I know I know I have A BAJILLION requests you want me to do, but after my AP World Hist. class I just HAD to do this! Your childhood will thank me!~


Title: Children of the World Together

Pairings: None

Summary: In 1969, integration has just taken effect, but will it be enough? America doesn't think so; the uneasiness his people are feeling are driving him to the edge. But one day, his boss tells him to check out a new TV show that is being aired for kids. Little does America know that this simple kid's show would grow into something that would bring the children of the world together and last for many years to come.


The date was November 9th, 1969; America walked through the halls of the White House. His boss had called him in wanting to see him about something; it must be pretty important. America entered the Oval Office where President Lyndon Johnson was sitting at his desk, "You wanted to see me?" America asked. Normally he was quite chipper, but not today; a lot of things had been happening in the country that America wasn't happy about.

Johnson gave him a sad smile, "Still troubled?" he asked. America shrugged, "You could say that," he answered.

The newest Civil Rights Act had been passed a year ago, which meant segregation was finally no more. America expected to be happier than ever now that his country could finally be called 'The Land of the Free'; but sadly that was not the case. Every day, he could constantly feel the uneasiness and anger of whites against blacks; everyone may be equal now, but it would take a hell of a long time before everyone got used to it.

Deep down, America was worried about what would happen if they never got along? Would all the work his people put in for equality in freedom over the years just end in more riots? More violence? …More deaths of innocent people? But what really clenched that fear were the children in his country. All the young and newborn ones had been born and raised in a segregated society; would they all grow up learning that blacks and whites and other races should be separated?

Johnson nodded, "I thought that was the case; that's why I called you here. I wanted to tell you that you've been invited to the CTW studio tomorrow." He said. America depressed trance was replaced by confusion, "The Children's Television Workshop? Why there?" he asked.

"A new children's show is airing tomorrow; the government has helped to fund the production, and I think it may be just what this country's children need to adjust to integration," Johnson answered, "They'll be expecting you there early tomorrow morning; I think it may be just what you need as well."

America opened his mouth to ask another question but decided against it; his boss hadn't been wrong about anything yet. "Alright; see you tomorrow boss." America said and turned to exit the room but stopped short, "By the way; what's this show called?" he asked.

Johnson smiled and turned around in his chair, "They call it Sesame Street."


America did as he was told and arrived at the CTW studio early the next morning. Everyone was walking briskly getting ready to air the T.V. shows that went through. A woman came up to America and smiled, "Mr. America; we've been expecting you, come right this way," she said. Thanks Ms….?" America trailed off, "Cooney; Ms. Joan Cooney," the woman answered.

America followed her into a room where two men were sitting at the dashboard watching multiple screens. America and Joan walked behind the chairs and watched as people added finishing touches to the large set. "The show will begin in just a few moments," Joan said. America nodded and observed the set; it was definitely a lot different from all the other shows he had seen.

This set was huge for one; other kid's shows usually took place in a single area. Also, this was an urban set; it reminded America a lot of New York City; so far this show had gotten his attention, but that would all depend on what they showed. Finally, the director shouted action and the show began.


America couldn't keep a smile off his face as he watched the adorable show take place. The puppets, or muppets as Joan called them, were cute and funny and the children on the show looked like they were having so much fun. But that wasn't what shocked America; what shocked him is what he was feeling in his country as children nationwide watched the show. He could feel a kind of spark; like something new was being born in the hearts of all of America's youngest children.

When the muppets all waved good-bye and the credits began to roll, America pouted, "Aww! It's over?" he whined, causing Joan to laugh, "Did you like it?" she asked.

"It was…I don't even know how to describe it," America said, "It was everything a kid could love, no matter what their race or origin!" Joan nodded, "Yes; hopefully it will help teach more children and help bring them together in a time like this," she said.

America nodded as his head swam with ideas when one particular thing came to mind; he wanted the rest of the world to know about this.


America ran through the hallway of the meeting building; he wasn't expecting to be so late getting all his stuff together. It had only been a few months since Sesame Street had aired and the effect on society was unbelievable! Not only were children learning more and more, but they were playing with other children more than ever.

Almost everywhere in New York, he would see young white and black children playing together and talking about the latest episode of Sesame Street and what they learned and how much they loved Elmo, Big Bird and Grover. Even adults seemed to be growing attached to the show and the wonders it was doing for their children as well.

America had never felt so jittery and happy in his life; he finally arrived at the large meeting doors and burst in, "The hero has arrived! Sorry I'm late dudes!" he announced. Everyone turned and frowned at him, "It's about time you got here…" Britain trailed off as everyone's faces became slightly shocked. America was…smiling.

For the past few meetings he had been on edge and upset about all the race riots going on in his country; it had been a good few years since the young nation had actually smiled. America rubbed the back of his head, "Well, I had to get all my stuff together because I have got a treat for you today!" he said. Germany cleared his throat, "Well, it's your turn to present anyway; go ahead." He said, gesturing to the podium.

"Awesome!" America said and stepped up; everyone slumped in their seats waiting for the inevitable 'Hero' speech to come up that would cause the whole meeting to break in to chaos. America put some papers on the podium and set up the projector before beginning, "As you know, just last year my government was finally able to end segregation and enforce integration of races at my place meaning that we are officially equal now!" he said happily before continuing, "But even though it was a great accomplishment, I was still worried about the future. Would integration really work after so many years of living with it? Especially with the children, being born and raised in a segregated country, I had no idea how they were going to learn about the new integration."

