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Most of you probably remember the children’s show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. You might have grown up with it, or watched reruns, or just heard of it. I recently saw the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, an exploration into the TV show host’s life.
A Purposeful Show
At first glance, the show might not seem like much. But when you go deeper, you can see that Mr. Rogers created each episode to teach children important life lessons.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood started when Mr. Rogers noticed that TV for children was sadly lacking in substance. Violence, sensationalism, and useless material filled the screens. He said,
“I went into television because I hated it so, and I thought there’s some way of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen.”
He composed and wrote many songs about enduring themes. He did not talk down to children, or make them believe anything that wasn’t real. Although he included fictional characters in his episodes, he clearly showed that they were make-believe, and I think that’s important. He valued children’s feelings and taught them how to manage those feelings. He showed each child that they were special and worthy of love.
Hard Things
Most importantly, Mr. Rogers addressed hard things in his show. He talked about death, divorce, anger, grief, and much more. He showed children how to process and deal with difficult times in life. When JFK was assassinated, he did an episode on the event, instead of ignoring it. Children are influenced by tragedies just as profoundly as adults, and not talking about something doesn’t make it go away.
He also spoke out on issues of the day, such as racial discrimination. The police officer on the show, Officer Clemmons, was African-American. At the time, a group of people were against the desegregation of swimming pools. On the show, Mr. Rogers had Officer Clemmons come and put his feet into the same pool that Mr. Rogers was sitting in. This was a powerful statement for any TV program, especially one for children.
You are Valued
Throughout his life, he used his Christian faith as inspiration for his show. He was an ordained minister, but never preached a sermon. His show was his way of sharing his faith and values. His goal was to tell each child about their innate worth. He did this through many of his songs, and this one in particular:
“It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear,
It’s not the way you do your hair
But it’s you I like.
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys
They’re just beside you.
But it’s you I like
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself,
It’s you, it’s you I like.”
A Gentle Hero
As the popularity of social media and the online world increases, more and more people feel the need to be offensive and angry in the things they post and say.
Mr. Rogers never yelled. He never wrote angry words to try to get his point across. He wasn’t aggressive or demanding.
But he personally changed more people than the loudest yeller ever could. He spoke with his actions; he was a gentle hero. His quiet courage carried him through all the difficulties of his life. I hope that I can carry that same courage throughout my life.