Bert, Ernie, and the argument over sexuality in children's programming

BERT AND ERNIE, NOT GAY: According to NPR, it's official: the 'most beloved pair of bachelors on Sesame Street are not gay.' The creators of the show, Sesame Workshop, released the following statement. "Bert and Ernie are best friends.  They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics, they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation." Well, thank God that's over. To be honest, though, this sort of thing has always been a source of great amusement; anyone remember Jerry Falwell's fit over the Teletubbies? My favourite episode in that saga was when Falwell asserted that Tinky Winky must be gay because he totes a handbag, to which the producers of the show retorted, it's a "magic bag." Undoubtedly the controversy over sexual orientation in children's programming will continue, much to my dismay.