The countries were floored; Germany's jaw literally dropped and Britain nearly dropped his tea. They had never seen America be so serious about a situation that didn't directly involve him being…well, heroic. America smiled wider, "That was what I thought, until the government decided to fund a show at CTWs that would educate kids about basic facts like the alphabet and numbers, but also about being different," he continued. The other countries looked confused as America turned on the projector, "I give you, America's newest and popular kid's show, Sesame Street!" he announced.

One of the old episodes started as the muppets and kids all came onto the screen as the opening song played, "The muppets have no specific race and all the kids are integrated; they're all different, but they still teach kids that if they accept their differences they can still be friends because they're the same!" America explained.

The nations watched as the episode unfolded with the cute muppets interacting with the children, telling them about numbers, letters, and a variety of other things. Some countries even laughed and tapped their feet to some of the songs. When the episode ended, America turned off the projector, "I showed you this, because I don't think this show has to stay in America. I think that any kids worldwide would love and learn so much from this show; if you consider, just send me a word." He said, before stepping off the podium and taking his seat.


A few hours later, the meeting adjourned with the nations probably getting more done than they ever had in their lives. America packed up his stuff when Canada walked up to him, "Hey America," he said. "Sup Canadia?" America responded.

Canada hugged Kumajirou to his chest, "I wanted to say…I really like your presentation today; that show looked really cute." He said. America smiled, "Thanks; I think it's adorable too. You have no idea how much it's brought the kids at my place together after just a few months on the air!" Canada nodded, "I figured; also, I was thinking…"

"What?"

"I think my country would like a show like that too…do you think maybe we could get together and discuss making a version for my country sometime?" he asked. America's face lit up, "Sure bro!" he said.

"Could you include us too hermano?" A familiar Mexican voice called. America and Canada turned to see Mexico and Brazil coming towards them. "I think a show like that is just what my country needs," Mexico said. "Me too; it was adorable, and it would really help the kids at my place learn." Brazil added.

"I would like to participate as well," a German voice said. The four countries turned see Germany coming towards them, "The children in my country don't have many shows like that, not many at all; so…" Germany blushed slightly, as if embarrassed to be asking, "Would you mind if I attended the meeting as well to discuss it?"

America's smile grew ever wider, "Of course; what day would be the best for you?" Once the date was established America headed towards the airport while he called his boss, "Hey boss; you'll never guess what happened!" he said excitedly.


The year was now 2010 and America was happier than ever. Integration had settled in perfectly thanks to Sesame Street and children all over America no longer judged by race or differences. The show had only grown in popularity since it began; almost every preschooler was watching it by 1996. Not only that, but Nigeria had finally aired its own version of Sesame Street called Sesame Square.

After America had created different versions of the show for Canada (Sesame Park), Mexico (Plaza Sésamo), Brazil (Vila Sésamo), and Germany (Sesamstraße), almost every other country wanted in on the action. France, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, the Philippines, and so many more were given their own version of the beloved show and the results were no different than America's.

Children worldwide were given entertainment as well as knowledge. Not just knowledge of numbers and letters, but about people and cultures. They were taught that everyone is different, but that doesn't mean you couldn't be friends with them; even if you're a different race, religion or have a disease it doesn't change who you are.

It was as if world peace had already been achieved through that show alone. America sighed; he knew it would be a long time before world peace happened, but at least this show was a start. Sesame Street did something that people never could; it brought the children of the world together.

As long as the children were taught to accept difference and befriend everyone no matter whom they are, who knows? Maybe the next generation will be the one that brings the world and its people together as one.


EDUCATION TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!

On November 10th 1969, a year after the latest Civil Rights Act took effect, Sesame Street aired for the first time. As you all know, the show sported awesome characters with no specific race or ethnicity and had a variety of children on the show, promoting kinship between races helping to adjust to integration.

A few months after the show debuted, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany asked for the studio to create and produce versions of Sesame Street for their countries resulting in many different versions as you see in the story! The show became SO popular that a U.S. survey in 1996 showed that 95% of all preschoolers watched the show (Holy shit...)

Today, Sesame Street has been shown in over 120 different countries, teaching children about other cultures and to accept differences of other people. The shows did this by including a handicapped character as well as having handicapped children on the show and in the South African version Tekalani Sesamethe show introduced a muppet named Kami who was HIV positive because of how widespread the disease was in South Africa.

Sesame Street has ALWAYS been there. I know you all remember watching it; it taught us the alphabet, how to count, about culture and it helped us make friends. Re-watching it brings back MAJOR nostalgia and so many memories; I still remember all the characters today because how can you forget characters like Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Ernie, Bert and all those other guys!

In my AP World Hist class we were watching 'The World According to Sesame Street' and I never knew how much of an impact this show had on the world. It was unbelievable how it brought together different races in different countries and how much it taught kids. Let's just say, after watching that video, I felt very proud to have watched and learned from that show, and you should be too.

In fact, if you have free time, go watch Sesame Street right now! Do it! For nostalgia's sake! Do it now! You know you want to!

Next chappie should be a request so stay tuned!

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