Film Theory: Someone PLEASE Help Elmo! (Sesame Street)

Dang Elmo laughed at Zoe once for having a rock for a friend, and she gets the whole neighborhood to gaslight him for all eternity about the sentience of a literal rock and the humans just let her

I remember watching the Elmo movie. Zoe is literally the cause for all of the conflict, she literally almost got Elmo and his favorite blanket killed

I'm with Elmo on this. I was a 90s teen and can honestly say that pet rocks were the dumbest invention ever. Rocco and Zoey can go kick rocks! Love ya, Elmo!

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Elmo is quite literally being bullied by Zoe to do what she wants to do, but never what he wants to do. Elmo's world is likely a cooping mechanism for him, especially after dealing with Rocco. And when you look at the adults it's clear they favor Zoe over Elmo. It could be because Zoe acts more like a three year old then Elmo, who clearly acts much older, almost like he had grown up faster than Zoe.

The venom in Elmo’s voice when he says “ Hello, Rocco. “ is beautiful and honestly relatable.

Now I understand why there is an "Elmo's World". His world might be a defense mechanism from the emotional abuses from his environment. #justiceforelmo

This is part of the reason why I could relate to Elmo so much, when I was younger I was bullied a lot, and taken advantage of, and I frequently got in trouble for things I didn’t do because classmates, who didn’t like me would lie and say that I did something when it was really someone else and I have privileges taken away, which led to angry outburst, which led to the perpetrator getting rewarded because I “lost my temper.” It also turned out that the teachers were aware that I was not the one who was doing those things but because I frequently talk back and accuse them of seeing what was going on and not doing anything, they actually did that. And this was why I was able to relate to Elmo so well.

Sadly, I have a feeling that Elmo would grow up to be shy, self conscious, and probably closed off from people if this continues. He is getting bullied for simply stating facts and is getting shamed for it. Meanwhile, Zoe will probably become entitled and used to getting her way threw manipulation or complaining because of this treatment. If Rocco ever comes back, I want Elmo to just punt that thing into a sea or something and the adults address the problem with Zoe's behavior.

Another situation you didn't mention: Elmo came up with a joke. When he told Zoey, she loved it and went around telling EVERYONE the joke, without giving Elmo credit. Each time Elmo tried to tell someone his joke, they would already be laughing and calling it "Zoey's joke". That girl is evil lol

Zoe's actions with Rocco could easily be a stand-in for gaslighting behavior.

Matpat just summarized the two ends of the pendulem between parenting in the 1900 and modern parenting beautifully.

I work at a preschool, primarily with 2 year old kids. When I saw that scene, I was genuinely concerned for what was being taught. I have a little girl whose main personality trait is "spoiled rotten." We've been working very hard to teach her that sometimes the answer is "no" and we need to respect our friends. I hope she doesn't see this episode.

It’d be hilarious if one of these days, Rocco just turned to Zoey and said: “You know, I’m tired of being silent. I do not like how you’re treating Elmo.”

"....What else does Toothpicky have to say?" "That I deserve a raise." "Your toothpick friend is stupid, Dan." best skit on FT

At first I was laughing because all I knew was the introduction of Rocco. But, sadly you're right. It feels like they're teaching Zoey if she talks through Rocco, she can get away with anything! As long as Rocco says it, it's okay. Very bad lesson to teach kids that if they're talking for their imaginary friend, they can get away they want.

Wow, at first I thought this video was gonna be about Elmo being racist of rocks , but it’s actually just about toddlers being manipulative while grown ups encourage them. Great video !

Elmo deserves better. He isn't even allowed to be angry without people making fun of him.

It always felt like the adults were going along with it because they knew Zoey would throw a fit. Elmo was so patient and kind that it was easier on the adults to make him compromise than to confront the much louder and more temperamental Zoey. As one of four kids, this happened constantly in my family. If one kid is gonna throw a fit, they'd bend over backwards to appease them, even at the expense of the other kids.

I LOVED Snuffelupugus as a kid. Had no idea there was so much history to the character 😅

To summarize: Elmo is being gaslighted by everyone