Post by sophiapa116 on Dec 5, 2012 6:53:27 GMT -5
As one of the most iconic figures of all time, Sesame Street's Elmo has been influencing the world's children for decades. Just recently, Kevin Clash, the man behind this beloved monster's high-pitched voice and cherubic demeanor was accused of having had homosexual relations with a minor. Although this alleged offense occurred over seven years ago, the accuser brought this impropriety to the federal court in New York just last month. The accuser, Cecil Singleton, now 24 years old, claims he has suffered psychological harm due to his involvement with Clash and is seeking five million dollars for damages. Singleton claims that they met in an online gay chatroom and later became involved for a two-week period. Society, through the media, has swarmed this potentially scandalous act, even though Clash has yet to confess and the accusation is still unsubstantiated.
A strong moral consensus is present in American society, some aspects so strong that they are enforced by the law. If one does not follow this moral code, he/she is subject to judgment and punishment. Undoubtedly, being the voice of Elmo subjects Clash to the current American moral consensus even more than others, given that Elmo is such a positive influence on children. Similarly, In The Crucible, there is strong consensus based on Puritan ideology and those outside of the consensus are judged and punished. Witchcraft is not accepted in Puritan ideology and those who commit witchcraft are judged and hanged, despite lack of evidence. Likewise, Clash is judged soley based on an accusation rather than solid fact. Once word of this alleged offense surfaced, Clash ceased to uphold the moral expectations of society and is immediately condemned.
Henceforth, there will inevitably be a permanent stigma attached to Elmo on some level. Society has jumped on the possiblity of Clash not adhering to the moral consensus. Clash was aware of this alleged offense's effect on society and stepped down as Elmo in an attempt to preserve the good name of Elmo and Sesame Street. Despite Clash's retirement, Hasbro's Sesame Street toy line executives are still worried that a decline in Elmo merchandise sales will ensue. Elmo-related products make up over 75% of Hasbro's Sesame Street merchandise and Hasbro stands to lose a substantial amount of money if customers stop buying these products in protest over Clash's potential immorality. Currently, there has not been a visible decrease in purchases. However, even if the scandal does not materially impact Elmo merchandise sales, the stigma certainly tarnishes the purity of the Sesame Street Elmo brand forever.
Hopefully, the stigma that has developed will not be able to overpower Elmo's lovable sweetness and purity, as there are still degrees of separation between Elmo and Clash. With another person behind Elmo, people may begin to disassociate Elmo and Clash even more. Nonetheless, even if Clash does not confess and he is not convicted, there will still be a tarnish to his name, and Elmo's name.
Word Count: 488
Works Cited
Campbell, Andy. "Elmo Sex Scandal: Kevin Clash Faces Third Underage Sex Allegation." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 27 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012.
Jensen, Elizabeth, and Brian Stelter. "Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation." New York Times n.d.: n. pag. Media Decoder Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation Comments. 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012.
A strong moral consensus is present in American society, some aspects so strong that they are enforced by the law. If one does not follow this moral code, he/she is subject to judgment and punishment. Undoubtedly, being the voice of Elmo subjects Clash to the current American moral consensus even more than others, given that Elmo is such a positive influence on children. Similarly, In The Crucible, there is strong consensus based on Puritan ideology and those outside of the consensus are judged and punished. Witchcraft is not accepted in Puritan ideology and those who commit witchcraft are judged and hanged, despite lack of evidence. Likewise, Clash is judged soley based on an accusation rather than solid fact. Once word of this alleged offense surfaced, Clash ceased to uphold the moral expectations of society and is immediately condemned.
Henceforth, there will inevitably be a permanent stigma attached to Elmo on some level. Society has jumped on the possiblity of Clash not adhering to the moral consensus. Clash was aware of this alleged offense's effect on society and stepped down as Elmo in an attempt to preserve the good name of Elmo and Sesame Street. Despite Clash's retirement, Hasbro's Sesame Street toy line executives are still worried that a decline in Elmo merchandise sales will ensue. Elmo-related products make up over 75% of Hasbro's Sesame Street merchandise and Hasbro stands to lose a substantial amount of money if customers stop buying these products in protest over Clash's potential immorality. Currently, there has not been a visible decrease in purchases. However, even if the scandal does not materially impact Elmo merchandise sales, the stigma certainly tarnishes the purity of the Sesame Street Elmo brand forever.
Hopefully, the stigma that has developed will not be able to overpower Elmo's lovable sweetness and purity, as there are still degrees of separation between Elmo and Clash. With another person behind Elmo, people may begin to disassociate Elmo and Clash even more. Nonetheless, even if Clash does not confess and he is not convicted, there will still be a tarnish to his name, and Elmo's name.
Word Count: 488
Works Cited
Campbell, Andy. "Elmo Sex Scandal: Kevin Clash Faces Third Underage Sex Allegation." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 27 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012.
Jensen, Elizabeth, and Brian Stelter. "Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation." New York Times n.d.: n. pag. Media Decoder Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation Comments. 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012.