Film Theory: Someone PLEASE Help Elmo! (Sesame Street)

[@thekid3947]

I remember watching the Elmo movie. Zoe is literally the cause for all of the conflict, she literally almost got Elmo and his favorite blanket killed

[@tylerstarks5031]

I was thinking the same thing. I just feel Zoe and Elmo always have beef.

[@danielmorales6285]

Imagine if someone on Reddit made a am I the jerk post where it’s just Elmo asking is he the jerk for not liking roco and bringing up all the bad things Zoe’s done

[@Totallyn0tme734]

Bing I own it is all I remember

[@InvasionAnimation]

I made a cartoon where Elmo runs over Zoe in a car. she got what she deserves.

[@sokaize]

I remembered that movie while watching this and feel the same way.

[@KingsNerdCave]

I believe this is the most accurate interpretation for the rock. Zoe is a child just like Elmo, so yes she's using her non-living rock to get things he wants, but that gets reinforced by the the adults. They so badly want to appease her imagination, Elmo gets the short end constantly thus grows angry even though he's technically in the right. Elmo is more patient so he's less likely to throw a fit over Zoe, but that's still unfair to him when more attention is just given to the kid who will throw the fit.

[@MagrisHal]

One day he'll throw a huge tantrum worse than Zoe ever has and we'll be there watching!

[@Tyeler80]

bots are growing oh yea elmo deserves better

[@LiminalFortitude]

Why are there so many bots dude

[@henryapplebottom7231]

I relate.

[@SynetheSage]

Using it to get what you want is one thing, but when what you want is specifically to terrorize others, that's a whole different thing. Zoe may be a child, but she's a bad one.

[@phoenixthings]

The venom in Elmo’s voice when he says “ Hello, _Rocco._ “ is beautiful and honestly relatable.

[@cristiansantos3715]

Elmo's voice takes me back in time as a child.

[@Magnus_Chase.]

I ruined the likes being at 666

[@WFly101]

Don't say anything about the bots, just report them.

[@agastyasharma2612]

@@WFly101 thanks

[@coolname8148]

@@dodgepuppy1715 Here finnaly kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@blueturtle3623]

I work at a preschool, primarily with 2 year old kids. When I saw that scene, I was genuinely concerned for what was being taught. I have a little girl whose main personality trait is "spoiled rotten." We've been working very hard to teach her that sometimes the answer is "no" and we need to respect our friends. I hope she doesn't see this episode.

[@WeirdAnimations-s9q]

Ty for teaching the next generation of American children😊

[@Angie2343]

Good on her for twaching her NOT to be the next Veruca Salt.

[@originality6345]

Elmo deserves better. He isn't even allowed to be angry without people making fun of him.

[@aperson2224]

Four bots

[@originality6345]

So many

[@unreachablesecretary]

"Elmo knows where you live" 🙂

[@TornadoWeather7496]

It’s just like In real life with school. I know some people in school who aren’t liked and sort of “shamed” when their emotions get the better of them, and I am one of the only people who are their friends. It sucks to see the people I am good friend with get into arguments 7-1

[@kingkat9050]

😅

[@jacearmor5274]

Zoe's actions with Rocco could easily be a stand-in for gaslighting behavior.

[@gabef.218]

@here is the full clip ah, yes, another bot sending a link to a random video as free advertising. How fun

[@jamescouncillor7926]

​@@gabef.218 sounds like he Rick rolled you there lolol

[@Lulamooncat]

Yup

[@Robotic_Boi]

@@c-e.dbackupdates501 how tho?

[@ld9844]

@@c-e.dbackupdates501 Where does gender come in to play. You do realize boys do the same thing.

[@glitrahasconsumedme7421]

Zoe's shown to act similarly even without Rocco present, too. (Speaking over Elmo, refusing to acknowledge his wants/needs, etc) I remember watching the Elmo in Grouchland movie as a kid and hating Zoe for how poorly she treated Elmo

[@amandapanda5087]

Poor Elmo. Looking back on it now, he really was treated unfairly

[@tysargent9647]

@CheeseBiscuits Well, we still see Zoe on Sesame Street, just not as much these days.

[@juliafaith06]

same! my sister loved elmo in grouchland but i hated it bc of how zoe treated elmo (and bc i found grouchland scary but that’s not the point)

[@PilloTheStar]

Abby is so much better anyway

[@Hussienberkznuts_420]

@@tysargent9647 that's good because Zoe is just Sakura second and 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 tiimesssssssss wooooorsssstees

[@ChristopherColombus-ł]

Matpat just summarized the two ends of the pendulem between parenting in the 1900 and modern parenting beautifully.

[@thatonelonghairedguy764]

"....What else does Toothpicky have to say?" "That I deserve a raise." "Your toothpick friend is stupid, Dan." best skit on FT

[@Michael.alb.08]

he insulted toothpicky...no-one. insults. toothpicky

[@divinegaming128]

@@Michael.alb.08 lol

[@user-tq9sg6lv6q]

Dan does deserve a raise for that skit.

[@wollywogholder3313]

Futurama?

[@chinchujojo3204]

@@Michael.alb.08 yhjiuy

[@timwoods2852]

I remember seeing these episodes with Rocko and dreading every time Zoe was on screen with Elmo for fear that she'd use that stupid rock to screw him over. Especially since Elmo has some of the best behavior in the show. He truly cares about his friends and is more than willing to appease their whims and wants when they interact normally with him. There was one episode where he was having a Red Monster Parade, but every time one of his friends wanted to join he would amend the title to include them until it go so long that he just called it the Anyone who Wants to be in a Parade Parade. And you touched on it with his observations being validated, but everybody playing along is worse because he might end up thinking that the rock somehow is alive (I'm pretty sure we've seen rocks with the googly eyes and mouths during some song segments) and he's the crazy one for not being able to hear or see Rocko doing anything.

[@faridayeasmin6050]

This is what I've wanted to type but didn't know how. I really hope that later in the show a responsible adult finally steps in and confronts the others, teaching children important lessons. Zoey honestly was my least favorite character in the entire show, even when I was little cause I hated when she would always interrupt Elmo. Elmo is still my favorite character and I hope Zoey and the other adults get humbled or taught a lesson at some point.

[@GhostlyWhiteGuy]

Nice thesis bro 👌

[@No_OneO_N]

I’m surprised at how many of you grew up with Sesame Street. When I was younger I just watched a bunch of different VCR and CD’s in my room while my family would watch the news or game shows in the living room. I had A LOT of Elmo’s World VCR’s It took up a whole shelf out of the Wiggles, Whinnie the Pooh and Disney movie VCR’s. And CD’s.

[@alyissaaragon6943]

He's being gaslit

[@blacktigers98]

They REALLY need the “adults” to address Zoe’s behaviour cuz for all the kids who might relate ti Elmo, it’s just reinforcing that they have to go with the flow and not establish boundaries. Not to mention it teaches kids that being like Zoey WORKS. and it shouldn’t

[@artistotaku8344]

Fr, Zoe reminds me of all the kids that I've seen that throw a "tantrum" over not getting the toy or candy they want. Because they know that if the scream or cry enough it'll get them what they want anyways.

[@JCasR3]

THIS

[@johnthompson6374]

Zoe reminds me of a certain group of people that constantly use their imaginary deity to control other peoples personal and private lives. Whether it be who they can love, when they can show their love, or even to how they can show their love. About time someone called out Zoe and her enablers, good job. Peace/JT

[@annbuena5710]

Bro i relate to Elmo in a personal level, he’s my favorite and memorable character, when i watched smth with Zoe, i have this itch of disliking her even tho idk why

[@L16htW4rr10r]

@@artistotaku8344 This remind me of myself. My mom told me that when I made a tantrum and basically cry, she would ignore me. And after seeing this video, I'm grateful for what she did

[@AndisweatherCenter]

This is part of the reason why I could relate to Elmo so much, when I was younger I was bullied a lot, and taken advantage of, and I frequently got in trouble for things I didn’t do because classmates, who didn’t like me would lie and say that I did something when it was really someone else and I have privileges taken away, which led to angry outburst, which led to the perpetrator getting rewarded because I “lost my temper.” It also turned out that the teachers were aware that I was not the one who was doing those things but because I frequently talk back and accuse them of seeing what was going on and not doing anything, they actually did that. And this was why I was able to relate to Elmo so well.

[@NeyamStar]

Wow

[@rayganparksmitchell]

We should publicly shame your evil teachers and bullies

[@AspenDoesContent]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. The education system is messed up when it comes to dealing with bullies and such. I mean, they'll turn their backs at kids who are being harrassed by bullies, but the second the victim tries to fight back, the victims get punished instead, and then they wonder why the victim hates school so much. Again, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Nobody should ever experience that, ever. I hope that you can find peace and happiness somewhere else and that you can leave those horrible people behind.

[@desireer6915]

Im so sorry tha happened to you :(

[@gohan3425-p2s]

I would have thrown that rock out of the street minus the sesame

[@MusicGal672]

There’s also a huge parentification of Elmo, which is often seen in older siblings. They’re left in charge without being asked/agreeing to it, they have to “be the grown up” and be a role model for their younger siblings. Their feelings on a situation aren’t validated because they’re supposed to be more mature. Elmo is being parentified towards Rocco, and sadly it’s a really common thing amongst children.

[@zadock6370]

This is why I hate most parents. they don't do a good job and I don't think they even try.

[@yodoctor6175]

Ong here kzbin.info/www/bejne/n363ZnyGmNqhn5Y

[@zee.lovessGod]

Yeah, kind of like what Sav and Cole are doing to Everleigh.

[@sophiebyers5496]

@Lilyva The messed up part is that Elmo and Zoe are the same age.

