If you think that 'awareness' and 'message' themes are new to sesame street, you are not very aware of the show's history.
It was a highly orchestrated show where they wanted to teach kids about more than just letters and numbers-the messages of the show, especially in the 80s, were far from shallow, and filled with many things for children to learn about their world- this includes a number of themes. We are not a much more global world with much more interaction between cultures than ever before- and thus the program reflects that. And part of education indeed is awareness of things like recycling and taking care of our planet- so how you think that was out of place I do not know.
Kids are capable of so very much, and Sesame Street has always been at the forefront of effective children's programming that is entertaining, but more importantly, teaching kids all about our world.
Being a child, you were unaware of the messages happening- but also, the messages then reflected the 80s.
So is it more 'policical' now- in a way, yes. However, that is reflective of the society we are in. Back in the 80s there was little research on children's reactions to things like death, marriage etc- so themes about those back then were a big deal on a kids show- now those messages are conveyed in many shows- and sesame street has been on for 40 years- so they are branching out to take on topics relavent to the audience.
Perhaps Mexican kids aren't relavent to you, but they make up a huge amount of people here, and it's good for kids to not think of them as some weirdo 'other'- which is not new for sesame street as they had themes of this for years and years (even in the fact that they always had a very integrated cast!)
Nothing can stay as it always was, and our world hasn't- children haven't- and as we age more and more things will change and not be as 'good as it was'- but it's still a great show- and now more than ever really helps kids understand not just their little life with mom and dad, but the world at large- which is necessary and good.
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