Is The Metaverse On The Way For “Sesame Street”?
Some fans of the beloved TV series criticized Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the show, after it announced it would be offering 5,555 versions of the Cookie Monster NFT collection.
Critics on social media said the decision to launch the NFT collection detracts from Sesame Street’s origins as an educational program to help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially black and Latino children. Is. Some pointed to the cost (each NFT costs $60) also makes it inaccessible to many audiences.
“NFTs are very much against the ideals that I associate with Sesame Street,” said Becca Petunia, author of Toughpigs: Muppet Fans Who Grew Up, A Sesame Street. online fan community,
Cookie Monster NFTs appear to be financially inaccessible to most people and are aimed at those with disposable income, Petunia continued.
“The environmental impact is questionable, which contradicts many of Sesame’s ecological messages,” she said. “This is not a product that feels purposeful or important.”
Others online had similar reactions.
“Sesame Street was created to help educate children in low-income living. To give those less privileged the opportunity to learn before they enter preschool,” A fan account called “Muppet History,” Tweeted. “This nostalgia for cash grabs goes completely against that ideology and it’s sickening.”
“Who even asked that?! Who does it appeal to? wrote Another Twitter user.
Some even questioned the relevance of NFTs. “Are NFTs Still Around?” a twitter user wrote,
Another user wrote, “This is a complete disrespect to an educational institution like Sesame Street…but…the NFT market is falling.” couple,
A spokesperson for Sesame Workshop did not respond to a request for comment.
“The launch of Sesame Street Digital Collectibles continues our mission-driven work to help kids everywhere grow up smart, strong and kind while giving our longtime adult fans a new way to showcase their love for Sesame Street helps to fund. character,” the spokesperson said. “Partnering with VV is an opportunity for collectors to explore the digital space to engage with them in a way that resonates with them.”
VeVe, a digital collectibles app partnered with Sesame Street, offers premium licensed collectibles from partner brands including Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Warner Bros., and Star Wars. The platform allows fans to interact with each other by displaying their digital collections in a virtual showroom and asking other collectors to visit the showroom, comment and like.
Some online defended Sesame Street’s decision.
“NFTs are better for the environment [than] Real toys, and there’s a real collector base for the ones people love to hate,” one Twitter user wrote,
Another user wrote, “I grew up watching Sesame Street and am still a fan.” wrote, “It was a part of my childhood. I haven’t seen a valid argument against NFTs yet that can’t be dismissed. Arguments against NFTs are either weak or just stemmed from ignorance.”
The Cookie Monster NFT drop is scheduled for March 19th.
Petunia said she plans to honor the “Sesame Street” show she grew up with.
“Yeah, this particular image is new,” she said of the NFT, “but it does nothing to further our appreciation for the characters in a meaningful way.”
