THERE'S A WHOLE lot of sociology that came to play on Sesame Street over the years. Cookie Monster's "Me Want Cookie" became "Cookies are a sometimes food," the graffiti disappeared and the color palate brightened -- but for my money there was no greater (sadder) change than the decision, ten years in, to reveal Mr. Snuffelupagus to the world.
You could see the intent. The good people at Sesame Street didn't want to convey the message that kids wouldn't be believed if they told their parents something. But the great thing, the powerful thing, about Snuffy to me as a little kid was that he was our secret. It was frustrating that the adults didn't see him, but we did. We were right. They were wrong. And maybe that gave permission to a host of childhood fancies and imaginary friends, but maybe too, it gave permission for your imagination to take you whereever it led.
This is Snuffy's first appearance on the show, in 1972. (And note that the Latino guy in the group is Raul Julia!) I remember seeing this the first time. Look too, how scary he looks -- they'd soften that look pretty quickly. But that was part of the appeal to me, too. Something that could seem so scary wasn't, when you gave it a chance.
On second thought, maybe making him visible to all was a good idea. :)
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