In these divided times, there is a lot of joy (and fear) around the new mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers, Gritty. Gritty, who surely has some shared ancestor to many of the curious, creative, and kind monsters of Sesame Street, seems to make some people nervous or confused before they ever get to meet him. While the country's attention is on our new Philadelphia friend, we should use this opportunity to teach children not to be afraid of people who are different than themselves.

Plus, Gritty has lived under the stadium for years eating hot dogs and scavenging discarded half-eaten cheesesteaks in the parking lot. So I am sure that he and Oscar and Cookie Monster would have a lot to talk about! If, you know, Gritty spoke. He had an interpreter when he did Good Morning America and that was not awkward at all, so just do that again.

They could even do a bit where Sesame Street floods and then freezes over and Gritty teaches the gang how to skate! (Please ignore how Gritty fell on the ice his first night in public. He'll be ready by showtime.) They could learn about exercise and teamwork!

Maybe another team mascot could join to teach about fair play and sportsmanship! Except Iceburgh the Penguin. To clarify , the Pens are not to be involved with this historic event in any way.

And then they all eat a cheesesteak and Gritty possibly sneaks a Natty Ice pounder.