[@daisy87657]

I DESPISE the show Max and Ruby for a similar reason. It's literally just a show about two neglected children whose parents are never around where the older sister is actively parentified despite her being like canonically around 8 I think?

[@TheAdvertisement]

I love how this goes from a slightly crazy conspiracy theory, to actually making sense, to a genuine theory about why the show was written this way.

[@naomiadeyemi3602]

basically how every film theory goes lol

[@jesusramirezromo2037]

@@naomiadeyemi3602 Not really, most go full wacky halfway

[@qyiara2631]

Yeah.

[@rhforno6696]

Yaa

[@HalfAnd_Half]

@Robert Anderson The thing is you actually need to be harder on special needs kid EXCEPT if they are so special they can't function but Zoe isn't like that, she functions just fine. With functional special needs you need to be harder because its harder to keep them in check. I don't mean be rude or anything of the sort but you must always make sure to tell them what they did wrong and give a punishment and since she is 3 the best punishment can be no sweets. Eventually they learn "Hey if I act this way, I can't have sweets"

[@Sotryn_Fox]

Dang Elmo laughed at Zoe once for having a rock for a friend, and she gets the whole neighborhood to gaslight him for all eternity about the sentience of a literal rock and the humans just let her

[@TheGigachad159]

😂

[@Pip_NoSqueak]

well, that’s…That’s hella dark

[@Sotryn_Fox]

@@Pip_NoSqueak Exactly! Like wtf Zoe??

[@Monosheep13]

I hadn't heard about this before until now and it hurts.

[@Ashterophobia]

and thats what you call a prick move

[@Galaxxy707]

To summarize: Elmo is being gaslighted by everyone

[@gohan3425-p2s]

I don't know if I was Elmo I would have thrown that rock out of the street

[@chiepeppa]

@@gohan3425-p2s Me too😂😂😂

[@Mr.encore]

What about big bird I don't think big bird gaslight elmo once and even before elmo got his iconic voice and become popular big bird was nice to him even before elmo become mainstream and even big bird said what a great party for a rock confirming that big bird is aware of Rocco not being real but is to nice to call Zoe out

[@elephantdanceparty7917]

@@gohan3425-p2s Same

[@AlienKnightAsher]

It always felt like the adults were going along with it because they knew Zoey would throw a fit. Elmo was so patient and kind that it was easier on the adults to make him compromise than to confront the much louder and more temperamental Zoey. As one of four kids, this happened constantly in my family. If one kid is gonna throw a fit, they'd bend over backwards to appease them, even at the expense of the other kids.

[@thefarmking9924]

let me guess you re the middle child

[@rtyuik7]

the sad part is, it even happens in the Workplace, as well as 'family' situations...one of my coworkers is absolutely Terrible at her job-- complaints from customers, unfinished tasks, the whole nine yards...but if you Call Her Out on it, suddenly YOURE the bad guy, "insulting her character" or whatever...so most of the time, its just Easier to just wait until her shift ends, to Finally catch up on all the stuff i need to do... (and for the record, were a little too short-staffed to Fire her, otherwise she wouldve been gone MONTHS ago)

[@sameelabdullah5979]

Can relate to this as the older child

[@mii_kay4514]

It's almost as if a single set of parents isn't capable of raising a horde of children that outnumber them. And I say that knowing well that SOME people are patient and hard-working enough to have 3 or 4 well-raised children, but the average person just isn't prepared for parenthood

[@anapplepie306]

Same my brother was always the one to throw temper tantrums when he didn’t get what he wanted, so my parents always tried to make him happy. My sister and I were more mature, and were left without the same special treatment, which was very frustrating at times.

[@rachelthornton4442]

It’d be hilarious if one of these days, Rocco just turned to Zoey and said: “You know, I’m tired of being silent. I do not like how you’re treating Elmo.”

[@ladylibraofthehouseoflibra9780]

He better. Even better if he admits he didn't say half the stuff Zoey claimed.

[@canadiangooseok7281]

God I hope that happens

[@siddiqarizwan7718]

Lol I hope that happens and Elmo was like revenge

[@gaycoffeeaddict]

rocco voiced by danny devito

[@just.ur.average.artist.6701]

@@gaycoffeeaddict yes

[@Caitilizzie]

10:19 I laughed way too hard at “He’d rather jump”, it caught me so off guard because I took the meaning in a very different and dark way

[@mattheuscontreras]

Now I understand why there is an "Elmo's World". His world might be a defense mechanism from the emotional abuses from his environment. #justiceforelmo

[@4no407]

That's some theory material

[@aaaaahhhhhhhh8425]

That makes sense considering the fact that Elmo's "house" is made out of doodles

[@dragonrayz7527]

Yeah I think you have an idea for a new film theory for matpat.

[@InsertCreativeusername_]

And maybe Mr.Noodle and Mr.Noodles brother are neighbors that play along with him or imaginary friends

[@justarandompersonwhofindsj1223]

That actually makes sense, hopefully he'll make a theory on this...

[@barryhadley6194]

No. NOT just a theory. You are ABSOLUTELY correct!!! Some dangerous behavior being championed by Sesame Street. Allowing Zoey to get away with manipulating everyone for her own gain while poor Elmo is being antagonized and trespassed against! Unthinkable, unacceptable, and inexcusable!!!

[@pudgesnextturnaround3112]

You kinda made a spelling mistake

[@SHOIOTERB]

​@@pudgesnextturnaround3112Its Just very sad for elmo

[@greg-hq6mv]

Yes

[@vipprincess5770]

You are Elmo aren’t you?

[@Boojackp]

It's... it's... disgraceful! Disgusting! And depicable!

[@holdingontohope23]

Zoe reminds me of the spoiled rotten child that always gets away with terrorizing someone and gets their way with anything in general. This someone seems like it’s always poor Elmo. What’s so awful is that everyone joins in on Zoe’s little Rocco charade/bullying Elmo. Those scenes would make me so frustrated/upset for Elmo too. I understand that this is an example of imagination,but using imagination to bully someone precious like Elmo,makes me mad,I agree with Matt #justiceforelmo

[@thesupershinymegagengar2034]

Ah, so she basically D.W. from Arthur.

[@nope0921]

My name is Zoey!!!😭😭😭

[@randomnoob101flyhightweek]

@@nope0921 my name is Zoe, i have it one letter worse. *cri*

[@fukuhana3974]

I totally agree with you

[@lazyvincy13666]

No matter how much anyone tried, they can’t get me on her side. I often feel like my family loves our a**hole dog more than me, and I’m absolutely going against someone making anybody feel like that. Elmo deserves better.

[@sanshands9829]

Sadly, I have a feeling that Elmo would grow up to be shy, self conscious, and probably closed off from people if this continues. He is getting bullied for simply stating facts and is getting shamed for it. Meanwhile, Zoe will probably become entitled and used to getting her way threw manipulation or complaining because of this treatment. If Rocco ever comes back, I want Elmo to just punt that thing into a sea or something and the adults address the problem with Zoe's behavior.

[@NeyamStar]

Yea...true

[@sarah98917]

Which is ironic, since Snuffy was made real in the show so kids could learn they would be believed if they tell the truth

[@Patchesn0x]

they're 3

[@starlityuna7147]

Oh Rocco did come back. Zoey set up a whole wedding for Rocco and another rock and then forced Elmo to stay and solve all her problems. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Rocco returns with “children” and Zoey forces Elmo to babysit them for a whole episode.

[@gohan3425-p2s]

If I were Elmo I would have thrown that rock out the street minus the sesame

[@FloWoodEnT123]

Another situation you didn't mention: Elmo came up with a joke. When he told Zoey, she loved it and went around telling EVERYONE the joke, without giving Elmo credit. Each time Elmo tried to tell someone his joke, they would already be laughing and calling it "Zoey's joke". That girl is evil lol

[@gabsterart]

i remember that scene and was really sad because i've seen that irl growing up and it hurt.

[@CelticVictory]

@@gabsterart I've literally had that happen to me.

[@JohnYakooza]

r/fuckzoey

[@susanmarr6251]

Once when I made food with my friend and my friend’s little sister was the most ANNOYING kid I have EVER MET

[@xdratio561]

@@susanmarr6251 remove the sister

[@TwentyTwo0809]

The fact that Zoe being a child uses Rocco to control Elmo kind of reminds me of a youngest member of the family using their preciousness to the parent to control their older sibling.

[@gammarayburst675]

Don't say it. His name alone makes me want to break something

[@likelyunfortunatezz5730]

@@gammarayburst675 ｡

[@gammarayburst675]

@@likelyunfortunatezz5730 yeah that's me? What's up?

