Cover Story: Bert and Ernie’s “Moment of Joy”

[babsbunny]

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2013/06/new-yorker-cover-bert-ernie-gay-marriage.html

Posted by Francoise Mouly and Mina Kaneko



In a nod to this week's landmark Supreme Court decisions regarding same-sex marriage, the striking new cover of The New Yorker features famous “are they or aren’t they” couple Bert and Ernie of "Sesame Street" snuggled up on the couch watching the news on television.

The two long-time bachelors are wearing their usual rainbow-striped shirts, with Ernie leaning on Bert’s shoulder with Bert’s arm around him as they gaze at a television showing the justices in their robes. The striking image, titled “Moment of Joy,” was submitted unsolicited to a Tumblr by artist Jack Hunter.

“It’s amazing to witness how attitudes on gay rights have evolved in my lifetime,” Hunter told The New Yorker. “This is great for our kids, a moment we can all celebrate.”

Even though Bert and Ernie are fictional characters, there was an online petition and Facebook page saying they should get married in 2011. The buzz grew to the point that Sesame Street Workshop formally addressed it.

“Bert and Ernie are best friends," the Workshop said in a statement. "They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves.

"Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most 'Sesame Street' Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation."
about an hour ago

[HiddenAgenda63]

1. I love these guys.

Ernie has alwys been my favorite muppet, but Bert comes a close second, tied with Sweetums...

If they don't want to get married, they don't have to...