The Congressional Black Caucus has asked for a sit-down with the Sesame Place Philadelphia boss over what it considers “glaring examples” of racism at the venue.
The theme park has found itself in the center of controversy after a video went viral that depicted the costumed character Rosita allegedly snubbing two young black children.
Sesame Place apologized for the incident that made headlines, but claimed, in part, that “the Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding.”
The park invited the family back “for a special meet-and-greet opportunity with our characters.”
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In a follow-up social media message, Sesame Place apologized again, adding that employees will go through inclusiveness training. It has separately described what happened as “unacceptable.”
“We sincerely apologize to the family for their experience in our park on Saturday; we know that it’s not OK. We are taking actions to do better. We are committed to making this right. We will conduct training for our employees so they better understand, recognize and deliver an inclusive, equitable and entertaining experience to our guests,” the apology stated.
— Sesame Place Philadelphia (@SesamePlace) July 18, 2022
The way these situations usually play out includes more groveling expressions of remorse along with the hiring of a diversity consultant.
In the meantime, the family has reportedly lawyered up.
As alluded to above, according to Chad Pergram, the Fox News’ congressional reporter, the CBC appears to be unsatisfied with the response so far.
“Congressional Black Caucus ‘is requesting an audience with Sesame Place Park President & General Manager Cathy Valeriano to discuss the changes, plans of action, and training the park plans to implement.’ CBC says ‘Over the past week, we’ve seen multiple glaring examples of racism coming from the park, including the viral video in which two beautiful little Black girls were blatantly rejected by a character they idolized while white children were embraced,'” Pergram wrote on Twitter.
B) CBC says "Over the past week, we’ve seen multiple glaring examples of racism coming from the park, including the viral video in which two beautiful little Black girls were blatantly rejected by a character they idolized while white children were embraced"
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) July 23, 2022
The Fox News correspondent was apparently quoting from a statement published on the CBC website on Saturday about what it deemed “abhorrent behavior” at the theme park.
The group’s press release also asserted that “Sesame Street is one of the nation’s highest-rated TV shows that, at one time, more than 95 percent of all American Preschoolers watched. So, naturally, Sesame Place should be where all children can go to have fun and celebrate. Sadly, that has not been the case…The show reaches young children in all demographics, with a particular impact on economically disadvantaged children, and families of color should know they will be welcomed at any institution that carries the Sesame Street name…”
Sesame Street theme park defends employee after angry mom screams racism, claims Rosita snubbed daughters via @BIZPACReview – https://t.co/4vbPRrCYHj
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) July 19, 2022
Many Twitter users have concluded that federal lawmakers have more pressing priorities to address. Here is just a sample:
Inflation, groceries, rent, gas all at record highs. What does Congress do? Meet with Seasame street about a fictional character
— JustJoe (@JustHoboJoe) July 24, 2022
What a f**king joke. We have other things to fix. This is not one of them.
— Jay W (@jaywhip) July 23, 2022
Is that the same Congressional Black Caucus that doesn’t allow Black Republicans to join?
— OutbackJon (@OutbackJon) July 24, 2022
Its an absolute clown show. And I don’t mean Sesame Street.
— Brad Johns (@BradJoh38662083) July 23, 2022
Dumbest thing ever, and an irresponsible waste of tax payer dollars.
— The Cool Brian (@SplitElement) July 23, 2022
Good thing they focus on the important issues facing our country! #WakeUpAmerica
— Wake Up America! (@TimeToWakeUp247) July 24, 2022
Do they know if the person playing the character was white or black?
Has anyone spoken to that person?
— Beers and Baseball (@BeersandBasebal) July 23, 2022
I worked for Chuck E Cheese in 1981, and had to be Chucky one day. Those big furry costumes? You can’t see in them, especially DOWN. I was flocked by 3 year olds & had a handler to move them off for fear I’d step on them. That guy in the costume, probably didn’t see those kids!
— 🐶Mom Ultra Make American Gas Affordable! 🇺🇸 (@strudalsmom) July 24, 2022
Easy target: More families accuse Sesame Street park of racism after lawyers start smelling lawsuit https://t.co/SDFFOu90fO pic.twitter.com/JBNHtFY95i
— Conservative News (@BIZPACReview) July 20, 2022
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