[@nettart4924]

given this is a kid's show that's probably what it actually is

[@Lunchablez]

oh how I hate the youngest child stereotype

[@electricrainbowskull]

I didn't see many Rocco episodes growing up, but I did watch the Grouchland movie. The message of the movie was to learn to share with your friends and not be selfish/greedy with your stuff, but the whole opening of the movie was about how important Elmo's blanket is to him, he goes and make Zoey laugh after she wasn't able to go to the zoo and immediately after she grabs his blanket without asking to see it and Elmo states and is visibly upset at her actions and wants the blanket back but she keeps holding it and it turns into tug of war ripping the blanket and then it ends up in Oscar's trash can. Zoey is sorry for losing the blanket and apologizes but it always felt weird and now looking back it's because yes it's important to share with your friends but it's also important to ask first and respect boundaries of what's okay to borrow from a friend And yeah they're three this when they should be learning things like this at this age, but even as little kid Zoey's actions that started the movie's adventure never sat right with me *** EDIT AND ANOTHER THING TO TAG ONTO THE ADULTS IN SESAME STREET when Elmo is looking in the trash can screaming for Oscar to give the blanket back the adults tell him to calm down and just wait for Oscar to comeback which yeah good call except no one goes to look Oscar or asks where he went after he threw the blanket in the trashcan and walked away. They pretty much said this situation that has you panicking this much doesn't need to be solved right now And after Elmo storms a few steps away the adults start to coddle Zoey when she starts showing remorse, but as she starts to explain the chase after the blanket Elmo disperses the crowd telling them to leave, and for second I couldn't figure out why, and then it hit me They were actively listening to Zoey explain and letting her let her emotions out right after they told him to calm down and try to not be upset about what just happened, they dismissed his worries and turn around to coddle her, I wouldn't blame him if he made everyone leave just so he wouldn't have to immediately apologize for getting mad at her before he's ready to forgive her cause they'd think the blanket falling in the trash can would be his fault in their eyes. ***One more thing of note just cause Elmo states he needs to get his blanket home, and that says to me that his blanket rarely if ever leave his house

[@Echoingsunflowers981]

Yeah I agree, zoey needed to be disciplined. Stuff like that needs to be nipped in the bud

[@TheOdst219]

Oh yeah I'd forgotten about that. Huh.

[@wes4736]

I freaking grew up with the Elmo in grouchland movie. Core memories have been unlocked

[@silverfisherman4622]

I vividly remember crying and not wanting to watch the rest of it because of the beginning alone.

[@emmettduggar4522]

My favorite movie as a kid was Elmo in grouchland

[@WiSHiAGEN]

"ELMO IS SUPPOSED TO SAY THE NUMBER OF THE DAY, NOT ROCCO!" I remember that part🤣

[@AyosDesignz]

Lol I always thought it was obvious that Zoey was doing it to bother Elmo. She's had other times outside of Rocko where she's controlling and unapologetic. The one time I can remember, but not well, was Zoey essentially stealing Elmo's blanket or toy because she wanted it for a bit. Losing it, not bothering to help Elmo find it and then claiming to forgive Elmo for being stingy after he found his property that she lost while taking it without permission. And I'm pretty sure no one said a thing to her about it then either.

[@medusathedecepticon]

It was his blanket. At least in that situation she actually felt bad later. I still have that movie and now feel like watching it.

[@MrEtherOck]

That's insane I am so glad I stopped watching. Stuff like this never happened on Barney

[@amberjo5052]

I came here to bring this up! Elmo in Grouchland was my kid's favorite. Zoey was a little jerk there, too! I remember even explaining the movie to my kid, how it's totally okay to tell your friend no when they want your special item. Elmo even offered Zoey a soft washrag to cuddle with instead of blankie. And she ripped his blankie out of his hands.

[@yeemawheaver1387]

I think there was a movie where Zoie made Elmo rip his blanket actually. She wanted to see it so bad, but Elmo said no so she tried to pull it from him and ut ripped. Then Elmo went on an adventure cuz the blanket somehow got lost.

[@yeemawheaver1387]

@@medusathedecepticon I wish I had the movie. I used to watch it all the time.

[@josephtretter851]

I always felt like Zoey was the little sister that always got her way no matter what. Like if you went somewhere with your friends you had to take her no matter what.

[@alexiayearty8105]

You can say DW nobodys judging.

[@sophiebyers5496]

@@alexiayearty8105 Ugh, Arthur is like a free babysitter to her and Kate

[@alexiayearty8105]

@@sophiebyers5496 Yup, thatll get brought up in therapy later.

[@glamrockbonnie5983]

DW MUCH

[@poopetcrab3099]

@@alexiayearty8105 DANGIT I WAS JUST ABOUT TO MENTION HER!

[@eloyvega4570]

I love how matpat just casually says "episode 4,000 and something" as if it's normal. for a show to have over 4,000 episodes

[@Grandmother628]

It is.

[@howdoyouspace5425]

“Days of Our Lives” has almost 14,000

[@impudentstrumpet2655]

It is for Sesame Street, haha

[@trippinbawls88]

@@howdoyouspace5425 Marlena done been hypnotized and kidnapped 20 times since I've been born lmao

[@IUseRandomPfps]

Doesn’t One Piece have a thousand episodes?

[@InternetChatter]

They should introduce a new character named Luigi the concrete worker. Elmo can bring Rocco to a job site and throw him in the concrete mix and laugh and laugh and laugh some more.

[@WolfTrot]

I would watch that

[@lilyaronia168]

This is less of a theory and more of a precise unpackaging of a problematic lesson being taught to children and I think it's VERY important to do just that.

[@davidwallace5645]

Yeah, 100%. I clicked on the video with a very clear picture in my mind and this just supported it lol. Zoe was a horribly abusive and controlling girlfriend, and Abby is far better for elmo.

[@StainsStainsStains]

You mean to tell me that we’re sending wrong messages to todays children? It’s 2022, morality is an abstract concept in the US. Gaslighting is only wrong if the hivemind thinks it’s wrong, and the hivemind doesn’t think it’s wrong so tough luck, I guess.

[@e.9874]

i think it works super well because it actually discusses the meta of the situation- what was going through the writers heads behind the scenes. i feel like film theory in the past has had a habit of using the thermian argument which makes some theories seem like reaches. but this one makes perfect sense because it acknowledges the series as a creative work with a team of writers behind it. like even early on the idea of zoe just being somekind of "evil abuser" or whatever was talked about, but dismissed because youre not meant to engage with the material on that level and its simply too face-value of a conclusion. it makes much more sense to look at the choices that lead the writers there and what the moral they would be imparting to children would be, because its a kids show after all.

[@paulsiegal9877]

I literally was saying this to myself and saw this comment lol

[@lizziefirkey6385]

What makes it even worse for me is that it almost feels like Elmo is being punished for being upset. Kids (and anyone, honestly) are allowed to be upset when they feel they've been treated unfairly. Should they yell or raise their voice at someone else? Obviously not, but there's nothing wrong with being upset about it. But all these adults act disappointed in him. And they don't seem happy until he gives in and, depending on the issue, apologizes. That's a HORRIBLE message to send to kids. There are tons of kids that end up developing complexes, feeling that even the slightest bit of disappointment makes *them* bad for causing someone else to feel that way. That's *horrible* . No kid should be punished for being upset with the threat or follow through of disappointment. What's the lessen there? That they're only good when they can make everyone around them happy? Anyway, all that aside, it's interesting that the writers knew Elmo would hate the rock. I hope they have an episode in the future where they acknowledge Elmo's feelings about all this. It would be good and, likely, very validating for some kids.

[@fossa4259]

You're absolutely right, in fact modern child psychologists say exactly that

[@EverettBurger]

That synopsis reads like an episode of Thomas And Friends

[@sayba6766]

yea

[@mister_whiskers6705]

Lesson*

[@shadowwatcher5042]

I get the seriousness of the topic but in an attempt to lighten the mood, Remember that elmo is at least 20+ years and needs to stop acting like a 5 year old.

[@dennisbuchanan1529]

At this point, I want to see Elmo straight up throw Rocco over a cliff or something.

[@BardTheDragonProductions]

Better yet throw Rocco into a lake

[@katatumboproductions]

facts

[@dust8286]

Well it's a kid show so I don't think I see that happening

[@SerenityL22]

I think they should get rid of rocko

[@SerenityL22]

I hate Rocco he's just a Rock 🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨

[@russellshackleford6769]

“Rocco says hello!” “Elmo didn’t hear anything!” I’m dying 😂

[@mudangapa1660]

TRUE

[@RandomCorvid]

Zoey is extremely good at gaslighting Elmo to the point that it makes him look like the bad guy. It is impressive watching the adults take Zoeys side because she knows that if she riles up Elmo enough, they will believe he is being the unreasonable one.

[@RandomCorvid]

@@loturzelrestaurant well that was a better advertisement for a youtube channel than all those bots telling me that Markiplier is garbage, sure I will go check them out.

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@RandomCorvid Uhm, are you sure these robots meant to... sell him to you? I mean, i cant tell but kinda sounds like an odd advertisement for Markiplier.

[@RandomCorvid]

@@loturzelrestaurant lol, if you go into Mark's comments you will usually find bots saying "Markiplier is garbage, MY channel is way better" or something like that.

[@shdowhdgehg404]

I’m mean can you blame him? Even I would side with him about it being what it is a “rock” if get a bit upset If I had group of friends and the one of them pulls out a rock to decide what to for fun as if “it’s” part of the group it’ll be crazy to think but some kids can’t understand especially when One acts a certain way to get what they want

[@bakedbaker9882]

Yes! Makes you wonder how and why she became like this. Also, Zoe acts a lot like my own lil sister does. And she wonders why I don't talk to her anymore? If only the people around them grew wise and stood up. This is what happens when those people decide to turn a blind eye to who is clearly a troubled child, the child, if not receiving help, will grow into a manipulative, gas lighting sociopath. And then they wonder what went wrong as if they had nothing to do with it?! I'm sorry, it just hurts a lot.

[@elenas3571]

Finally! A video that focuses on the adults in the show! So far I’ve seen the argument that Zoe is manipulative and gas lighting Elmo or that Elmo has anger issues and can’t play along. This is the first video I’ve seen that highlights the adults enabling Zoe while ignoring Elmo’s needs.

[@Foxy02016]

Absolutely, people keep blaming Elmo People seem to hate the person who is the way they are because of what those people have done to them

[@elmo2560]

🍿

[@mii_kay4514]

could there be a sexist reason? The adults we see here are all female. Could it be they unintentionally treat the little girl better, because they see themselves in Zoey?

