Don't Tread On Me!Bertsama bin Laden

for posterity

Once upon a time a guy named J-roen saw a Sesame Street parody site called "Bert is Evil." He liked the site and created the image to the left in homage. Eventually, the image got around on the web. How this picture ended up on protest posters halfway across the world is the interesting part.
J-roen's picture of Bert and Osama bin Laden.
Pakistani protestors carrying signs, one of which is rather peculiar.

Oct 10, 2001 - E!Online

The Bert-Bin Laden Connection?

Is Bert truly evil? Has he really forsaken good buddy Ernie for Osama bin Laden?

While the folks behind Sesame Street emphatically say no way, Ernie's longtime partner did indeed pop up on posters with Osama bin Laden.

Oct 11, 2001 - CNN

'Muppet' producers miffed over Bert-bin Laden image

The producers of the popular children's program "Sesame Street" said Thursday they are upset because protesters in Bangladesh are carrying protest posters showing the Muppet character Bert with Osama bin Laden.

These posters were mass produced in Bangladesh.
Many found these images a source of spiritual comfort.

Oct 10, 2001 - Wired

Osama Has a New Friend

Evil Bert, meet Evil Osama.

Right now, the two appear to be inseparable -- at least on ubiquitous posters carried by pro-Taliban demonstrators.

Oct 14, 2001 - Fox News

Bin Laden's Felt-Skinned Henchman?

Do the global terror links reach even as far as Sesame Street? Is Bert the Muppet a henchman of terrorist mastermind Usama bin Laden?

Hey, even what fundamentalist Islamic kid can resist cute, lovable Bert?
Do they think it's funny, too?

Bert is Evil

Due to the intense media pressure a number of Bert is Evil sites have been discontinued. J-roen took his site (archive) offline.

Dino Ignacio of Fractal Cow was the first BiE site on the web. He had second thoughts, too.

For the intensely curious, I suggest a Google search for the various unauthorized mirrors.

Parting Thought

One wonders if there is one less Kinko's employee alive in Pakistani.

Dedication

Jim Henson
W e hardly knew 'ye.

While some feel these images are distressing, I think it is an excellent testament to the infectiousness of western culture.
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