After '' Sesame Street '' s first season , its critics forced its producers and researchers to address more overtly such affective goals as social competence , tolerance of diversity , and nonaggressive ways of resolving conflict . These issues were addressed through interpersonal disputes among its Street characters . During the 1980s , the show incorporated the real-life experiences of the show 's cast and crew , including the death of Will Lee ( Mr. Hooper ) and the pregnancy of Sonia Manzano ( Maria ) to address affective concerns . In later seasons , '' Sesame Street '' addressed real-life disasters such as the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina
September 11 terrorist attacks
September 11 attacks
Sesame Street