[@elmo2560]

@@mii_kay4514 Elmo thinks that he agrees

[@2chrisby]

@@mii_kay4514 It's the writing. Next she will be flying in from off screen and healing someone with her power

[@pauljs75]

It's surprising Elmo hasn't flipped from all the gaslighting and cognitive dissonance happening at the same time. He's been cooler than he ought to be.

[@adamgremban8780]

he might have. Elmo's World suddenly makes a lot more sense for existing now. The perfect safe space in a kid's mind and room

[@bakedbaker9882]

@@adamgremban8780 This! I experienced something similar as a child, and the way I coped was to disassociate and retreat into my mind, into a better place where my traumas and those who intentionally caused it or not weren't there. It's the only way I haven't gone insane yet.

[@xmanroberson753]

True that

[@kursatemekse9737]

@@bakedbaker9882 i hope you get better

[@DoritosForDays]

Look out mr. Patty I might be making a puppet TV show too😉

[@GoofyGoober840]

Since I'm the oldest of my siblings, I can confirm that this is similar to my everyday life. The youngest ALWAYS gets their way.

[@disneyvillainsfan1666]

Okay, Zoe having A Rock for an Imaginary Friend is one thing, but hosting an entire wedding for Rocco that likely costs hundreds of dollars is just insane.

[@mr2meows]

its a funny tv show tho

[@hubertnnn]

Rocco will pay for it. He is secretly a diamond under a thin layer of stone.

[@reedomu]

Why is "A Rock" and "Imaginary Friend" capitalized? I feel like that's unnecessary.

[@aether6293]

It's on the same scale as the dude that married a DS and streamed the whole event

[@gatorayds]

I hate bots

[@evilangel8061]

When I was a little kid, I always thought Zoe was a horrible friend to Elmo. In the Elmo in Grouchland movie, she took his most prized possession, his blanket without permission. Everyone blamed Elmo for not being able to share.

[@OzzieWolli3]

Some things, as a child or an adult, are just not things you share, because they mean so much to you, or because of the situation. Parents need to understand the difference between when they *can* tell their child to share, and when they really shouldn't. It is the *worst* when you're young, and you have a toy you cherish, and some kid with dirty hands wants to play for it and your parents force you to share it. That happened to me once, I had to throw it away after :/ I never got a replacement for it.

[@CharizardFlame]

What’s worse is that he DID share! He was hesitant, sure, but he eventually gave in and let Zoe hold it to help her calm down! It was ZOE who abused that kindness and refused to return it when asked and on top of that, she FIGHTS Elmo for it and RIPS IT. But when Elmo snapped at her for damaging the one item he deemed more important than anything, HE’S the bad guy for “not sharing”?! And ZOE’S the victim because he snapped at her DESPITE HIM LITERALLY HAVING EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO?! Honestly, Elmo and Zoe’s “friendship” nowadays is a perfect encapsulation of society when it comes to male victims. No matter WHAT Zoe, the female, does, ELMO, the male, is treated as the lesser when things go south even if HE’S the one that was wronged! The adults completely IGNORE HIM and COMFORT HER EVEN THOUGH HER ACTIONS ARE COMPLETELY REPREHENSIBLE! Elmo, the male, is never the victim in the eyes of the society that is Sesame Street, even if he actually IS the victim!

[@Finny41]

i agree

[@pundertalefan4391]

I KNOW! And she didn't even say sorry!

[@ileburns6089]

@@CharizardFlame dude chill it, it's just a kid's show Then again your absolutely right

[@alittlekittycat21]

Although this beef with Rocco is really funny-- I am so glad I am not the only one starting to hate Zoe and Rocco for abusing Elmo. #Justice4Elmo

[@nutellacelery8830]

I don't think you should hate Zoe. Ultimately like Matpat says she is just a child and as someone who's had to deal with toddlers, this is how some of them behave. Kids are incredibly selfish, in fact almost everyone has probably thrown a tantrum or cried over not getting what they want as a child. The blame falls on the adults for not correcting that behaviour because the kids don't know what they're doing is wrong. Almost every child put in Zoe's position would act like Zoe, even you or me.

[@alittlekittycat21]

@@nutellacelery8830 I don’t like kids in general-

[@nutellacelery8830]

@@alittlekittycat21 Yeah, but even if you don't like them you can recognize that shitty kids only exists due to shitty adults.

[@rishanochannai5103]

@@alittlekittycat21 So you hate yourself huh i get ya i have some reccomendation for therapist if you need ;) im here for you

[@ЭлмоСВТ-40]

yes

[@DeadpanStrawberryMiku]

“What does else does toothpicky have to say?” “That I deserve a raise” “Your toothpick friend is stupid Dan”

[@n1ghtwa1kr58]

When I was younger I found Elmo’s dislike for Rocco to be very relatable because my friends and siblings used imaginary friends to excuse their actions. Granted I’m not entirely sure how much of that was real and how much was a child’s interpretation of the world, but I still connected deeply with Elmo on this matter

[@xiximagicramen]

It’s sad when you realise too, in Elmo’s movie “Elmo in grouchland” Zoe flat out breaks Elmo’s favourite thing (his blanket) and doesn’t even have to take responsibility for it. He had respectfully told her he didn’t want to share it with her, and when he begrudgingly gave it to her for a moment, he then wanted it back and she wouldn’t give it to him. He got mad at her, but that is really the only consequence she had to face in that movie

[@queeniebee7759]

I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned! It was just plain cruel 😢

[@sussymcsusserson8058]

I bloody love that movie

[@spongeintheshoe]

Meanwhile, Elmo learned a lesson about how you should share your things.

[@TikoVerhelst]

As a child you learn "Share things, be nice, say sorry if someone feels bad because of you." As an adult/teenager you learn; "Stand up for yourself, learn to say no, don't try to please everyone/you can't please everyone." Parents, can y'all please teach these lessons AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@passedthevibe-check141]

I was not expecting the genuine pyschology stuff this theory. Well done on your research here, MatPat.

[@realkingqueens5577]

@time to leave earth should do one of bear in the big blue house

[@h0m3st4r]

@@realkingqueens5577 That's one of at least 20 different spam bots used by that pest, fantastic flavours. Report it, its owner, and every other bot you see spamming that link, and don't stop until they're all gone forever.

[@sp4c1ng_0ut8]

@@OvertMysteryChannel "The purpose of this conditioning, is for kids to accept the illogical and irrational opinions of others in order to spare their feelings. Even if it goes against the child's self interest." This^^^ A huge example of this is gendered clothing and gender in general tbh. Its such an abstract concept, and it ultimately serves no purpose but to separate us from each other. Like 'boy clothes' or 'girl clothes', 'boy hobbies' or 'girl hobbies', 'boy colors' or 'girl colors'??? They are just things, they have no gender. And yet, people are shamed or prevented from doing things they love. Good point my dude

[@sp4c1ng_0ut8]

@@OvertMysteryChannel Funnily enough, My position doesn't use subliminal messaging or underhanded tactics to get kids to adhere to some decades-old social standard that should have died the moment it was conceived. Nah, we just present people with choices. "Feel free to flip this...its a good argument, you will likely not be able to come up with a better one." That was an argument in the same way heating up a frozen pizza is cooking; barely fucking counts. You didnt make a point. You waved your supposed moral superiority in the air and left. Life is short. Luckily it only takes 2 minutes to type out a response to a comment that sounds like it was formulated by a 10-year-old. And by the way, it's *waste, not waist.

[@joseyhopkinson9214]

I truly hope that one day someone new comes to the neighborhood and states that Elmo is right, shows the damage everyone has done to Elmo and everyone throws a big apology party (costing more than the wedding) and each time "Roco" ( Zoey) demands one of Elmo's gifts or treats, she gets told NO. after all "no" is an important thing to learn and something I have a hard time with. it's the starting point of boundaries

[@hellomynameis3619]

Never thought a theory about a puppet hating a rock could get so deep

[@Louis-fx6rv]

me to but hey its just a theory A FILM THEORY

[@nandonandez1795]

There's the Industry and our Government for ya

[@FilmPassionprod]

Well again Sesame Street is supposed to reflect towards real kids who are watching this. You wouldn’t be surprised when you see real kids having to deal with real situations

[@joelgittens6857]

This is the first stage of the Karen evolution line. First the Abigail stage which evolves into Becky and learns sassiness at level 16 and finally Karen at level 35.

[@GoofyGoober840]

It's not a theory, it's a fact.

[@Jjdogstein]

Even as a kid I thought Zoe got her way unfairly. I used to love the movie where his blanket gets thrown into the trash, but I hated that Zoe NEVER faced any consequences. As someone who grew up with a similar situation where my parents would only believe my sister, I sympathized with Elmo so much. It's the same deal with shows like Kid vs Kat. Took years to be able to mend things with my folks. MatPat hit the nail on the head.

[@aceorb1996]

IIRC, Elmo actually ends up apologizing to Zoe in the movie too! But Elmo was in the right here I thought, he didn't want to share his blanket, but Zoe was super insistent... Like, girl, Elmo has shared many things with you, he does not have to share his very special and sentient blanket.

[@Cameron_Maguire]

I'm glad you were able to mend things. Screw off bots.

