In the wake of the Kevin Clash scandals, I'm left wondering if Elmo will be retired from Sesame Street, or if this is even possible given his fame (not to mention the companies who make millions off of said fame).
This article brings up the question of whether or not it's possible to separate the art from the artist. There's no question that Kevin Clash is gifted and brought the furry red Muppet to life; I'd like to think it's possible to separate the art from the artist. My son (2 years old) loves Elmo. All of this scandal associated with Clash goes so far above his head it's in the stratosphere. I don't see the point in taking away his favorite character, but I don't doubt that there are mothers and fathers who will.
My questions to you are: Will you let your youngsters continue to watch Sesame Street/bond with the Elmo character? Is it possible to separate the art from the artist? If they find a replacement for Kevin Clash, will it be the same "Elmo"? (I watched a documentary on Clash a while back where it talked about how one or two other puppeteers tried to operate Elmo before Clash took over, without success.)
This article brings up the question of whether or not it's possible to separate the art from the artist. There's no question that Kevin Clash is gifted and brought the furry red Muppet to life; I'd like to think it's possible to separate the art from the artist. My son (2 years old) loves Elmo. All of this scandal associated with Clash goes so far above his head it's in the stratosphere. I don't see the point in taking away his favorite character, but I don't doubt that there are mothers and fathers who will.
My questions to you are: Will you let your youngsters continue to watch Sesame Street/bond with the Elmo character? Is it possible to separate the art from the artist? If they find a replacement for Kevin Clash, will it be the same "Elmo"? (I watched a documentary on Clash a while back where it talked about how one or two other puppeteers tried to operate Elmo before Clash took over, without success.)