5 Reasons We're Taking Maria's Departure From Sesame Street So Badly

Sesame Street has never shoved political or social issues down anyone's throat, but the show did give voice to underserved groups. Oscar the Grouch had a habit of talking down to Maria — calling her "little girl" and dismissing her ideas — but Sonia Manzano wouldn't have any of that. As a writer on the set, she wrote some powerful dialogue for Maria, letting girls know that it was OK to stand up for themselves. It was a novel idea at the time and one that the show still promotes!