Is the metaverse on its way to «Sesame Street»?
Some fans of the beloved TV series criticized sesame workshopthe non-profit organization behind the program, after announcing that it would offer 5,555 editions of Cookie Monster NFT collectibles.
Critics on social media said the decision to release an NFT collection is a divergence from Sesame Street’s origins as an educational program to help level the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly Black and Latino children. . Some pointed out that the cost (each NFT is priced at $60) also makes it inaccessible to many viewers.
«NFTs are very much against the ideals that I associate with Sesame Street,» said Becca Petunia, a writer for ToughPigs: Muppet Fans Who Grew Up, a Sesame Street. online fan community.
Cookie Monster NFTs seem financially unaffordable to most people and are geared towards those with disposable income, Petunia continued.
«The environmental impact is questionable, which contradicts Sesame’s many green messages,» he said. «It’s not a product that feels useful or important.»
Others online had similar reactions.
“Sesame Street was built to help educate children in low-income life. Giving the underprivileged the opportunity to learn before they enter preschool.” a fan account, called «Muppet Story», tweeted. «This nostalgia-fueled cash grab goes against that ideology completely and is disgusting.»
“Who asked for this?! Who does this attract? wrote another Twitter user.
Some also questioned the relevance of NFTs. «Do NFTs still exist?» a Twitter user wrote.
«This is pure disrespect for an educational institution like Sesame Street… but… the NFT market is crashing,» another user aggregate.
A Sesame Workshop spokesperson did not address the reaction when asked for comment.
“The launch of Sesame Street digital collectibles helps fund our mission-driven work to help children around the world become smarter, stronger and kinder, while also giving our adult fans around the world life a new way to show your love for Sesame Street. character,» the spokesperson said. «Partnering with VeVe is an opportunity to explore the digital space to connect with collectors in ways that resonate with them.»
VeVe, a digital collectibles app that has partnered with Sesame Street, offers premium licensed collectibles from partner brands including Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Warner Bros., and Star Wars. The platform lets fans interact with each other by displaying their digital collections in virtual showrooms and by virtually visiting, commenting and liking other collectors’ showrooms.
Some online defended Sesame Street’s decision.
«NFTs are better for the environment [than] real toys, and there’s a real collector base for these that people love to spew hate at,» one Twitter user wrote.
«I grew up watching Sesame Street and am a fan to this day,» another user wrote. «It was part of my childhood. I haven’t seen a valid argument against NFTs that can’t be refuted yet. The arguments against NFTs are weak or simply stem from ignorance.»
The Cookie Monster NFT drop is scheduled for March 19.
Petunia said she plans to honor the «Sesame Street» she grew up with.
«Yes, this particular image is new,» he said of the NFTs, «but it doesn’t do anything to increase our appreciation for the characters in any meaningful way.»