Fred Rogers, beloved television host and creator of the iconic show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, influenced millions of children. His gentle demeanor, genuine kindness, and unwavering commitment to educating and connecting with children have made him a cultural icon. However, behind the halo of saintliness that often surrounds Fred Rogers, there is a desire from his widow, Joanne Rogers, to unveil the authentic man she knew and loved.
Joanne Rogers’ Perspective on his Legacy
In an era where public figures are often put on pedestals or demonized, Joanne Rogers wants to ensure that her late husband is remembered as a human being, flaws and all. She wants people to understand that Fred Rogers was not a saint, but rather a man who put a lot of work into being a good person. While he was very careful about what was said and how he presented himself on television, Joanne wants us to know that he was just like anyone else, with his own struggles and imperfections.
Working to be a Good Man
On the other hand, it is both absurd and unfair to label Fred Rogers as an evil man, as some have done. One notable instance was when the hosts of Fox and Friends called him an “evil, evil man.” They had suggested that LSU did a study which found that Mister Rogers Neighborhood was teaching kids to be lazy and entitled, expecting things without any merit. However, Snopes reported that there was no study, only a finance professor’s personal opinion. Don Chance compared his American students to Asian students and believed that the Americans were lazier. He believed that Mister Rogers Neighborhood raised children to be entitled, which is why his Asian students worked harder since they had not grown up watching the show. The professor wrote into the show after hearing their misrepresentation of his statements to stress that it was his own opinion and not a study. This baseless accusation was a clear misrepresentation of who Fred Rogers truly was. Throughout his career, he dedicated his life to spreading love, kindness, and understanding. To label him as evil is not only a disservice to his legacy but also a denial of the positive impact he had on countless lives.
Fred Rogers was not a saint, but he was a man who worked tirelessly to be a good person. He believed that being good required constant effort and self-reflection. Fred Rogers understood that it was essential to live by the values he preached on his show. He embodied the notion that kindness, empathy, and compassion should not be fleeting moments but rather a way of life. His commitment to being a good person serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that we, too, can make a positive difference in the world. Here’s a quick list of some of the things that made him so wonderful:
- He responded to every fan letter even though he got 50-100 a day.
- He maintained a weight of 143. Why? Because 1 4 3 is the number of letters in ‘I love you’
- In Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the stoplight in the opening sequence is always yellow to remind people to slow down.
- He always said aloud when he was feeding the fish after a blind child wrote in one day asking about them since she couldn’t hear him feed them.
- He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved when he was parodied.
- His puppet King Friday was named for its birthdate, Friday the 13th. He didn’t want children to fear the date.
- He was once given a ride in a limo to a producer’s home for dinner where he chatted with the driver and invited him to join them for dinner. On the way back home, he rode up front and after finding out that the driver’s home was on the way he insisted on stopping and meeting his family. The limo driver said it was the best night of his life.
“Freddish” – Understanding and Connecting with Children
Fred Rogers had a unique way of understanding and connecting with children that a producer on the show, Arthur Greenwald, referred to as “Freddish.” This concept involved speaking to children on their level, using language and ideas that they could comprehend. He recognized that children are not miniature adults and that their experiences and emotions are different from our own. By speaking to them in a way that they could understand, he created a safe and nurturing environment for them to explore their feelings and learn about the world around them.
Embodiment of “Love Thy Neighbor”
One of the core principles that Fred Rogers embodied was the commandment to “love thy neighbor.” He believed that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserved to be loved and respected. This philosophy was at the heart of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, where he taught children the importance of empathy and understanding. Fred Rogers saw the inherent value in every individual and encouraged his viewers to do the same. His unwavering dedication to this principle is a testament to his genuine compassion and his belief in the power of love.
Quiet Ally and Breaking Stereotypes
Fred Rogers was a pioneer in promoting acceptance and inclusivity, even in the face of societal prejudice. He refused to condemn homosexuality, a stance that was far from popular at the time. Instead, he embraced individuals for who they were, recognizing that love knows no bounds. One notable example of his quiet advocacy was his friendship with François Clemmons, a gay man, who played Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Despite the racial and social tensions of the time, Fred Rogers made a deliberate choice to have Officer Clemmons, also a Black man, as a regular character on his show and later shared a foot soak with him on one episode. This simple act spoke volumes about Fred Rogers’ commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting equality. This decision was groundbreaking, as it provided representation and showcased the importance of diversity. Fred Rogers’ friendship with Officer Clemmons challenged stereotypes and broke down barriers. By portraying a Black police officer in a positive light, Fred Rogers dispelled harmful stereotypes and fostered a sense of inclusivity for all viewers.
Conclusion: Embracing the Authentic Man
In conclusion, Joanne Rogers wants us to remember her late husband as he truly was: a dedicated and compassionate man who dedicated his life to spreading love and kindness. Fred Rogers was not a saint, but he was an extraordinary individual who worked tirelessly to be a good person. His commitment to understanding and connecting with children, his embodiment of “love thy neighbor,” and his social justice advocacy are all part of the authentic Fred Rogers that Joanne wants us to embrace. By remembering him as a human, albeit a remarkable human being, we can continue to be inspired by his legacy and strive to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
