Big Bird in trouble, again?

[pearl]

Not sure whether to chalk this up to political correctness, or actual reflection on discrimination.

Maryland family has sued a Sesame Street theme park for $25m alleging that multiple costumed characters ignored their five-year-old Black daughter and other Black guests.

In the nine-second video, which was widely shared, the employee high-fived a white child and woman but gestured “no” and ignored the Black girls who had their arms outstretched for a high-five.

In an initial statement, Sesame Place said the park and its employees support “inclusivity and equality in all forms”. It said the Rosita performer “did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated by the misunderstanding”, adding that the costumes make it difficult for employees to see at lower levels.

A second statement apologized again and added that the park would be “taking action to do better”, including providing inclusivity training for its employees.
Family sues Sesame Street theme park after racial discrimination allegations (msn.com)

 

[Subduction Zone]

Not sure whether to chalk this up to political correctness, or actual reflection on discrimination.

Maryland family has sued a Sesame Street theme park for $25m alleging that multiple costumed characters ignored their five-year-old Black daughter and other Black guests.

In the nine-second video, which was widely shared, the employee high-fived a white child and woman but gestured “no” and ignored the Black girls who had their arms outstretched for a high-five.

In an initial statement, Sesame Place said the park and its employees support “inclusivity and equality in all forms”. It said the Rosita performer “did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated by the misunderstanding”, adding that the costumes make it difficult for employees to see at lower levels.

A second statement apologized again and added that the park would be “taking action to do better”, including providing inclusivity training for its employees.
Family sues Sesame Street theme park after racial discrimination allegations (msn.com)

I don't know if it is due to being from a different angle, I previously saw this or another video, or being more aware of the limitations of the costume, but it does look like the shaking the head "No" was in response to the previous person that was high fived. The little girls could easily be below the line of sight of the person in the costume.

I don't see this lawsuit going anywhere.

If one looks at the eyes of the character it looks like a deliberate snub. But if one looks at the mouth where the eyes of the wearer of the costume are it is easy to see how a short little person could be easily missed.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

If black kids were being ignored, there should be some sort of consequence.
But $25m? That seems...somewhat disproportionate.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Money grab attempt via lawyer.

25 mil?

These people need to get a life.

 

[Twilight Hue]

If black kids were being ignored, there should be some sort of consequence.
But $25m? That seems...somewhat disproportionate.

The lawyer lottery. People play that game probably more than the ticket version.


I'd laugh if the costumed actors were black people themselves.

 

[Stevicus]

Not sure whether to chalk this up to political correctness, or actual reflection on discrimination.

Maryland family has sued a Sesame Street theme park for $25m alleging that multiple costumed characters ignored their five-year-old Black daughter and other Black guests.

In the nine-second video, which was widely shared, the employee high-fived a white child and woman but gestured “no” and ignored the Black girls who had their arms outstretched for a high-five.

In an initial statement, Sesame Place said the park and its employees support “inclusivity and equality in all forms”. It said the Rosita performer “did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated by the misunderstanding”, adding that the costumes make it difficult for employees to see at lower levels.

A second statement apologized again and added that the park would be “taking action to do better”, including providing inclusivity training for its employees.
Family sues Sesame Street theme park after racial discrimination allegations (msn.com)

I guess it may be difficult to see out of those costumes, but I've never worn one like that, so I really can't say. I'd be interested in hearing from people who have worn costumes like that and find out their take on whether their story is plausible. They have to be able to see something in order to walk around and interact. I don't know if the costumes muffle their hearing either, so I suppose that could be a factor, if they didn't hear the kids.

I saw the video, but it's hard to say what's actually happening there. They're also saying that it was multiple characters, not just that one. So if it was a consistent pattern of snubbing by multiple characters, there may have been more than what was shown in the video. But if it was just a single questionable incident which might have just been a misunderstanding, then that may be different.

 

[Shaul]

I met the original Big Bird performer, Caroll Spinney, at a cocktail reception once. It seems he had to keep one arm straight over his head in the costume to control the mouth. Only one “wing” had an arm in it the other was tethered to the suit by a string. The costume was so hot he would sweat to the point of dehydration during shoots. They crew would rush to get him out of it between takes. Nice guy, as I recall.

As far as this lawsuit goes, it is frivolous.

 

[pearl]

I'd laugh if the costumed actors were black people themselves.

Me too, but I think if that were the case it would have been brought up immediately.

 

[Aštra’el]

Some people deliberately choose to perceive “racism” in everything… especially if they know they can get a fat paycheck out of it.

 

[Alien826]

I'm stuck in this human costume 24/7, with only the occasional break.

Let me tell you, it's hot, stuffy and smells bad. I really miss having the ability to fully extend my tentacles and of course my natural 360 degree vision is greatly compromised.

I'm only revealing this because nobody will believe me.