We here at ToughPigs are basically the biggest, most passionate Muppet fans on the Internet. Personally, I’ve been a huge fan of Jim Henson’s worlds since birth. My first words were “Oscar” and “Grover.” So believe me, I’m speaking from a place of expertise when I say that every project the Henson team worked on has one real message: we need to make the world a better place.
In the Muppet shows and films, that looks like supporting our found family: the misfits who share our hopes and dreams. On Sesame Street, that looks like growing smarter, stronger, and kinder every day: learning new things from the people in our neighborhood. On Fraggle Rock, that looks like exploring the ways we’re all interconnected: musicians, monarchs, and laborers all collaborating to find the magic around them.
I’d like to think that’s why we here at ToughPigs also want to make the world a better place. We work hard to create a safe community for our members, to educate our readers about important concepts like autism and trans rights, and to raise money for crucial causes like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues. We want the world to be better connected, kinder, and ultimately a place where misfits can feel like they belong and their dreams are achievable.
And that’s why we here at ToughPigs are proud to endorse Kamala Harris for president.
Some may ask why the ToughPigs team is doing this. Believe me, we’ve gotten feedback in the past like “STICK TO RATING ALL OF KERMIT’S SCARVES!” and “JIM WOULDN’T WANT TO DIVIDE PEOPLE!” But what I’m trying to say is that this is related to the world of the Muppets. If we want to follow the message of the Muppet movies and make the world a better place, then we have to get political at times. Right now, if we want to improve the world, it’s important that we support Kamala Harris.
Between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the choice of candidate is clear. Harris wants to move our world forward. If you read the Democrat’s campaign platform, you’ll see that Harris supports many things that feel absolutely in-line with the worldview we here at ToughPigs learned from the Muppets. This platform includes efforts to slow climate change and protect the environment, contrasting with Trump’s jokes that global warming will give him more beachfront property.
We here at ToughPigs have made a point to say that queer people are just people in your neighborhood, working on the projects you love. Meanwhile, Trump’s vice presidential pick J.D. Vance has made a point to say that he doesn’t support marriage equality or trans healthcare. Harris has been a strong advocate for transgender rights; despite some missteps, she has a massively progressive track record on this issue overall. Her running mate, Tim Walz, made Minnesota a trans health refuge. Harris is working on improving childcare and education, two things you know the Muppets would be all about, while Trump’s campaign is trying to destroy the Department of Education itself.
Now, I should say this: Kamala Harris isn’t perfect. Nobody is! Personally, I wish she were stronger on certain key issues. But given the choice between Harris and Trump, the path to making the world better is clear. Still, it’s important for us to remember that making the world a better place is more complex than simply endorsing a candidate and voting in November (although please do that too!). Look at your local elections. There are some important things on the ballot this year, including your federal senators and representatives and many local congresspeople.
Look down-ballot for other propositions as well! Personally, here in New York, we have a proposition (Prop 1) that will protect civil rights (including LGBTQ+ rights!) and reproductive freedoms, and I’m so excited that I get to vote yes on it. If you want change, it requires being educated about what’s on your ballot. Don’t just stumble into the box like some kind of Travelling Matt. Read up on the issues and figure out how you can make the world better. And voting, like dreaming, gets better when you share with other people. Tell your friends and family about issues that matter to you and encourage them to vote as well.
We also want to encourage you to look for local ways you can help in your community. If there’s an issue that matters to you, figure out charitable organizations that will help out! I’ve been working with my local branch of the ACLU for a few months now, and it feels so good to know I’m supporting people’s LGBTQ+ rights. Find what works for you!
We here at ToughPigs believe making our country a better place starts with Kamala Harris. But we don’t believe it ends there. Please consider voting for Harris in November as an important first step to making the world a kinder place for all. But don’t stop there. If you want a better world, you have to make it. The Henson team’s work taught us that, and we want you all to remember that too.
Click here to share your dreams on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Becca Petunia
