My Letter to Sesame Street Concerning Futher Employment of Mr. Wayne Brady

I wrote this letter below to Sesame Street, and encourage others to do the same.

Dear Executives of Children's Television Workshop and Creators of Sesame Street:

I am a father of a beautiful little girl born on May 26, 2012. My daughter happens to have Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome. You probably are aware that this is a chromosomal abnormality when a third chromosome is attached to the twenty-first pair of chromosomes. The result is developmental delay and can cause numerous other health concerns. We are fortunate that major health concerns like a severe heart or gastrointestinal condition have not manifested themselves. But as with most of these children, developmental concerns are expected.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and have always been a great fan and supporter of the program. My older sons who are 6 years old and 5 years old watch the program regularly as well. They especially love the Elmo and Cookie Monster characters. I have purchased numerous products with Sesame Street licensing for my children. I wholeheartedly would love to see the program go on for many years. I have fond memories of Sesame Street as a child.

One of the great things about Sesame Street is its educating children on diversity and understanding of others. That is why it is with great concern that I write this letter to you.

I am writing to express my concerns about any possible future participation of comedian Wayne Brady in Sesame Street episodes. I know Mr. Brady has participated in several episodes in the past.

I am sure you all are aware that Mr. Brady participated in Comedy Central’s recent roast of comedian Rosanne Barr. I am also certain that you are aware that Mr. Brady used the youngest child of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin—a 4-year-old named Trig Palin, a child with Trisomy 21—in a joke implying that Trig will be an ugly 40-year-old. No matter the political views of any public figure, I believe a joke like this was nothing short of cruelty not only to young Trig Palin, but to his parents, and the entire community of people with Down Syndrome. Even though roasts are often characterized by mean spirited jabs, I believe a 4-year-old child with a disability and his mother—even if she is a political figure—should never be a part of it.

My concern is that Mr. Wayne Brady does not represent the values of the Sesame Street program which has consistently encouraged diversity and understanding of all kinds of people. I believe it would be a mistake and grievous insult to the Down Syndrome community and those who support them, if Sesame Street continued to employ or allow Mr. Brady to appear on any further programs until he has made a public apology for his remarks. Furthermore, I believe Mr. Brady should be asked by those who have employed him at Sesame Street to make amends to the Down Syndrome community by volunteering at and/or sponsoring one or several of their events as a condition of further employment on Sesame Street. If Wayne Brady were to appear on any further programs without any of these amends, the integrity of Sesame Street will be seriously damaged in the eyes of many people.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Gregory A. Yankey
Proud Father of a Beautiful Little Girl