From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG TV12 letter : Bert, Ernie, and Tinky Winky Date: Mon, 5 Apr 1999 23:53:24 -0400 (EDT) April 3, 1999 Samuel M. Lemon Manager Community Education Services WHYY 150 N. 6th St. Philadelphia, PA 19105 Dear Mr. Lemon: Thank you for your column about the Teletubbies. We especially appreciated the explanation of the pink triangle, and the comments about labeling and name-calling. However, we were puzzled by your assertion that the show does not "promote any particular gender-based lifestyle." The notion that sexual orientation and sexual identity are the basis of "lifestyles" is in itself an unfortunate stereotype. We were also troubled by your writing that the show is not intended to "influence a child's psychosexual development," and that fictional characters like the Teletubbies and Ernie and Bert have no life beyond the screen. Orientation and gender identity are not just about sex. It certainly seems to us that one of the goals of PBS children's programming is to help children accept both themselves and others who are different, and we hope that children who watch your shows become more accepting by making some connection with all the characters, including Ernie, Bert, and Tinky Winky. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 61 clergy from 15 religious traditions. If you are in the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in other areas. -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.