[@BioshadowX]

It's a metaphor for

[@sophiebyers5496]

@@aceorb1996 I think Elmo feels more guilty for yelling at Zoe and saying that she is not his friend

[@sallyphilpin1104]

My parents would keep me home for school to feed all the animals on the family smallholding. I had to bottle feed 3 lambs at once (one bottle in each hand and the 3rd one gripped between my knees), 300 pigs, then let 40 hens & 2 cockerels out of the henhouses and feed them, put the lambs into their secure grazing area and finally collect any eggs from the henhouses. This would happen when my mum was ill, she had migraines, and I started doing that when I was only 12 years old. They would tell people that my sister's education was more important than mine so she very rarely had to stay home, she is just over a year older than me, then they wondered why I rebelled against them as much as I could. They also used to say they had me to keep my sister company as there's a 5 year gap between her and the next eldest sister, then roughly a year between that one and my eldest sister. Their plan backfired as we don't get on as she's still the 'golden child'. They say it's because my brother (their 1st born and only son) died at 13 months old, the next 2 were girls so when the 3rd girl was born dad didn't even look at her for 6 weeks. They've been 'making up for it' since and treating me differently. Us girls organised a party for them about 20 years ago and in his speech he said, roughly, "I'd like to thank 'eldest sister', 'next one down' and '3rd one' for organising this fantastic surprise party". Guess who he left out? Yep, he had to be reminded I was even there. I nearly walked out but my children were having a good time playing with their cousins, but I've never forgotten or forgiven especially as they caused something even worse in my life 31 years ago. Sorry for the rant but this is the 1st time I've even written this stuff down, let alone where strangers can read it.

[@meggubravo8373]

Elmo: everything deserves love Rocko: *exists* Elmo: ALMOST everything deserves love

[@magdakozakiewicz304]

This would work if you said anything BECAUSE ROCCO ISNT A PERSON, IT'S A THING, A ROCK

[@jayvhoncalma3458]

@@magdakozakiewicz304 and rocks are used to make cement but rocko would be better as target practice for AMSR (Anti Material Sniper Rifle)

[@loladownz5117]

Who else read that in elmos voice and dialect?

[@meggubravo8373]

@@magdakozakiewicz304 fixed, thanks

[@magdakozakiewicz304]

@@meggubravo8373 HAHAHA it's even funnier now

[@OliviaRackley-x6k]

I just love the little jokes😂😂😂 0:40

[@winteryuki_onna8172]

Not only Child neglect had been shown in this child show but Parental favoritism is when one or both parents display consistent favoritism toward one child over another. It can include more time spent together, less discipline, and more privileges. Which is happening with Zoey, while Elmo is toss on the side line even though adults do ask if Elmo wants to do something else he just give into what Zoey want over his need, which can mess up a child believing that no one is going to spend time with you because they are going to spend more time with the other kid/sibling. poor Elmo

[@MysteryTheEmsm]

The shows got a lot of mature topics that play off quite well in a kids show, even to the point of characters DYING. (Rest in peace Mr. Hooper) that show can get DARK man

[@catherinebaldwin6580]

Luckly I had parents who didn’t had favoritism, but a lot of the other adult in childhood did. A lot of my teacher favored my bullies because they claim I was always lying. 9 years later it was found I was born with schizophrenia. Thanks Dr. C, for breaking a tween heart, Especially after a family death. So glad to have my current circle of friends and family. But some adult still don’t care.

[@ArtIsMySin19]

It's crazy that a theory video about Elmo and a rock is making me think about what neglect can do. It's made me reflect on relationships I've experienced where my feelings have been so invalidated.. I really hope that the writers have the awareness to validate Elmo's emotions and acknowledge the trauma this can cause if not addressed.

[@funtimefredboi4456]

Caillou, Caillou

[@micahbirdlover8152]

it's just a rock🤨

[@blueheartsoul1654]

I hardly watched Sesame Street, I always watched Elmo's World with Elmo having the spotlight on him. It made me think that Zoe was secretly jealous of Elmo being more popular than her and used Rocco as a reason to do what she wanted and have the spotlight on her. That's my theory.

[@jasonshoesmith467]

thats actually really good idea

[@cookiehatkingdom]

Same, except I watched Furchester hotel. Elmo has a lot of attention elsewhere, so it's not really surprising.

[@brandonisom2974]

A FILM THEORY!!! Thanks for commenting...

[@-YourLocalCryBaby-]

Have you ever noticed how Elmo’s world looks fake? I mean in the intro you see him in a real room and then “Elmos world” seems to just spawn. Maybe that’s because it is fake, maybe it’s his brain trying to forget about the toxic environment and people around him… But that’s probably just a stretch

[@cookiehatkingdom]

@@-YourLocalCryBaby- A FILM STRETCH! AAAND CUT!

[@mas8705]

Suddenly, I feel like Elmo's World was something Elmo invented for himself due to neglect from all the adults favoring Zoe's Rock over him.

[@eyes_espresso4803]

Which would explain Mr. Noodle, the only adult that ever validated his needs! But only in Elmo's isolated world!

[@runedoom]

So omori is just a retelling of sesame street? Of course! That explains everything!

[@flynns5807]

Hence why Mr. Noodle is the best character

[@louisverysilly]

@@runedoom Not everything is related to eachother y'know? I get that it's a joke but it's in my opinion so annoying when something gets brought up that has nothing to do with the topic.

[@briannguyen1227]

@@louisverysilly it’s just a coke, you don’t need to feel so annoyed about it

[@TotallyHuman]

'you will watch my child' is a concerning thing that's popping up nowadays too.

[@NiViBee]

This is what I understood as a child. Everyone enabled Zoe to not crush her imagination, but Elmo was being crushed in the process. I didn't understood how it was fair to Elmo and why no adults told her that she should prioritize her real alive friends.

[@frostprism7267]

For sure!

[@user-en7dx1qp3k]

I suppose that the Rocco series was more of a lesson for the parents watching with their children on what can happen when you let a kid do manipulative things so as to not cause a scene than it was a lesson for the children watching.

[@NiViBee]

@@user-en7dx1qp3k I would agree if they ever called out Zoe but they never did

[@jamesbondjr4902]

That's Y she lost me 😎👌💪💯💞

[@stickshiftstarship]

As a kid who grew up with a controlling, favoured sibling, this was surprisingly validating.

[@THEPAST-NEVERDI3Z]

Same ngl

[@butterflywarrioredits]

Same!!!

[@chrisohtonen7188]

wait a minute Zoey is the golden child the one who could do no wrong so toxic

[@Rebvie]

Me too but this time it's my older brother

[@annabellahenao3470]

Me to its my 7 year old brother

[@SterlingAndrews44]

So glad that people are on Elmo’s side regarding this situation over how much of a bad friend Zoe is to Elmo, especially when it involves Rocco. I loved every bit of this! It’s definitely sad how no one ever sides with Elmo over Zoe’s behavior with or without Rocco and usually always side with her like she’s the victim and that’s wrong. Elmo has a very good reason to be angry at her because she has gaslighted him for so many years which really affected their friendship in terms that they were once considered as “best friends” but that’s not how best friends really are and it’s more like a toxic friendship which was all started by Zoe wanting to get her way out of everything and it ruined the spotlight for Elmo. Zoe has not over tormented Elmo over Rocco but she has also ripped Elmo’s special blanket after taking it without his permission to wipe her face with, stole Elmo’s Front & Back joke by telling it to everyone on Sesame Street and when Elmo tried to tell his joke, they say that they already heard the joke from Zoe and she never gave him credit for that, bullied him by calling Elmo a rotten egg or rotten potato chip (and Elmo even asked her to stop calling him that because it makes him really feel rotten), wouldn’t share her ZoeMobile during the play date with Elmo by gaslighting him and never admitting that she didn’t feel comfortable with Elmo driving it until the very end, she told Elmo that after he tried to do a Leap Dance for friendship day, Zoe yelled at him by saying *”Elmo, I don’t believe it! Why did I ever agree to let you be part of this dance?!! YOU ARE THE WORST!!!”* and it really broke Elmo’s heart when she said that to him and he actually said that he doesn’t want to be her friend anymore, and most of all, gaslights Elmo pretty much every time they’re together. Elmo deserves more of the spotlight and love like he has for many years since he became a popular Sesame Street Muppet character that people of all ages adore and no hatred because he’s a great character. If there’s any character you should hate from Sesame Street, it’s Zoe. Another thing is that Zoe hardly ever learns a lesson from her mistakes and she still does more gaslighting to Elmo affecting him even more to the point that he has to get angry and vent his feelings out at her giving Zoe a piece of his mind. Elmo has a good reason to be angry but to this day, it’s so hilarious how his expressive actions are when he gets angry and Elmo is just like any other good character from TV shows that are usually always kind and happy, but they have their limits when something isn’t right from people that act like crap that they wouldn’t tolerate for whatever situation it is going on. I’m glad to see that the popularity of Elmo vs Zoe & Rocco is still going on as it was partially dead for a while lol *Be on Team Elmo and don’t be toxic like Zoe*

[@derposlerpo9456]

I'ma be honest I didn't read this but props to you for taking this long for something about Elmo

[@1roxyfan491]

I ruined the 69 sorry

[@missnotsoaverage]

I don't remember much about sesame street. Been a long time since I've seen it. But I think big birds friend snuffleupagus was believed to be imaginary too? At least by everyone but big bird. Up until everyone actually saw the giant elephant-like muppet. Why treat Zoe's rock like a separate thing? He's a frggin rock!

[@otherlego]

I do remember the special blanket. That’s from Elmo in grouchland

[@evrynameis_takn]

@@derposlerpo9456 😂 I'm in the replies for the same reason

[@OtterTuna]

they analyzed the relationship between elmo, the puppet, and a rock.

[@krisamity498]

I hated Zoe growing up, still do, and I would literally cry for Elmo's sake when I was little. Even now as an adult and seeing the miss treatment with that stupid rock, it still hurts. Poor Elmo! I bet this doesn't hit hard for all of those middle kids having to watch their golden child sibling get everything they ever wanted and the middle ended up paying for it in the end.

