Journal 6: The Pupeteer of Elmo Isn't Who We Thought..

Elmo Pupeteer, Kevin Clash, Courtesy of ABC 5 Eyewitness News

When I came upon this article, "Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Faces a Third Accusation of Underage Sex, in Continuation of World's Worst Bedtime Story" I was shocked.  As a kid, I watched Sesame Street every morning before I left for school.  It was on at 7:00, so I always made sure I was dressed and ready so I could watch it while I ate my breakfast.  According to Sean O'Neal, Kevin Clash had been faced with two accusations of having underage sex with children.  It was recently revealed that it wasn't only two, but now a third child.  The third accuser told O'Neal about his apartment.  He remembers many Elmo objects such as Elmo dolls, an Emmy award, and many pictures of Elmo with famous people, in his living room.

After reading this article it really makes you think.  It is sad to think that something that I loved so much at one time could turn into this.  It is scary to think about what causes people to do such things.  And it is crazy to think about what these children have to live with that had to experience this.  They too, are forever scarred.  It does surprise me though how long people have waited to say anything to someone about the accusations being made.  Maybe they tried their best to just forget about what happened, or maybe they even didn't know what to do so they just stayed quiet.  Either way, I am glad to hear that they did finally say something, even if it has been awhile.  Clash should not be able to get away with something like that.  He should be punished for the wrong that he did.  

http://www.avclub.com/articles/elmo-puppeteer-kevin-clash-faces-a-third-accusatio,89158/

Journal 5: A Booming Cupcake Business

Jillian Hopke after 'Cupcake War's, courtesy of Billy Goble of WGX Productions

Jillian Hopke was just like any child at age 3.  She had big dreams of becoming famous and wanted to be part of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade.  Although most children start realizing as they get older, that their dream may not be possible, that thought never crossed Jillian's mind.  "The Reality of Reality TV: Jillian Hopke's Sweet Victory in the 'Cupcake Wars'" by Lynnette Porter talks about the journey that Jillian went through, getting her to where she is today.

Throughout this article, it was made very clear that if you want something, you were going to have to work for it.  I loved Jillian's attitude.  She knew she was going to have to work hard for something that she really wanted, yet that never stopped her.  Jillian became a contestant on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars.  She talked about each week on the show and talked about how hard some weeks were.  She mentioned the judges comments and shared how it wasn't always easy to stay positive, especially after being told by the judges' that they did not like something.  Just as it is when a coach yells at you, or a teacher, normally getting feedback like that just pushes someone to try even harder.  Which was what Jillian did.  She went on to win Cupcake Wars, which made her cupcake business blossom.

Jillian's cupcake business, Jillycakes, become known world-wide.  People were coming in from all over wanting to try her cupcakes.  She even had people calling from over seas placing orders so when they arrived in the US they could stop for their cupcakes.  This really surprised me.  It continues to amaze me how much of an influence media plays in our world today.  Just from one show, Jillycakes is now known world-wide.  It is absolutely amazing how one person's business can grow so much, all from one television competition.

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/163241-the-reality-of-reality-tv-jillian-hopkes-sweet-victory-in-the-cupcak/

Journal 4: Championship Parades Not All That

Giant's Celebration Parade, Courtesy of Katie Baker/Grantland

I don't know what it is, but it seems in times like today, children are growing up differently than before.  Years ago, children wouldn't think twice about helping out their mother or father or saying please and thank you.  Today, it seems that many children do not respect their elders, or anyone around them for that matter.  After reading this article, "Stoners, Segways, and Some Horrible, Horrible Nudity" by Katie Baker, about the championship parade, it surprised me how rude some people have become, or maybe how rude they have always been.  

The first thing that stuck out to me was when two young boys climbed up on top of a storefront to sit and watch the parade.  The lady that owned the building was yelling out the window at the two young boys telling them to get down.  They sat there and acted like they didn't even hear her, more than not even hearing her, they lit up a joint right then and there.  It is one thing to make a mistake and listen when told to do something.  But to sit there (on the lady's property) and not move when asked, is taking it to a whole new level.  

The second thing that stuck out to me was the disrespect people showed during the parade.  Not only were just the athletes in the parade, but the coaches, trainers, concession stand workers, etc. all got their chance to be in the parade as well.  When the athletes didn't come right away, people got mad and started yelling at the people in the parade, "Where are the players?"  Another yelled, "We don't care about you" when the trainers went past.  

After hearing these things said, I just shake my head.  It is crazy to think that our world has come to this.  People will say things without even realizing the harm that it may be causing others.  For adults to be saying these kinds of things, whether or not they are a parent or not, more than likely there are children around them since they are at a public event.  Whether or not these adults know it, they are a role model for the children around them.  If a child hears someone saying these things, they think it is okay because someone with authority is saying it, so it has to be okay.  

Not many people think about such parades as places where hateful words and acts can be done.  It is sad to think that things have come to this.  People say what they feel, regardless of who it may be hurting.  It has become a world where even when you do take your children out to say, watch a parade, you don't know what they will hear or see because of the other people that might be there.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8579371/stoners-segways-horrible-nudity-year-sf-giants-victory-parade