You might have noticed my post the other day about USAID.

The agency is “waiving” iPads through security requirements straight into field use by government officials.

I wondered what they possibly could be doing with the iPads, besides trying to annoy Secretary of State Clinton. Now I get it. They have drafted Elmo into service.

U.S. officials are taking a different approach, hoping that “Sesame Street” can instill education values in very young Pakistani children, arming them with the learning tools to fend off extremism later in life.

[…]

The format will be largely the same as the U.S. version, with each episode highlighting one letter and number for children to learn. Like the U.S. version, the program will also have strong female characters, with the subtle aim of promoting tolerance and gender equality. But it’s not slated to touch on any political themes outright.

Slated to touch? If that’s not a giant hint, I don’t know what is. Elmo needs a distribution channel. I mean how will Elmo reach all those impressionable children across rural Pakistan?

Obviously iPads (slates with touch) will be dropped from the sky. Elmo will be playing on them as they fall, saying “I come without any political themes outright”.

This sounds a lot like the modern equivalent of Para leer al Pato Donald (How to Read Donald Duck) published in Chile in 1972

…the world shown in the comics [sent to Latin America from the US], according to the thesis, is based on ideological concepts, resulting in a set of natural rules that lead to the acceptance of particular ideas about capital, the developed countries’ relationship with the third world, gender roles, etc.

Phase two, after the youth Elmo-isation is complete, US soldiers will deploy in Elmo suits to blend in and win local support.

Look Mr. Chief! Look Everybody! Elmo is your friend!