[@alexismyers6053]

I haven’t watched Sesame Street in YEARS and I wanted to cry for Elmo just seeing those clips! When MatPat started by try to make us what mins of picture is being painted on the surface, it just didn’t sit right with me. Like, I remember Elmo talking to Dorothy and laughing at Mr. Noodle’s antics, singing a song, sprinting random babies to teleport to, just being lovable and cuddly. It felt weird seeing him angry. At least MatPat sees what’s going on. Hopefully someone at Sesame Street miraculously sees his video and has a good long think about Zoey and Rocco.

[@nottnoahlol]

EXACTLY HOW I FEEL FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS ME AND ELMO!!!

[@TheOriginal_Unaleska]

Yeah I never liked Zoe either. Now I know why.

[@Freshest_Water]

Even as the oldest literally everyone but me gets what they want and I get left out

[@zadock6370]

This is why I am glad I am an only child and I will make sure that if I ever have kids, I will only have one kid (unless I get twins or something)

[@LamentedLucia]

I never even noticed this before but you're totally right! I always thought that the show's film writers were using Rocco to teach kids how to compromise but you're absolutely right that it comes across as manipulative and downright rude on the part of the characters what they're doing to Elmo when it comes to Zoey and Rocco, despite the fact that in reality I bet that it's probably a mix between a fallout of Mr. Snuffleupagus leading to them leaning too hard in the other direction but also the film writers using Rocco as an excuse to humble Elmo who's usually the center of attention, and teaching kids that they won't always get what they want and when it comes to others they need to learn to compromise. that being said, this is totally unnaceptable behavior from both Zoey and the Adults in the show. it also bugs me that the adults constantly switch between talking sense into Zoey and downright playing along to the point of telling others (like in the case of the dancing elephant) things that back Zoey's claims of Rocco being alive

[@itsalmostfun8567]

@ManajYT community guidline deffending a bot pfft

[@itsalmostfun8567]

@@dodgepuppy1715 dude stoopid bot dude

[@henryapplebottom7231]

Is the elephant an adult, or just insane?

[@LamentedLucia]

@@itsalmostfun8567 I reported it like 4 times LOL

[@starrynightfall00]

This actually sent a chill down my spine because I can think of a few instances in society were people use certain things to emotionally bully others into compliance. Very creepy... good job, Matpat and team!

[@jacobpugpoirier3350]

15:17 it was this thing, and the vacuum from Teletubbies that scared me as a kid.

[@eyes_espresso4803]

I always liked Sesame Street best when Zoe wasn't around. Even as a young child, I couldn't stand her. Elmo is the sweetest and most patient little toddler monster on Sesame Street and he deserves his childhood validated.

[@louisverysilly]

I thought Zoe was stereotypical, even if I didn't know what it ment. I've always been annoyed by girl stereotypes.

[@Aereto]

@@louisverysilly Less of a girl stereotype, and more of an attention stealer personality archetype. Annoys me to no end and sympathize more with Elmo.

[@chaosmastermind]

When I was a kid, she didn't even exist. They obviously added her because affirmative action for purely sexist reasons.

[@thabg007]

This video is clearly about Rocko's Modern Life

[@CmacDaMan09]

This could actually serve as a good lesson to be aimed more directly at parents regarding directly engaging with children. Make sure EVERY a child is heard as opposed to just doing what makes the boat from rocking, as it were. Like how a parent should listen to a child when they want something, but not indirectly teach the kid that “screaming = I get things”, especially at other kid’s expense.

[@pichulxdanimation2359]

I am your 500like

[@Ilander86]

Sesame Street has some good meta-lessons like this. For another example, when a sketch has a "bad guy," they're usually redeemed solely by way of apology. That teaches kids the importance of apologizing, but it pretty consistently overlooks atonement. When Baddy McBad breaks stuff, she should have to fix them, and doesn't deserve applause for doing it. So, as a parent, the scene doesn't sit right, and it prompts you to tell your kids "sometimes, you owe others an honest effort at fixing things."

[@amandaredd3057]

I'm with Elmo on this. I was a 90s teen and can honestly say that pet rocks were the dumbest invention ever. Rocco and Zoey can go kick rocks! Love ya, Elmo!

[@MotorcycleCheetah]

Did you know USB Powered Pet Rocks are a thing? Wack right?

[@LadyOnikara]

@@MotorcycleCheetah Man, and i thought having a blue-eyed, app enabled Teddy Ruxpin was odd. (I'm a Ruxpin purist. He is supposed to have BROWN eyes, people!)

[@sherrigood5412]

​@@LadyOnikaraI want him.

[@melissacooper8724]

I remember how pet rocks were a fad in the 1970s. I still don't understand why people went nuts for them! It's the dumbest thing ever!

[@BlueBeltNinjaofthe10]

Elmo deserves a chance to win on Rocco

[@eliethorn1109]

Elmo definitely deserves better I agree he can't even get angry but his friends can this is just unbelievable

[@tulipallium]

I suppose I could see how typical haters would say stuff like "typical matpat making everything dark" but this is very... clear. This is 'REAL', (at least, as real as real can be in a puppet show) and it's very obvious that Zoe is trying to treat Elmo badly.

[@Biggestboy4014]

He has spoken 👍

[@caseywensnahan3543]

​@@WILDWINTER_BIRD are you trying to say that just because it is a kids show means it can't have more serious or darker elements or are you trying to say something else I could really use some elaboration.​

[@cringekid07]

@@WILDWINTER_BIRD "children's media should always be written for the adults first." -not sure who said this, maybe someone at Pixar? Anyways, just because it's a show for kids doesn't mean it can't cover more adult topics (or in this case, some basic psychology i.e. kids using imaginary friends to get their way). Arthur covered cancer, Bambi exists, soul covering existentialism, etc etc.

[@im_bored_hi_]

Elmo vs Rocco is the topic (and mild obsession) I had no idea I needed MatPat covering

[@ХейтерТрендов]

MatPat is a brain burner!(Правдивое видео🇷🇺):.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rdqXaun7-bfNE

[@elainad6728]

I feel bad for Rocco :(

[@elmopreparestocommitarson]

@@elainad6728 Elmo doesn’t like Rocco. Elmo doesn’t like you.

[@inkcat1379]

Wtc out of the 8 replies here (except for me now) only 1 of them is not a bot

[@InvasionAnimation]

I made a cartoon where Elmo runs over Zoe in a car. It doesn't solve the issue, but it is nice she got what she deserves.

[@GanonGhidorah]

If they ever _drop_ this plotline, it needs to climax with Elmo realizing that Zoey is being a toxic friend and he's better off _without her._

[@fyrelorde]

Elmo: you know what Zoey? Elmo is tired, Elmo doesn't like Rocco. And because, because you never let Elmo have my fun. Then you are not my friend, goodbye Zoey. Zoey: uh-huh, uh-huh, Rocco says- Elmo: STOP LYING ZOEY! ITS NOT FUNNY! YOU are the one that says things! Never Rocco, because ROCCO is a ROCK! And if you want to be my friend, then leave.

[@silverblaze8766]

@@fyrelorde unfortunately that is not going to happen in that way because Sesame street is still a children show unless their willing to retire Zoey- which honestly they can do because her characrer is generic girl and there are thousands of those in show- the rocco problem is not going to have a satisfying conclusion

[@nahim2lazy653]

Would be even better if it just ends with elmo throwing rocco, never to be seen again

[@RayRayJams]

It technically already happened... Notice that Elmo now hangs out with Abby and Zoe is really no longer in the picture

[@AmbrotosArkhon]

@@silverblaze8766 So the message to send to kids is that gaslighting and abusing genuinely good people is acceptable and inevitable? What you're saying makes absolutely zero sense especially considering that they have indeed had satisfying resolutions to ongoing abuse with Big Bird/Snuffleupagus. The fact that Sesame Street is a children's show makes it even more important for there to be justice for Elmo.

[@Rae0814]

I feel like it’s a mix of Zoey wanting to put herself first and the adults fearing that it may end up another Snuffleupagus if they don’t play along.

[@baileeharding8886]

At 19 and 20 me and a friend were talking about how toxic Zoe really was and how the adults were condoning it. I knew about the Rocco bullshit that Zoe was pulling because my niece had a "friend" that was just like this: My niece, We call her LB, had a friend named I think Amanda, and I was watching them for a little bit before Amanda had to go home. Every once in a while I would notice Amanda bringing up her imaginary friend "Simon" who would either tell LB that she wasn't good at something, or she dressed weird, or something rude and callous, and I would end up stepping in. One day she took it too far and used Simon to tell her she was weird for having two dads (they are like 6 years old) so I stepped in and told Amanda if Simon or her say something rude to LB one more time I would be telling her parents. When Amanda got picked up I told her parents about the Simon issue and they dismissed it. I told LB that was she was doing was just like the "Zoe and Rocco" Situation and she understood and I hadn't seen Amanda since then. Apparently, LB told Amanda that Simon was like Rocco and she didn't want a "Zoe and Rocco" friendship. And I agree with Mat; These adults are condoning this and it's making Elmo who is the victim seem like the monster, and he's not. Zoe is a bratty little character that I didn't like as a child and my niece and nephew don't like her because to them she's a bully which I agree with.

[@yodoctor6175]

Ong here kzbin.info/www/bejne/n363ZnyGmNqhn5Y

[@ryokukagirinai]

I wonder where "Simon" got the idea that two dads were weird 🤔

[@baileeharding8886]

@@ryokukagirinai the parents of Amanda. My brother and brother in law had LB through a surrogate.

[@jorgelotr3752]

@@baileeharding8886 not like it would have been weird even if she were adopted either.

