After Sesame Street’s Big Bird tweeted that he received the COVID-19 vaccine, Sen. Ted Cruz and other right-wing media figures criticized the character for promoting “propaganda” to children.
Sesame Street launched a promotional campaign during the past week after the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for ages 5-11, according to Insider.
“I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy,” Big Bird account posted on Saturday.
“Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!” Big Bird wrote, referring to CNN journalist Erica Hill.
Several Sesame Street characters, including Big Bird, participated in a town hall event on CNN to answer questions from kids and families about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Big Bird’s post drew more than 258,000 likes and more than 16,000 comments by Monday morning. A response from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was among them.
Cruz responded to the tweet, accusing Big Bird of promoting “propaganda.”
“Government propaganda…for your 5 year old!” he wrote on Twitter.
Newsmax host Steve Cortes also responded, calling Big Bird’s post “evil.”
“This kind of propaganda is actually evil,” he wrote in a tweet. “Your children are not statistically at risk, and should not be pressured into a brand new treatment. Do Not Comply!”
Other right-wing figures, including Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe and political commentator Michael Cernovich, also posted criticism about Big Bird’s comment. Several people, including Cruz, continued to post new comments about Big Bird throughout the weekend.
Although Sesame Street and Big Bird have faced criticism for promoting the COVID-19 vaccine, the show and character have long been involved in public health campaigns, Insider reported. In 1972, for instance, Big Bird participated in a segment telling children to “don’t wait — vaccinate.”
Throughout the weekend, Twitter users also commented in support of Big Bird’s post about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The account now has more than 247,000 followers, gaining more than 30,000 followers during the weekend.
President Joe Biden also replied on Sunday night.
“Good on ya, @BigBird,” his tweet said. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe.”
Sources:
Insider: “Ted Cruz leads right-wing attack on Big Bird for promoting ‘propaganda’ after the Sesame Street character got the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Twitter: @BigBird, Nov. 6, 2021.
Twitter: @tedcruz, Nov. 6, 2021.
Twitter: @CortesSteve, Nov. 6, 2021.
Twitter: @POTUS, Nov. 7, 2021.
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