Coming Together” initiative focusing on racial justice, which has included CNN town halls geared toward children.
Key Background
Sesame Street has tackled a number of other issues in the past, including substance abuse, incarceration and homelessness. Earlier this year the series added new Muppets Elijah and West, a Black father and son who discuss race with Elmo.
Big Number
73%. That’s how much anti-Asian hate crimes rose by last year in the United States, according to FBI data.
Further Reading
“‘Sesame Street’ debuts Ji-Young, first Asian American muppet” (Associated Press)
“‘Sesame Street’ introducing new Korean-American character” (CNN)
“‘Sesame Street’ makes history as it adds first Asian American Muppet to cast” (NBC News)
