Elmo Doll Threatens To Kill Infant
Posted: Saturday, May 16, 2009
by Michael Ramzy
delusionthread.com
This is how the wire report reads, verbatum, from CNN:
"A Florida mother says she's surprised at what a talking Elmo doll had to say after she changed its batteries. She claims the doll -- which belongs to her two-year-old son -- is making death threats.
The Sesame Street character now says, "Kill James." That's her son's name. Fisher-Price -- the toy company that makes the dolls -- has now said it will issue the family a voucher for a replacement doll and investigate the problem."
You would think this is a made-up story, as I did at first. I mean, it has to be a hoax, right? I thought that too. But it really happened. The funny thing is this: the story fails to mention the doll is programmable. That's right, you record what you want the doll to say, and it says it. The doll doesn't decide on its own what to say, how to say it, etc. You would think this would be an important piece of information, right? I would as well. And yet the folks over at CNN decided this little tidbit was irrelevant. Go figure.
Aside from the fact a major news outlet decided not to present all of the relevant facts, something we really aren't surprised about, you have to wonder about the mother of the child. Is she out for more than a voucher? Is she out for headlines and her fifteen minutes? Maybe . . . probably. Many questions about this will be asked by those who have nothing but time on their hands (including me, apparently), yet all I want to know is this: Why didn't the mother just reprogram the doll? Are we as a society that desperate for attention and victimhood?
A funny story, to be sure. And I certaintly hope the mindset of this woman is in the deep minority. It would be funny if those reading that story (and perhaps this article) believe the woman is entitled to compensation of some kind (meaning cash).
Actually, that part wouldn't be funny at all . . .
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Great title for your article and as far as news outlets not telling all the facts...boy thats an understatement isn't it--enjoyed your article, thanks--SteveThanks for reading and commenting. I just wonder what's next: 'Smart car threatens to send driver over cliff for not buckling up'.
hi michael,so that explains why one of my kids old elmo's started breaking through their closet door.i guess if it can be thought about, it can be talked about.thanks for sharing,my best regards,sueI can see that headline: 'Elmo On Rampage'. Thanks for reading and commenting.
We are a suit happy society. So sad. Thanks for the article.Linda dJust what we need, more lawyers. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Sounds Fox.I thought so too, and I was surprised it was CNN. Then again, I really shouldn't be, Thanks for stopping by.
Michael, maybe the woman isn't technologically savvy enough to reprogram the doll. How did it get programmed in the first place? The kid probably did it! :) Good article!You're probably right. I try to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, although I still think she might be trying to pull a fast one. I hadn't thought she might not be skilled in programming an Elmo doll, though. Thanks for reading and the comment.
My toddler loves Elmo. Maybe I can get her one of these and program it to tell her to pick up her toys or sleep all night...or maybe not. :-)Good article!
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