Why The Muppets Are Great Role Models
It’s time to play to music.
It’s time to hit the lights.
It’s time to meet the Muppets…
Or, if you have been following their antics since childhood, The Muppet legacy transcends the decades and have been entertaining us, gladly, since 1955. With the release for The Muppets nearly three years ago and Muppets Most Wanted coming out this year; a brand new generation of children are going to be delighted by Kermit, Miss Piggy and a whole host of marionette pals.
There will be another Muppets sing along on 21 February – details here
Jim Henson and his irreplaceable work shop have created characters that live on in our childlike imaginations and into adult life. Simply because The Muppets are excellent role models for people of all ages. Here’s why;
Healthy Body Image
It is always nice to see a leading lady with a few more chops on her than usual. And by chops, I am talking about the pork variety. Miss Piggy has been an icon for many as she is utterly unashamed of who she is. Why should she? Forgetting the minor selfish moments and her fame hogging antics, she has never once wavered from who she is. Glamorous, working in tough industries like singing and fashion and married to her true love, Miss Piggy promotes loving yourself no matter how curvy (or not curvy) you are. You enjoy that donut, Miss Piggy would.
No Discrimination Anywhere
And it’s not just Miss Piggy who promotes the loving image. In fact, puppets of all shapes, colours and sizes are welcome in The Muppet world. This is a place where acceptance is key. As long as you are true to yourself, The Muppets will welcome you with open felty arms. Take Gonzo for example. Here is a blue, hooked nose, erm, thing, from Outer Space who is in love with a chicken and best friends with a rat. From the young Walter to the old grouchy Statler and Waldorf, as long as you are loving and want to entertain, you are on board.
Valid and Varied Career Choices
Springing off from their show, the Muppet movies see the humble beginnings of each of our characters. Also, how they run off from those humble starts to pursue a career in Hollywood. But since then, they have kept the same ideals; that music and arts is where they belong. If anything, The Muppets clearly support creative careers including comedy from Fozzy Bear, drumming by Animal and clucking from Camilla. Not just that though; they aren’t saying that entertainment is the only business. Beaker and Dr Bunsen, see, are scientists who are brilliant at inventing different things. The Swedish Chef is a, well, Swedish Chef and there are farmers, janitors and car salesmen too. The Muppets are supportive of all avenues of career choices!
Hard Work
And to none of this happened by chance. Kermit and the gang go through many journeys to discover who they are. There are times when they don’t have a dime to their name, and sometimes, they even explore other jobs to subsidise it. But Kermit and crew never give up. They slog away and evem though they have moments of doubt (because who hasn’t had moments of doubt,) they pull through till the bitter end; putting on a show bigger and better than before. Each movie shows not to give up on your dreams, put your sweat into it and it will all come into fruition.
Family Values
The biggest thing is that they are a family. Some are relations but above all, this is a family by choice.The Muppets teach us that loving someone and bringing them into your hearts is the most important thing. It is all about being together, supporting each other and growing with one another. The Muppets are a family first. They are friends first. And they love each other first.
Ultimately, that is the best lesson they have ever taught us.
Alongside some epic musical numbers, hilarious jokes and more, The Muppets are role models for everyone.