Maybe it’s because I have seen firsthand the joy that Elmo can bring to children. Maybe it’s because I am still a four-year-old inside. Maybe it’s because I’m partial; it could very well be. Having played Elmo for two summers at SeaWorld, I have witnessed the joy this furry red monster brings children from all around the globe. Whether the children come from Australia, or Britain, or Japan, whether they be a boy or girl, they still approach Elmo with the same giddy awe and million-dollar smile.
When I was a child I watched Sesame Street and I watched Elmo’s World. I sang along, and I loved it. It brought joy to my childhood. Now as a teenager, I find that being able to give back to the community by delivering that same joy to a nation of children and seeing the impact it has on them has been an invaluable experience; something I never knew was possible.
So yeah, maybe I am partial when I say this, but rightly so—
Regardless of what Kevin Clash, the voice and creator of Elmo, has or has not done, should have nothing to do with the character of Elmo.
Clash was accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor many years ago, and now the said minor has decided to bring their previous relationship to the media’s attention.
Many of the parents are skeptical about allowing their kids to watch Elmo now, according to the Wall Street Journal. They say that they can’t look at Elmo anymore without seeing Clash and remembering the accusations against him.
I have no intention of arguing whether or not what Clash did was consensual, or whether or not he is guilty. However, whatever Clash has done should not overshadow Elmo’s character and what this character has done for millions of children.
When children watch Elmo they don’t look at the person behind the puppet. If that were the case then the children, and many of the parents, would be confused to find that a 5’ 1,” Asian-American, 17-year-old girl (me) plays Elmo as well.
It doesn’t occur to these children that there is a person behind the magic.
To them, Elmo is real. He is a living breathing red furry monster that has the same interests, fears, questions as they do, and he answers those questions in a way that children all around the world, at any age, can understand.
Children probably have no idea who Clash is or what he has done in his lifetime.
I am speaking from experience when I say that the person behind the puppet or costume has nothing to do with the character.
I have seen children light up at the sight of Elmo.
I have heard children scream out for Elmo at an ear-piercing decibel, shouting for Elmo to wave hello or blow a kiss while he is singing “One Fine Face.”
I have felt their little arms wrap their hands around him so tight, as if they never want to let go.
I have seen a mother cry as she watched her Down Syndrome child smile for the first time.
Elmo brings a multitude of happiness.
Elmo fosters that innocence that is so pure and valuable in children.
Elmo speaks to them in a way many adults cannot.
And even Clash recognizes that. He created this character for children of all ages, races, and cultures to enjoy and latch on to.
He wasn’t fired from Sesame Street, he chose to step down from playing Elmo to sort out his personal life.
Clash recognizes that Elmo doesn’t need him, and that letting Elmo’s reputation remain innocent is a greater service to this nation than anything else he could do.
So I will leave you with this. Try not to think, “sex offender” every time you see Elmo now. Keep the puppeteer separate from the puppet.
Think of the joy this character has brought to a nation that needs it so.
Just look at the children’s faces while they’re watching Elmo play with his fish Dorothy, and I promise you, you won’t even remember the man behind the puppet.