[@caloreen1992]

@@ryokukagirinai Having two dads is weird bro. Two men cannot make a baby. Having no mom is devastating, another dad doesn't replace that. Just because the culture in western society tries to jam it down you're throat that it's okay doesn't mean it actually is. We went from its not your business what people do in their bedroom to having gays adopting children. Why bring children into it.

[@oobtty]

"What else does that toothpick say?" "That I deserve a raise" "Your toothpick friend is stupid man" That interaction slayed me. Also MatPat I do hope you are giving him a raise

[@oobtty]

@dixia xie go away bot

[@atanaZion]

@dixia xie Omg,so true,Dixia #JusticeforElmo

[@ChaoticAphrodite]

I agree. Toothpick is so underpaid.

[@abhitruechamp]

Are you getting a raise this year btw?

[@CMG439]

​@@oobtty ? not a bot

[@DeviouslyKITT]

Given that my grandmother did the exact same thing to me (just with her pet dogs), yeah I can totally understand why Elmo gets mad every time he sees Rocco or has to appease said rock.

[@luckyduchesse8924]

Well a dog is alive and need care, but I understand that you felt less important to your grandma than her dogs

[@OvertMysteryChannel]

The purpose of this conditioning, is for kids to accept the illogical and irrational opinions of others in order to spare their feelings. Even if it goes against the child's self interest. I would wager that the people who write that stuff have embedded other programming into this show and others they have worked on.

[@chaossynergy9768]

@@luckyduchesse8924 Well a child is alive and needs more care than a dog. And a grandma who cares more about a dog than her grandchild is one shitty grandma.

[@chaossynergy9768]

@@OvertMysteryChannel And yet they didn't spare elmo's feelings, so I say nay, the purpose is pure favourism of one child over the other child. Elmo here got bullied, gaslighted, and abused by the adults. That's like the opposite of any sensitivity training.

[@luckyduchesse8924]

@@chaossynergy9768 I don't say otherwise, of course grandma needs to take care of the child! I'm just saying that dogs can't be compared to a rock.

[@Cr1ticA]

Y'know.... now that I've grown up... I understand Elmo's frustration.

[@josephine9499]

Fun fact : The reason Roco's wife's name is Petra, is because the word rock in Greek is also pronounced Petra

[@marioxzeldagamer4511]

I can see Matt's DadPat persona throughout this episode, it's super sweet to see and his kid's gonna grow up a responsible and intelligent young man

[@crashvds777]

We stan DadPat

[@G27pat]

Elmo is a great representation of my entire childhood. Probably why I could always empathize with Elmo.

[@elmopreparestocommitarson]

Elmo will empathize with you too

[@InvasionAnimation]

I made a cartoon where Elmo runs over Zoe in a car. It doesn't solve the issue, but it is nice she got what she deserves.

[@randominternetuser2436]

When will KZbin fix the bot issue, this is getting out of hand

[@cedricbeliam4573]

@@elmopreparestocommitarson Elmo, are you really going to commit arson? If so, can I help?

[@h0m3st4r]

@@randominternetuser2436 Well, until they do, we have to keep reporting the bots, the owners, and the alts.

[@charizardunites]

17:54 If I was Elmo in this situation, “NOBODY F**KING CARES!!!!”

[@jamesrivera4350]

Me to

[@H3y_Im_Rob]

While I agree that it was bad how they treated Elmo over this, let me remind you all that they have RARELY showed Zoey on the show nowadays. She got replaced by Abby and Julia as Elmo's BFF's. So yeah, no more Zoey = no more Rocco = Elmo no longer has to deal with all that baggage.

[@bpsara]

That makes me happy for Elmo and all the kids watching. They get to see the different relationships and learn what works better/is healthier

[@Allanapolis83232]

This is why Elmo is best friends with Abby Cadabby nowadays. He's also friends with Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Snuffy, Telly, Baby Bear, and Grover.

[@FairbrookWingates]

Oh good, thank you for letting us know this!

[@thisisasupersayin376]

Good for him

[@bichnguyen-uc4ys]

ok

[@SpeedDemonStar]

Ah yes, one of my biggest pet peeves... "bullying is okay as long as the adults say it is and your feelings don't matter as much as the adults' favorites." It happens enough in real life without Sesame Street reinforcing that it's okay. This can also become dangerous because, like the Snuffy situation, it tells kids that adults are always right, even when they aren't. It teaches kids that not only favoritism is okay but so is outright bullying as long as the adults say it's okay. It reinforces what many kids innately know; the needs and feelings of some kids are more important than yours and you should just deal with being treated as a lesser human.

[@Alison2436]

100% this!

[@goazer2]

What kind of psychopath denies a child their favorite cookie in favor of a rock? I mean I don't want to say this is feminist BS where it's ok to screw over Elmo because he's a boy but I'm really having a problem with another explanation.

[@Alex_J6]

@SpeedDS Demonstar you are 1000% right. It’s real and it happens, as unfortunate as it is.

[@Stettafire]

Yes this. It's really sad in this day and age that bullying is made into a comedic joke and most adults don't do anything agianst it - dispite it being a common cause of suicide in young people

[@CorpKitten]

@@goazer2 Rocco is also a "boy" rock, so I think you're reaching.

[@rachelthornton4442]

Something I'd like to highlight about that first clip is that Gabby later handles the situation very well; she explains to Zoe that it's okay for her to believe that Rocko is real, but that Rocko's needs and wants are different than Elmo's (ie. he can't actually eat a cookie) and it is unfair for Elmo to be steamrolled for Rocko's sake, which is ultimately Zoe's sake. I'm guessing Zoe never took that message on.

[@svenjorgensenn8418]

Feminism

[@tacossmiley]

@@svenjorgensenn8418 rocko’s a rock

[@MrSirWivd]

​@@tacossmileyroccoism

[@tacossmiley]

@@MrSirWivd best reply

[@Cardboard.L3af]

i agree

[@taylorwolfram3871]

3:42 THATS LITERALLY MT FAVORITE MEME I WAS HOPING IT WOULD SHOW UP!!!

[@serenitygarcia869]

Now I'm just imagining Zoey growing up to be a Karen because everything was handed to her and Elmo growing up to need therapy because the adults never gave listen to him when it comes to him and Zoey

[@thomasfoster4370]

Rocco wants to speak to the manager

[@MrSirWivd]

​@@thomasfoster4370ill introduce rocco to the manager. rocco, meet mr. jackhammer.

[@AverageNerdGamer]

Poor Elmo I get how he feels being pushed to the side when someone else is being favored while that person treats you like crap is so annoying and depressing.

[@agent4ww191]

That will be insane

[@abrarahmad-mw4dk]

Thank God she is still 3

[@jare3959]

You hit the nail on the head! Its always the adults gaslighting Elmo that hits me as insidious. Its one thing for a kid to be selfish and not understanding what she's doing. She's 3, and is still developing. But as soon as the adults use Rocko to disregard Elmo's feelings, that's just messed up. The concept of gaslighting is pretty abstract, but I'd like to think that with this ongoing story of Rocko they are introducing the idea of manipulation. They deal with a lot of other emotional issues like bullying, fear, prejudice, and grief. So I'm glad they are dealing with emotional abuse this way too.

[@mustachemiss1983]

23 years is an awful long time for that kind of plot I'd think. Maybe it's a usual time-frame for Sesame street, I don't know, but if I were to write a plot like that, I'd make it last like, a year at tops. Of course, real-world manipulation and abuse can last a lifetime, but Rocco's been on Sesame street long enough for at least two named generations of kids to internalise the toxicity and grow out of the show with no evidence of consequences for Zoe or vindication for Elmo.

[@highstax_xylophones]

Elmo knows and is confident, so he does nothing but reinforce the truth to wiser viewers. It looks like a see-saw when boiled down: Good for those un-wise to reinforce freedom of play; good for the wiser to reinforce the truth. Elmo pointing out truth is way better than the adult doing so, for any viewer.

[@TimeBucks]

so glad you did this episode

[@lilybranflake8908]

I agree!

[@sidhumoosewala-pj6oh]

I agreed

[@vasilemariangiarap7005]

Cel mai bun

[@tomokokuroki5216]

te entendo

[@raccoonmellows1243]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@Ninirathod]

I love how elmo's patience is broken by a rock

[@Kaytoun]

There needs to be an episode where Elmo finally puts his foot down with Zoey and tells her that she needs to stop using Rocco as an excuse to be mean to him. That if she wants to continue to be Elmo's friend, she needs to stop bringing Rocco around and stop being a bully. It's either Elmo or Rocco, not both. And it would be nice if an adult also finally acknowledges that the whole Rocco thing has gone too far and explains to Zoey why what she's doing is hurting Elmo. And everyone, Zoey, the other residents of Seaseme Street, the adults who played along, and maybe even Rocco, finally acknowledge what they were doing was not fair to Elmo and apologize to him.

[@Shyhalu]

That would get Elmo thrown in jail or kicked out of sesame street, just like IRL when you refuse to accept the idea men can get pregnant.

[@shotsinfired]

@@Shyhalu those two things don't coincide my g

[@thefurkage]

Sadly I'd he says that then Rocco will "magically" come to life and start talking, Elmo can't win

[@Shyhalu]

@@shotsinfired Look up people being arrested in the UK over tweets and come back here and say that again.

