Russian Muppets or American Puppets?
In the 1990s, when much of America’s media and political class was delivering condescending lectures to Russians, the team tasked with bringing the children’s show “Sesame Street” to Russia embraced collaboration and sought to convey universal values. Their experience – and success – offers valuable insights into the Russian mind.
MOSCOW – Westerners have spent two decades wondering why the Russian people have fallen under the spell of Vladimir Putin. Diplomats, historians, economists, and pundits have all failed to provide a satisfying explanation. But where academics and strategists have failed, perhaps the denizens of Sesame Street, from Kermit the Frog to Elmo, might succeed.