[@panopticpunk]

@@Shyhalu Tf does mean tweets, and pregnant men, have to do with the adults on sesame street taking accountability for teaching 2 generations of kids that if you have a temper tantrum you get what you want? Tf are you talking about? Elmo will go to jail or kicked out for sticking up for himself? Tf are you on about? It seems, to me; like your having a temper tantrum because someone just told you Elmo is right and Zoey is wrong - And you just spent 19 mins listening to MatPat explain WHY, and, for some reason, this struck a cord somewhere deep inside your brain - and your taking ALL of this as a "personal attack". Slow down - breathe. It's gonna be okay. No one's attacking you. This is a show about 3 year olds learning life lessons. Everything will be fine. Just take some time, reflect on yourself, and do better. It works WONDERS over attacking everything and everyone. You should try it. Or here - ill put this another way; "Less QQ - More Pewpew."

[@Wolf-dragon_lord]

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Elmo is quite literally being bullied by Zoe to do what she wants to do, but never what he wants to do. Elmo's world is likely a cooping mechanism for him, especially after dealing with Rocco. And when you look at the adults it's clear they favor Zoe over Elmo. It could be because Zoe acts more like a three year old then Elmo, who clearly acts much older, almost like he had grown up faster than Zoe.

[@AspenDoesContent]

I agree, except Elmo's World has been around before the whole Rocco fiasco, but everything else here makes sense

[@Ensensu2]

Now that makes me think of a Children of the Corn/Sesame Street hybrid horror movie where the puppets can get too old.

[@HappyBoaSnake-vu5xv]

1:13 1:17 1:18 1:18 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:22 1:22 1:22 1:22 1:22 1:23 1:23 1:23 1:24 1:24 1:24

[@generalalduin9548]

tbf, being bossy and wanting things to go your way is exactly how kids act

[@Merennulli]

I was definitely not expecting to learn something from this. I was moving out of my Sesame Street phase around the time Big Bird was almost killed on the final Challenger mission (also something I just recently learned really happened). While I watched it for a while afterward, Big Bird being vindicated is in my mind as the sort of "final episode" for me because it concluded the arc I'd been used to for most of the time watching it. And while it was just a cute story from my childhood, in retrospect it fits the "adults won't believe you" narrative that many shows pushed and which did negatively impact me. I had an abusive first grade teacher, and while mom was aware of some of the un-hideable aspects like having to bring me new clothes after I was denied access to the bathroom for an entire day, we recently talked about what she did and mom was absolutely livid several decades after the fact. Being struck, put in a box, locked in a closet, and not telling my parents about it because that was just life and she was the only adult in the room when it happened. I definitely feel for the kids being treated like Elmo. I have seen that behavior as well, and kids will grow up manipulative like Zoe well beyond the "cute" 3 year old phase. But now that you've explained this, I can understand not only why they swung so far in this direction, but why I still feel twinges of this expectation not to be believed. As an adult it's turned to misplaced resentment for not being believed over things that...I totally know I'm believed about so the emotion makes no logical sense.

[@latif36]

Bruh bots

[@Merennulli]

@@latif36 This is getting insane. And these are so stupidly consistent that YT could auto-detect them easily. Meanwhile I can't reply with a link to the trolls that demand "proof" of everything without my post being in limbo for days.

[@TotallySans]

0:47 the custom intro

[@SamsarasArt]

For a show about kids, they really don't know how to handle imaginary friends. They either completely ignore it and gaslight the person with the imaginary friend, or they go all in and favor inanimate objects over actual characters. Also the adults being useless is the most realistic lesson sesame street's ever thought

[@1roxyfan491]

For real

[@monsterftw4481]

Facts man ... 100% Heck just look at society itself.

[@eyesofthefox]

It would be cool if the adults pull Zoe aside one day and actually have a philosophical discussion and explore why Zoe feels she needs an imaginary friend. Most of the time children come up with or create those types of fantasy in response to some form of trauma.

[@Emmett_Br0wn]

Fr

[@Sammyxcatlover257]

I always thought there was a reason that Elmo stopped being such good friends with Zoe and now hangs out with abby. I think this is the reason why. There's plenty more instances of him having conflict with Zoe and Zoe not honoring his boundaries

[@Nakia11798]

Zoe was rude as heck.

[@courtneykirschman1166]

Zoe also tried to steal his blanket and then basically got mad at him when SHE lost it?!

[@ironwraith852]

That's a good observation, Bro.

[@josephmichaels4123]

@@courtneykirschman1166 Holy sheet im thereal life elmo

[@Gilamath.]

I remember watching these Rocco episodes with my sister growing up. We would constantly be mad on Elmo's behalf, because it was so obvious that the poor guy was just being pushed around. We got so legitimately upset hahaha

[@talhamazumder7495]

Yoo u are also Talha?

[@Dplayz32Games]

Elmo: Rocks can't eat Internet: OH MY GOD HE JUST WENT INSANE JUST LOST HIS MARBLES

[@redtailarts101]

I can't believe not a single adult could say "well Elmo has been waiting his turn for the swing, so Rocco will have to get off" or "It's not fair to Elmo to have to jump either" or "what if Elmo and Rocco split their cookies in half and shared them?" or literally ANYTHING in Elmo's defense. You don't have to deny Zoe's imagination to be fair to Elmo. Rocco doesn't need to be prioritized to keep Zoe happy. Elmo would probably be less angry with Rocco if they were treated fairly. He keeps trying to tell Zoe that Rocco is just a rock so she stops putting him in situations where the rock's "wants" are put above his own.

[@lili9000c]

I know it's just bizarre on the writers and actors who didn't question any of this stuff like wth.

[@charvipitambare3720]

Exactly the adults could have played along with zoe’s imagination of rocco and still treat elmo fairly.

[@treesusr]

I actually think that with this perspective, this could also be seen as a commentary about how when it comes to kids who are seen as "special" (kind of personified by Zoe having an imaginary friend), they are usually given vastly better treatment by people who are being very lenient with them - sometimes to the point of ignoring or treating other kids in a way that may seem very unfair.

[@caloreen1992]

Yeah it also is the same thing as adults with 'victim' status doing the exact same thing.

[@itspowers9107]

What do you mean by special? TBH this I just how kids act (not that Zoe is in the right). I don't see how the rock personifies anything. Kids will always try to get away with things and will continue to try if adults show them that they can or should like the adults in the show do.

[@klaussone]

@@itspowers9107 which tells you that is a common tendency anyone is prone to due to the way the brain works. Which could in turn explain why is so widespread on adults as well if measures are not taken to correct such behaviour.

[@lucky5372]

Or youngest child privileges

[@itspowers9107]

@@klaussone Exactly. However this commentor implied the rock meant something and used the word "special" which was confusing. All kids learn from those around them, especially adults. If adults let them do something they will think that it's acceptable. That's why have clear and consistent rules is crucial for kids.

[@romanlacson]

13:33 For someone who's only 3 years old, Elmo is still so understanding to Zoe. He's very patient even with how persistent Zoe is claiming Rocco's real. Props to him :))

[@dogouchu4356]

He’s too good for this world. That’s why he’s only on tv

[@ALTnOtes]

Therapist: MupPat isn’t real, he can’t hurt you! MupPat: 0:00

[@ae331909]

This theory hits at way more than a film theory. As a parent, it honestly had me processing my own actions with my kids. Finding that line between acknowledging kids thoughts and feelings but not letting their actions hurt others. I think about how other generations in my family were so quick to shut down big emotions from kids, or other families that let the kids take the reigns in unhealthy ways. MatPat, I need a parenting book from you ASAP.

[@kuza3991]

Repent and follow Jesus my friend! Repenting doesn't mean confessing your sins to others, but to stop doing them altogether. Belief in Messiah alone is not enough to get you into heaven - Matthew 7:21-23, John 3:3, John 3:36 (ESV is the best translation for John 3:36). Contemplate how the Roman empire fulfilled the role of the beast from the sea in Revelation 13. Revelation 17 confirms that it is in fact Rome. From this we can conclude that A) Jesus is the Son of God and can predict the future or make it happen, B) The world leaders/nations/governments etc have been conspiring together for the last 3000+ years to accomplish the religion of the Israelites C) History as we know it is fake. You don't really need to speculate though because you can start a relationship with God and have proof. Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life. - Revelation 3:20 Revelation has been unfolding since Jesus died. The Popes have claimed to be equal to God and set themselves in Jesus' place (antichrist(s)). Vatican City (Which is its own nation BTW) have risen up to fulfill the role of the false prophet Regarding the man of lawlessness or antichrist, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 says “Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” The restrainer that the Apostle Paul was referring to in 2 Thessalonians was the Western Roman Emperor, who held back the Popes from taking power. Once the last Western Roman Emperor was removed from power in 476 AD, the Pope was given civil and ecclesiastic authority over Rome; healing the deadly head wound of the beast in Revelation 13, as they took the Emperors title of Pontifex Maximus, leader of the church and state. “We may according to the fullness of our power, dispose of the law and dispense above the law. Those whom the Pope of Rome doth separate, it is not a man that separates them but God. For the Pope holdeth place on earth, not simply of a man but of the true God.” (Source: “Decretals of Gregory IX,” Book 1, chapter 3.) Pope Pius V blasphemed, “The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in Heaven and earth.” (Source: Pope Pius V, quoted in Barclay, Cities Petrus Bertanous Chapter XXVII: 218.) Pope Leo XIII declared, “We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.” (Source: Pope Leo XIII Encyclical Letter, June 20, 1894) The antichrist sea beast of Revelation points to the office of the papacy, the Popes of Rome, who controlled the Roman beast for 1,260 years, from 538-1798 AD. Daniel 7:25 says “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” The Popes of Rome spoke against Elohim and proclaimed to be God. They reigned for 1,260 years, from 538-1798 AD. during which they caused tens of millions of saints to be killed. The Pope’s title is Vicar of Christ, which in Latin is ‘Vicarius Filii Dei’, and equates numerically to the number 666